Strawberry Pound Cake is the epitome of a delightful dessert, combining the natural sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of mascarpone cheese and white chocolate chips. Perfect for a special occasion or as a comforting treat, this cake’s moist texture and rich flavor make it a showstopper. With a luscious cream cheese frosting and vibrant strawberry garnish, this dessert is sure to impress family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this masterpiece.
Preparation Time:
- Active Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 60–70 minutes
- Cooling Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Servings: 8–10 slices
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 180 grams (1 ½ cups + 3 tbsp) cake flour, sifted
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- ⅔ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 300 grams (1 ½ cups) sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons browned butter
- Extra flour to toss strawberries and chocolate chips
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- 4–5 fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (convection) or 350°F (standard). Butter and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 x 3-inch loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal and set it aside.
2. Sift the Dry Ingredients:
Combine cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Sift the mixture three times to ensure a fine texture. Set aside.
3. Brown the Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Allow it to brown to a rich amber color, then remove the foam. Set aside to cool.
4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Set aside.
5. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Add the heavy cream and mascarpone cheese, mixing until fully combined.
6. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Reduce the mixer speed to low. Alternately add the sifted dry ingredients and the egg mixture to the butter mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
7. Add Strawberries and Chocolate Chips:
Toss the diced strawberries and white chocolate chips with a small amount of flour to prevent sinking during baking. Gently fold them into the batter using a spatula.
8. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Use a butter knife to create a shallow line down the center of the batter, then pour the cooled browned butter into the line.
9. Bake the Cake:
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if using a standard oven.
10. Cool the Cake:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
1. Beat the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
2. Frost the Cake:
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cooled cake.
Prepare the Garnish
1. Melt the White Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
2. Add Strawberries:
Dice 4–5 fresh strawberries and sprinkle them over the frosted cake. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top for an elegant finish.
This Strawberry Pound Cake is the perfect blend of fresh fruit, creamy frosting, and rich flavors. With its moist crumb and irresistible toppings, it’s a dessert that’s sure to please any crowd. Whether for a celebration or an indulgent treat, this cake will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try it out and enjoy a slice of heaven!