If you're a fan of rich, buttery pound cake with a crunchy topping and a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, this Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert. This cake combines the moist, tender texture of a classic pound cake with the sweetness of strawberries and a crisp cinnamon-sugar topping that adds an irresistible crunch. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Whether you're serving it as a dessert, brunch treat, or afternoon snack, this cake is easy to make and guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients & Their Roles
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure of the cake.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake while contributing to its soft texture.
- 4 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and adds depth.
- 1 cup milk – Provides moisture and keeps the cake tender.
- 1 cup frozen strawberries, thawed and pureed – Gives the cake its natural strawberry flavor and slight pink hue.
For the Crunch Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crunchy topping.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the topping.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps the topping form crispy clusters.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and enhances the crunch factor.
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet drizzle.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk – Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Infuses extra flavor into the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the strawberry puree, ensuring even distribution.
2. Make the Crunch Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
5. Assemble & Serve:
- Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top.
- Slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake
✔️ For a stronger strawberry flavor, increase the puree to 1 1/2 cups. This will make the cake even more fruity and moist.
✔️ Use fresh strawberries if available. Simply hull and puree them in a blender or food processor.
✔️ If you don't have a bundt pan, this cake can also be baked in a 9x13-inch baking dish—just adjust the baking time to about 45-50 minutes.
✔️ Store leftovers properly. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
✔️ For an extra crunch, add crushed freeze-dried strawberries to the topping before baking. This enhances both texture and flavor!
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake pairs beautifully with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a light and refreshing dessert.
- A drizzle of white chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness.
- A cup of hot coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon snack.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake is the ultimate combination of soft, buttery cake, crunchy cinnamon topping, and sweet vanilla glaze. With real strawberry flavor in every bite and an easy-to-follow recipe, it's perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
Make this irresistible cake for your next gathering, and watch it disappear in minutes!