Description
This Strawberry Lemonade Pound Cake is a delightful blend of zesty lemon and sweet strawberry flavors swirled together in a moist, buttery pound cake. Perfectly baked in a Bundt pan, the cake is finished with a tangy lemon-strawberry glaze and fresh fruit, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 ½ cups butter, room temperature
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 5 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon strawberry flavoring
- Few drops red or pink food coloring (optional)
Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
Garnish
- 2 cups strawberries
- ½ lemon, sliced
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Liberally butter a large Bundt pan to ensure the cake will release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
- Fold Flour and Yogurt – Part 1: Gently fold in half of the flour mixture, followed by ½ cup of Greek yogurt. Folding helps maintain the batter’s airiness.
- Fold Flour and Yogurt – Part 2: Fold in the remaining flour mixture and then the remaining ½ cup of Greek yogurt, mixing until just combined for a consistent texture.
- Separate Batter: Scoop out 1 cup of the cake batter and set it aside for the strawberry portion.
- Flavor Lemon Batter: Stir the juice and zest of the lemons into the larger portion of batter, infusing fresh citrus flavor.
- Flavor Strawberry Batter: Mix the strawberry jam, strawberry flavoring, and optional food coloring into the reserved 1 cup batter for a vibrant, sweet strawberry portion.
- Layer Batters: Pour one-third of the lemon batter into the prepared Bundt pan, then add half of the strawberry batter on top, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.
- Build Layers: Add another third of the lemon batter over the strawberry layer, followed by the remaining strawberry batter, and finish with the last third of the lemon batter on top.
- Create Swirl: Use a knife to gently swirl the lemon and strawberry batters together in the pan to create a beautiful marbled effect without overmixing.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cake to stand in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack and let it cool completely for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar, lemon juice, and strawberry jam until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Cake: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides for added sweetness and moisture.
- Garnish: Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries, lemon slices, and mint leaves if desired for a fresh and colorful finish.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- The food coloring is optional but enhances the visual appeal of the strawberry batter.
- You can substitute strawberry jam with fresh strawberry puree if preferred.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to test doneness; a few moist crumbs indicate the cake is perfectly baked.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For an extra touch, garnish with mint leaves to add freshness and color contrast.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American