Introduction

There’s something undeniably irresistible about a rich, moist pound cake combined with the nostalgic flavors of a strawberry crunch. This Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake is a delightful fusion of soft, buttery cake infused with real strawberry puree, a sweet strawberry glaze, and a crunchy topping reminiscent of the classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or as a weekend treat, this cake promises to impress your family and friends with its beautiful appearance and incredible taste.

This recipe brings out the best of both worlds – a decadent pound cake base and a fun, crunchy strawberry topping. The secret lies in layering flavors and textures, with each bite offering a balance of moist cake, tangy strawberry glaze, and a crispy golden Oreo-strawberry crunch. Let’s dive into the details of this indulgent dessert!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries)

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
• 1 cup golden Oreos
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp strawberry puree
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray. Lightly dust the pan with flour to ensure the cake releases smoothly after baking.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process typically takes 4-5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs: Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air into the batter. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
4. Incorporate the vanilla and sour cream: Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of sour cream. This step adds moisture and richness to the cake.
5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
6. Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. This method ensures even mixing and helps maintain the structure of the cake.
7. Fold in the strawberry puree: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen strawberry puree (blended until smooth) into the batter. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter: Once the batter is well-mixed, pour it evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
2. Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when the cake is done.
3. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping

1. Process the strawberries and Oreos: In a food processor, pulse 1 cup of freeze-dried strawberries and 1 cup of golden Oreos until they become fine crumbs. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse less.
2. Add the butter: Pour 3 tablespoons of melted butter into the crumbs and mix until the texture becomes crumbly and slightly moist. Set the mixture aside.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Glaze

1. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of strawberry puree, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add more strawberry puree, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Glaze the cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, drizzle the strawberry glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to cascade down the sides of the cake for an attractive finish.
2. Apply the crunch topping: While the glaze is still tacky, gently press the strawberry crunch topping onto the glazed areas of the cake. Ensure even coverage for the best visual and textural impact.

Cooking Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened before starting to create a smooth batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• If you don’t have a food processor, place the freeze-dried strawberries and Oreos in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Pair it with a fresh strawberry compote for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
• This cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, and it also makes a stunning dessert for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.

Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the cake a day ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container and apply the glaze and crunch topping just before serving for the best texture.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a chilled cake, refrigerate it, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Freezing: The pound cake (without the glaze and topping) can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and adding the crunch topping.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

60-70 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per slice):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 180mg

Conclusion

The Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake is a showstopper dessert that combines nostalgia with indulgence. The rich, buttery pound cake infused with fresh strawberry puree, paired with a sweet strawberry glaze and crunchy Oreo-strawberry topping, creates a dessert that will leave your guests asking for more. Whether for a special celebration or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake will become a favorite for its delicious flavors and eye-catching appearance. Enjoy every slice of this fruity, crunchy delight!

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