Description
This Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for spring and summer gatherings. It features a moist and tender pound cake infused with strawberry flavor, topped with a sweet glaze and a crunchy, irresistible topping made from Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. Every bite is a burst of sweet, fruity goodness!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- ½ cup strawberry puree or strawberry syrup
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup Golden Oreos, crushed
- ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated into the batter before adding the next.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Divide and Flavor Batter:
Divide the batter in half. To one half, add the strawberry gelatin and strawberry puree or syrup. Mix until fully incorporated, giving the batter a vibrant pink color and strawberry flavor.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake:
Pour the vanilla batter into the prepared bundt pan, then layer the strawberry batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together for a marbled effect.
Step 8: Bake the Cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Step 9: Cool the Cake:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and allows it to retain its shape.
Step 10: Make the Glaze:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 11: Prepare the Crunch Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed Golden Oreos, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter. The melted butter helps the topping stick together and adds a delicious richness.
Step 12: Glaze and Top the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Immediately sprinkle the crunch topping over the glaze before it sets.
Step 13: Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the glaze to set completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy this strawberry crunch delight with friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and strawberry, along with the crunchy topping, creates a symphony of flavors that everyone will love.
- Beautiful Presentation: The marbled effect and the vibrant pink color of the strawberry layer make this cake visually stunning.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is relatively easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a potluck, or just a special treat for your family, this cake is sure to be a hit.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk, iced tea, or a sparkling wine.
Tips:
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a more tender cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- If you don’t have freeze-dried strawberries, you can use crushed strawberry candies or strawberry-flavored sprinkles.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 60-70 minutes Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes (including cooling time)
Nutrition Information (per serving): Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Calories: Approximately 450-550 Protein: 5-7g Sodium: 150-250mg
Conclusion
This Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake is a delightful and visually appealing dessert that is sure to impress. With its moist, tender texture, sweet glaze, and crunchy topping, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy the sweet taste of summer!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh strawberries for the puree?
- Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Glaze and add the crunch topping just before serving.
- What can I use if I don’t have Golden Oreos?
- You can use regular Oreos or any other vanilla-flavored sandwich cookie.
- Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
- Yes, you can. Reduce the baking time to about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Is it possible to substitute the strawberry gelatin with another flavor?
- Yes, you can substitute with other flavors. Consider using lemon or raspberry gelatin for a different twist on the recipe.
