Strawberry Shortcake With Pound Cake

Name: Strawberry Shortcake With Pound Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Soft Kitchen

I absolutely love making Strawberry Shortcake with Pound Cake, especially during the summer months when strawberries are at their freshest. The combination of fluffy whipped cream, sweet strawberries, and rich pound cake is simply irresistible. This dessert has become a staple at our family gatherings, and it never fails to impress. Not only is it delicious and beautiful, but it's also surprisingly easy to make. Join me in creating this delightful treat that is sure to be a hit at your next celebration!

Created by

Leonie Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-01-24T13:45:35.394Z

When I first made Strawberry Shortcake with Pound Cake, I was blown away by how simple yet rewarding it was. I remember picking fresh strawberries from the local farmers' market and combining them with a decadent pound cake, which I thought would elevate the classic dessert. The key to success is allowing the strawberries to macerate in sugar, which enhances their sweetness and creates a beautiful syrup that soaks into the cake.

This dessert is perfect for gatherings; my family always requests it for birthdays. I've found that making the cake a day ahead not only saves time but enhances its flavor. The next day, it's even more delicious. If you're looking to impress your friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Delightful balance of sweetness and freshness with mashed strawberries
Luxurious pound cake that complements the whipped cream perfectly
An eye-catching dessert that will impress your guests

Achieving the Perfect Pound Cake

When making pound cake, the texture is essential. Over-cream the butter and sugar, and you may end up with a cake that's too airy and crumbly. Instead, aim for a light, creamy consistency—about 3 to 5 minutes—before adding the eggs. This ensures that the cake will stay moist during baking. If you notice your batter is too thick, don't hesitate to add a splash more milk to achieve the right pourable consistency.

Baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on your cake in the last ten minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, but if it’s still wet, give it another 5 minutes, checking frequently. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.

Perfecting the Strawberry Preparation

Macerating the strawberries is crucial for enhancing their flavor. The sugar draws out the natural juices while the lemon juice adds brightness. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar or use honey as a natural sweetener. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes; in this time, they will become tender and juicy, creating a sweet syrup that will soak into the pound cake layers beautifully.

For variety, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to your strawberries. This unconventional twist adds an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile. Just a tablespoon will elevate the fruit, enhancing the sweetness of the strawberries while providing a bit of tang.

Whipped Cream Techniques and Variations

To achieve the best whipped cream, start with a chilled bowl and beaters to ensure that the cream whips quickly and retains volume. I often pop my bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes before starting. If you want a more stable whipped cream, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch or instant pudding mix; this helps the cream hold its shape for longer, especially if you're preparing it ahead of time.

If you're looking for a flavored whipped cream, you can infuse it with ingredients like cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or add almond extract for a unique taste. Just remember that intense flavors might require adjustments to the amount of powdered sugar to balance sweetness.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make this delightful dessert:

Ingredients for Pound Cake

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for Strawberries

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ingredients for Whipped Cream

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Check your ingredients and let's get started!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Strawberry Shortcake:

Prepare the Pound Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla. Pour the batter into a greased pound cake pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Strawberries

While the cake is baking, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Let them sit for about 30 minutes, allowing the juices to release and creating a sweet syrup.

Make the Whipped Cream

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat!

Assemble the Shortcake

Once the pound cake has cooled, slice it into thick layers. Layer the pound cake slices with the macerated strawberries and whipped cream in a serving dish. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with whipped cream and a few more strawberries on top.

Enjoy your delicious treat!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to the strawberries for a burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

When serving, consider pairing your strawberry shortcake with a light dessert wine or a refreshing glass of iced tea. The cake's richness balances well with tart flavors, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, add fresh mint leaves as a garnish for an aromatic touch that elevates the presentation.

You can also offer a side of lemon curd or custard for those who enjoy a creamier element with their dessert. This could be drizzled on each slice or served in a small bowl for dipping.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning for a gathering, you can prepare the pound cake a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it moist. For the strawberries, it's best to macerate them right before serving to maintain their texture. However, pre-sliced strawberries can be refrigerated for a day with sugar and lemon to enhance their flavor.

Whipped cream is best when made fresh, but if necessary, it can be prepared a few hours in advance. For optimum results, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle whisk before serving if it separates slightly.

Variations and Customizations

For a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the pound cake recipe. This won't compromise the texture significantly, and the cake will still be delicious. If you're looking for a flavor variation, consider adding orange zest to the batter for a citrusy note that pairs beautifully with strawberries.

You can also transform this dessert by using other seasonal fruits like peaches or blueberries. Simply adjust the maceration process to accommodate the different fruits. The addition of a splash of flavored liqueur, like Grand Marnier for peaches, can also add an exciting twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them properly before using.

→ How can I store leftover shortcake?

Store the components separately in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.

→ Can I make the pound cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pound cake can be made a day in advance. Just wrap it well and store it at room temperature.

→ What other fruits can I use?

You can substitute with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different flavor.