Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that feels like a nostalgic hug in every bite — the Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Recipe. This delightful cake combines the rich, buttery texture of a classic pound cake with the sweet, fruity burst of strawberry in a way that tastes like your favorite milkshake transformed into cake form. It’s perfect for impressing friends at a gathering or simply treating yourself to something special. So let’s dive into this beautiful swirl of pink, sweetness, and buttery goodness that never fails to bring smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays an important role in achieving the perfectly moist, flavorful, and delightfully strawberry-infused pound cake. From the creamy butter to the instant pudding mix, every component carries its own magic to elevate the final creation.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cake its tender crumb and structure.
• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the tartness of the strawberry flavors beautifully.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich moisture and buttery depth to the cake.
• ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender even days after baking.
• 5 large eggs: Bind and leaven, helping with texture and rise.
• 1 cup whole milk: Provides creaminess and moisture necessary for softness.
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant strawberry pudding mix: The secret ingredient that delivers intense strawberry flavor and extra moistness.
• 2 tsp strawberry extract: Boosts the fresh strawberry notes in the cake.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors with warm, sweet undertones.
• ½ tsp baking powder: Helps give a gentle rise.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors while balancing richness.
• Pink or red food coloring (optional): Adds a pretty swirl effect and visual appeal.
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a shiny, sweet topping that melts in your mouth.
• 3–4 tbsp strawberry milk (or regular milk + 2 tbsp strawberry syrup): Infuses the glaze with strawberry goodness to echo the cake’s flavors.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a final layer of warm sweetness to the glaze.

How to Make Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly to ensure your gorgeous cake doesn’t stick and comes out looking flawless. This setup is crucial to get that classic bundt shape that makes every slice picture perfect.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Oil, and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is where air gets incorporated, setting the stage for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb that you’ll adore.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Next, add the eggs individually, beating well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated and contribute to the structure and richness of the cake without creating a dense texture.

Step 4: Mix in Strawberry Pudding and Extracts

Stir in the instant strawberry pudding mix, strawberry extract, vanilla extract, and whole milk. This blend infuses the batter with vibrant strawberry flavor and moisture, making this truly a strawberry milkshake in cake form.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Mix until just smooth — overmixing here can lead to a tougher cake, so gentle is the key.

Step 6: Divide and Color the Batter

Split the batter evenly into two bowls. To one bowl, add a few drops of pink or red food coloring to achieve that charming swirl of strawberry color. This step is totally optional, but it adds a fun and festive look to your pound cake.

Step 7: Create the Swirl Pattern

Alternately spoon dollops of the plain batter and the pink-tinted batter into your prepared bundt pan. This layering results in a beautiful swirl effect that looks impressive without any extra effort.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The slow, gentle baking time ensures the cake cooks evenly while staying moist and tender.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully before glazing prevents the icing from melting into the cake, keeping that lovely topping neat and glossy.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry milk (or milk mixed with strawberry syrup), and vanilla extract until you have a smooth and pourable glaze. This strawberry-infused glaze adds that perfect finishing touch, tying together the flavor and presentation.

Step 11: Drizzle the Glaze

Finally, drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled pound cake. Watch it glide over the surface and seep into the little ridges of the bundt shape — pure edible art!

How to Serve Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To make your cake feel extra special, top it with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder. These add a natural burst of color and a bit of texture that complements the softness of the cake beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pound cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A light drizzle of strawberry sauce or even some fresh berries on the side will elevate your dessert experience to something truly memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, serve the cake in slices atop small plates with a mint leaf or edible flower as a finishing touch. You might also cut smaller cubes and skewer them on dessert picks alongside strawberries and marshmallows for a fun, interactive treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover pound cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to three days — perfect for snacks or quick desserts.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, it can last for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

If you want to serve it warm, pop individual slices into the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm the whole cake wrapped in foil in a low oven. The gentle heat brings out that fresh-baked aroma and softens the crumb wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I substitute low-fat milk or non-dairy milk in this recipe?

Absolutely! While whole milk adds extra richness, you can use almond, oat, or soy milk with great results. Just ensure any milk substitute is unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced.

Do I have to use the instant strawberry pudding mix?

The pudding mix is key for that incredible strawberry flavor and moistness in the cake. Omitting it will change the texture and taste significantly, so it’s highly recommended to use it for the best outcome.

Can I make this cake in loaf pans instead of a bundt pan?

Yes, you can! Use two standard 9×5-inch loaf pans, but reduce the baking time to about 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake and test with a toothpick for doneness.

Is the food coloring necessary for the cake?

The food coloring isn’t required for the taste but it creates that stunning swirl effect that makes the cake really pop visually, especially for celebrations or Instagram-worthy dessert tables.

How long will the glazed cake stay fresh?

Once glazed, the cake stays fresh for about two days at room temperature when covered. If you want to extend freshness, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to five days.

Final Thoughts

If you are craving a dessert that combines the comfort of a classic pound cake with the fun, fruity vibe of strawberry milkshake, the Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s straightforward enough for any home baker but impressive enough to wow guests. So pull out your bundt pan and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious and charming cakes you’ll ever make!

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