Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that’s downright dreamy? The Melt in Your Mouth Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly balances moistness and sweetness. This luscious cake is bursting with the flavor of fresh strawberries, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion. I remember the first time I baked it for a family gathering; the compliments poured in, and everyone went back for seconds! It’s easy to whip up, so you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. If you enjoy desserts that come together quickly but taste like they took hours to make, you’ll love this pound cake. For those who adore classic treats, be sure to check out my moist carrot cake recipe too!
What is Melt in Your Mouth Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake?
So, what exactly is this Melt in Your Mouth Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake? It sounds fancy, doesn’t it? But really, it’s a delightful, fluffy cake that makes you feel like you’re biting into a cloud of strawberries and cream. They say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and I can assure you this cake is a surefire way to win anyone over. You might be wondering how it earned its name—could it be because of its soft texture or the juicy strawberries hidden within? Why not give it a try and find out for yourself!
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll fall head over heels for this pound cake for three main reasons. First, it’s simply delicious! The combination of buttermilk and strawberries gives it a rich, moist texture that melts in your mouth. Second, making this cake at home is cost-effective; you’ll save money compared to buying fancy desserts at the bakery! Lastly, the sweetness of the strawberries paired with just the right amount of vanilla creates a flavor explosion that will make you want to share it with friends and family. If you enjoy this, don’t forget to check out my strawberry shortcake for another tasty strawberry treat!
How to Make:
Quick Overview
Making the Melt in Your Mouth Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake is a breeze! With just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a gorgeous cake baking in the oven. The creamy buttermilk adds depth while the strawberries bring a refreshing taste that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3-ounce package strawberry gelatin
- 5 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk (whole milk can be used, at room temperature)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is important for achieving that perfect bake!
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This helps ensure there are no lumps and everything mixes nicely.
- Cream Shortening and Butter: In a stand mixer, cream together the shortening and butter until smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the mixture, beating until it’s fluffy and light.
- Mix in Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for that rich texture we desire.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that lovely flavor throughout your batter.
- Combine Strawberry Gelatin: Sprinkle the strawberry gelatin into your sifted flour mixture, whisking well to combine.
- Alternate Additions: Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. This method ensures a nice, even batter.
- Prepare Bundt Pan: Grease your 10-inch bundt pan with shortening and dust with flour or sugar to prevent sticking.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a serving tray.
What to Serve Melt in Your Mouth Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake With:
This cake is a star on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the experience to the next level. Fresh strawberries or a berry compote could make amazing accompaniments too, adding a fresh touch to each slice.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Egg Temperature: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a fluffier cake.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To store your Melt in Your Mouth Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it at room temperature. Reheating is easy — pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for that “fresh out of the oven” experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of gelatin?
You can, but the gelatin helps maintain the strawberry flavor throughout the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making ahead, as its flavors develop even more after a day in storage.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.
Conclusion
There you have it! The Melt in Your Mouth Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake is sure to impress your family and friends. With its soft, moist texture and vibrant strawberry flavor, it’s a treat that everyone will love. Enjoy making this fabulous cake, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and photos of your creations!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry gelatin
- 5 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature, or whole milk as substitute)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Cream Shortening and Butter: In a stand mixer, cream together shortening and butter until smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Sugar: Gradually beat in sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Strawberry Gelatin: Sprinkle the strawberry gelatin into the flour mixture and whisk to combine.
- Alternate Additions: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour.
- Pour Batter: Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 65-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cake cool in pan for 10-15 minutes before turning it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy as is or with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or a light glaze.
Notes
For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup of mashed fresh strawberries to the batter. You can also substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.