Strawberry Pineapple Pound Cake
Introduction
Strawberry Pineapple Pound Cake is a delightful twist on the classic pound cake, blending the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the juicy freshness of strawberries. Perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or a festive dessert, this cake is moist, tender, and topped with a luscious pineapple glaze that adds a sparkling touch. Its balance of sweet, fruity flavors and buttery richness makes it a favorite for all seasons.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp pineapple juice (from drained pineapple)
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in Fruit:
Gently fold in the drained pineapple and chopped strawberries.
Bake:
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Glaze:
Whisk together powdered sugar and pineapple juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Origin
Pound cake dates back to 1700s Europe, originally named for the “pound” of each main ingredient (butter, sugar, eggs, flour) used in the recipe. The addition of tropical fruits like pineapple and strawberries is a modern twist, likely influenced by the rise of fruit availability and culinary fusion in the Americas during the 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Strawberry Pineapple Pound Cake embodies the fusion of classic European baking with tropical flavors popular in American and Caribbean cuisines. Often served at family gatherings, holidays, or summer celebrations, it symbolizes warmth, hospitality, and the joy of sharing homemade treats.
Description
This cake is golden-brown on the outside with a tender, buttery crumb inside. Sweet strawberries and pineapple create pockets of juicy flavor, while the glaze adds a glossy, tangy finish. Each slice melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness.
Optional Additions
Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on the glaze for texture and flavor
Chopped nuts (like pecans or macadamias) folded into the batter
A splash of rum or pineapple extract for extra depth of flavor
Fresh strawberry slices on top for decoration
Tips for Success
Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for proper aeration.
Drain pineapple well to avoid a soggy cake.
Fold fruit gently to maintain a light texture.
Cool the cake completely before glazing to prevent melting.
Use room-temperature eggs for better emulsification.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approx. 12 slices)
Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Sugars: 28 g
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Protein: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on fruit size and brand of ingredients.
Conclusion
Strawberry Pineapple Pound Cake is a versatile dessert that blends tradition with tropical flair. Its moist, flavorful crumb and sweet-tangy glaze make it a crowd-pleaser for every occasion.
Recommendation
Serve it slightly warm with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Ideal for brunches, picnics, or festive celebrations, this cake is sure to impress both visually and taste-wise.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While indulgent, this cake offers natural sweetness from fresh fruit and can be adapted to include whole wheat flour or reduced sugar for a lighter version. Enjoying a slice mindfully allows you to savor the richness without guilt—proof that indulgence can coexist with health-conscious choices.
If you want, I can also create a visually appealing table of the ingredients and steps with timings so it’s super easy to follow while baking. This would make it look like a professional recipe card.
Do you want me to do that next?
