Name: Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake for Winter Celebrations
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 ½ cups granulated sugar; 6 large eggs, room temperature; 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries (drained well); ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut; ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; ½ cup finely chopped strawberries (blotted dry); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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If you are searching for a dessert that perfectly combines festive charm with irresistible flavor, look no further than the Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake for Winter Celebrations. This southern-style pound cake bursts with fresh strawberries, shredded coconut, and the luscious creaminess of a silky cream cheese frosting. It is the perfect treat to bring warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings, embodying the spirit of wintertime with every moist bite and delicate crumb. Each slice offers a beautiful balance of sweetness, richness, and just a touch of tang, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for your dessert table.

Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake for Winter Celebrations - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple and essential ingredients make this Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake for Winter Celebrations truly shine. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s the soft butter creating a tender crumb or the fresh strawberries adding juicy bursts of flavor and color.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture for a tender cake texture.
2 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create a light, fluffy crumb.
6 large eggs, room temperature: Binds ingredients and contributes to the cake’s structure and softness.
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, delivering body and texture.
½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise and develop a delicate crumb.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors to create depth.
1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor into the cake.
1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries, drained well: The star ingredient providing juicy bursts and a gorgeous pink hue.
¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut: Adds chewy texture and tropical sweetness.
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Introduces a gentle crunch and nutty flavor.
For the frosting: 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened – creates a luscious, tangy base for the frosting.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.
½ cup finely chopped strawberries (blotted dry): Gently folded into the frosting for fresh flavor and beautiful speckles throughout.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting’s taste with a classic hint of warmth.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting for a more complex flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake for Winter Celebrations

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour your bundt or layer pans carefully to ensure your cake releases easily once baked. This simple step sets you up for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. This not only aerates the flour but ensures even distribution of leavening agents, which will help your cake rise beautifully and have an even texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is critical for creating a tender crumb and incorporating air into the batter.

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

Mix in the eggs one by one, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This careful method ensures that your batter stays smooth and emulsified.

Step 5: Combine Vanilla, Dry Ingredients, and Buttermilk

Add vanilla extract to the batter, then alternate adding the sifted flour mixture and buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture for the best texture. Stir gently to maintain the airiness without overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in Strawberries, Coconut, and Nuts

Carefully fold in the chopped strawberries, shredded coconut, and nuts if using. Be gentle to avoid crushing the strawberries too much, which keeps those lovely fruit bursts intact throughout the cake.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pans and bake. For a bundt cake, expect around 60 to 70 minutes; for layers, bake 30 to 35 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check—when it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

Step 8: Cool Before Frosting

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt, so patience here really pays off.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until you reach the perfect spreading consistency.

Step 10: Fold in Fresh Strawberries and Frost the Cake

Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries to add bursts of fresh strawberry flavor in your frosting. Spread this luscious frosting over the cooled cake and get ready to wow your guests!

How to Serve Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake for Winter Celebrations

Garnishes

Top your cake with extra fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or even some toasted nuts for added texture and eye-catching presentation. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy, festive touch.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement its creamy richness. For a seasonal touch, a warm berry compote pairs beautifully and enhances that winter celebration vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the pound cake into smaller pieces and serve as pretty mini dessert plates garnished with mint leaves and a drizzle of strawberry syrup. Alternatively, layer the cake in a trifle with layers of whipped cream and fresh strawberries to transform it into an elegant holiday showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your strawberry Italian cream pound cake has been frosted, store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and moist for up to 4 days—perfect for enjoying throughout your celebrations.

Freezing

This cake freezes well if wrapped securely. Freeze it either frosted or unfrosted for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve that moist, tender texture and fresh strawberry flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, reheat a slice gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings out the cream cheese frosting’s softness and enhances the fresh strawberry aroma without drying out the cake.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are ideal because they maintain their texture better, but if you use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them very well to prevent excess moisture from making your cake soggy.

Is it possible to make this cake nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans or walnuts without affecting the cake’s overall flavor or texture, making it safe for nut allergies.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Converting this recipe to dairy-free is tricky due to the cream cheese and butter, but using plant-based substitutes and ensuring your dairy-free cream cheese is sturdy could create a delicious alternative.

How long does the cake take to bake?

If baking a bundt cake, it generally takes 60 to 70 minutes. For layer cakes, 30 to 35 minutes is typical. Always check doneness with a toothpick.

Can I double this recipe for a larger gathering?

Yes! Just double the ingredients and bake in appropriately sized pans. Keep an eye on baking times, which may increase depending on pan size and batter depth.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough trying this Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake for Winter Celebrations—it truly brings that warm, inviting spirit to any holiday table. The way the fresh strawberries mingle with the sweet coconut and creamy frosting is pure magic, and sharing it feels like passing along a slice of happiness. Whether it’s a special family gathering or an intimate winter get-together, baking this cake will fill your home with fragrant memories and joyful moments. So roll up your sleeves, pull out your mixing bowls, and create a batch of this beautiful cake your loved ones will be asking for year after year!