If you have a hankering for something both nostalgic and delightfully fresh, let me introduce you to the Strawberry Milkshake Swirl Pound Cake. This dreamy dessert captures the luscious, creamy essence of a strawberry milkshake while embracing the rich, buttery indulgence of a classic pound cake. With its beautiful pink swirls and a glossy strawberry glaze, each slice is like a little party for your palate, perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. Whether it’s a special occasion or an everyday treat, this cake truly brings a joyful twist to traditional baking.

Strawberry Milkshake Swirl Pound Cake - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Strawberry Milkshake Swirl Pound Cake begins with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the velvety butter that ensures a tender crumb to the instant strawberry pudding mix that delivers that unmistakable fruity flavor, every component is essential for creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color.

3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the cake’s classic pound cake texture.
2 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right and helps contribute to its moistness.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle lightness to the texture.
5 large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and add richness.
1 cup whole milk: Offers moisture and helps dissolve sugar and pudding mix evenly.
1 (3.4 oz) package instant strawberry pudding mix: Infuses the cake with authentic strawberry flavor and enhances the moist texture.
2 tsp strawberry extract: Intensifies the strawberry taste for that milkshake feel.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Balances flavors with a hint of warm sweetness.
½ tsp baking powder: Provides just enough lift for lightness without sacrificing density.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and rounds out the taste.
Pink or red food coloring (optional): Creates the beautiful swirl effect reminiscent of a strawberry milkshake’s pink hue.
2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): Makes a luscious, sweet topping to tie the flavors together.
3–4 tbsp strawberry milk (or regular milk + 2 tbsp strawberry syrup): Gives the glaze a creamy strawberry finish.
½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a smooth, aromatic touch to the finishing drizzle.

How to Make Strawberry Milkshake Swirl Pound Cake

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 the cake releases beautifully once baked. A well-prepared pan is your first step to a perfect pound cake that looks stunning on the plate.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar

Using a mixer, cream the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter which helps create that tender crumb we love in pound cake.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs One at a Time

Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation ensures an even mix that helps your cake rise evenly and achieve a wonderful texture.

Step 4: Mix in Strawberry Pudding, Extracts, and Milk

Stir in the instant strawberry pudding mix along with the strawberry and vanilla extracts. Then add the whole milk. This blend brings that unmistakable strawberry milkshake flavor to life and gives your batter a beautiful pink tint even before coloring.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet batter, mixing until smooth and consistent. This is the foundation of your cake’s structure.

Step 6: Create the Swirl Effect

Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. Tint one bowl with your pink or red food coloring to enhance that lovely milkshake swirl appearance. Then, alternate spoonfuls of plain and tinted batter into your bundt pan to create those gorgeous swirls that make this cake so special.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This slow and steady bake ensures a moist, dense pound cake that’s never dry or crumbly.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cake for that perfect finishing touch with a lovely shine and extra strawberry goodness.

How to Serve Strawberry Milkshake Swirl Pound Cake

Garnishes

This cake looks stunning on its own, but you can elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprig of mint also adds a fresh contrast in both flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tangy berry compote for a delightful combination that complements the rich, fruity flavors. A cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the cake into bite-sized cubes and skewer them with fresh berries for a party-friendly dessert kabob. Or layer slice-thin pieces with whipped cream and strawberries to create an elegant trifle that celebrates the Strawberry Milkshake Swirl Pound Cake in a new form.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Strawberry Milkshake Swirl Pound Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps the cake moist and fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delicious cake longer, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and then foil. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or until just warmed through. Warming enhances the strawberry aroma and makes the glaze a little melty and irresistible, like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of instant pudding mix?

Fresh strawberries add a lovely natural flavor but won’t provide the same texture and sweetness as the instant pudding mix. To keep the cake moist and flavorful, you might want to add a bit of extra sugar or strawberry syrup if substituting.

Is it necessary to use both butter and vegetable oil?

Yes! Butter gives the cake richness and flavor while the oil helps keep it moist and tender. The combination creates the ideal pound cake texture you expect from this recipe.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add some, as it helps replicate the structure of wheat flour.

What toppings work best with the glaze?

Fresh or freeze-dried strawberries, whipped cream, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar complement the glaze beautifully without overpowering the Strawberry Milkshake Swirl Pound Cake’s delicate flavor.

How do I intensify the strawberry flavor?

Increase the strawberry extract by an additional half teaspoon and add a little extra strawberry syrup to the glaze. Using vibrant food coloring also enhances the visual appeal, making the cake feel more festive and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Milkshake Swirl Pound Cake is truly a showstopper in both taste and appearance. Its enchanting pink swirls, luscious strawberry flavor, and delicate crumb make it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your baking arsenal for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat as much as I do—it’s like a sweet hug from the inside out!

Strawberry Milkshake Swirl Pound Cake

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3.9 from 132 reviews

A delicious and visually appealing Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake that perfectly blends the sweet, creamy flavors of a strawberry milkshake with a classic moist pound cake, featuring a beautiful swirl effect and a luscious strawberry glaze.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy release.
Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will give the cake a tender texture.
Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next to create a smooth batter.
Add Flavoring Ingredients: Mix in the instant strawberry pudding mix, strawberry extract, vanilla extract, and whole milk to combine the characteristic strawberry milkshake flavor with classic cake flavors.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture, mixing just until smooth and well combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Create Swirl Batter: Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. Add pink or red food coloring to one bowl to create a vibrant swirl effect.
Form Batter Swirls in Pan: Alternate spoonfuls of plain and colored batter into the prepared bundt pan, layering to create a beautiful marbled swirl pattern throughout the cake.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake center; it should come out clean.
Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and ensuring the glaze adheres nicely.
Prepare Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry milk (or milk combined with strawberry syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
Glaze Cake: Drizzle the strawberry glaze evenly over the fully cooled cake to add extra sweetness and strawberry flavor.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing and texture.
Adjust the amount of food coloring based on how intense you want the pink swirl to be.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.