Craving a delightful twist on the classic pound cake? Look no further than the irresistible Strawberry Jam Pound Cake. This recipe combines the rich, buttery essence of traditional pound cake with a burst of luscious strawberry flavor and a heavenly sweet strawberry glaze.
Perfecting this Strawberry Jam Pound Cake took dedication and multiple trials to ensure it reached its full potential. With each slice reminiscent of a slice of buttered toast topped with strawberry jam, this decadent dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion, especially during the summer months.
Imagine a moist almond pound cake enveloped in fluffy white chocolate buttercream, adorned with a swirl of strawberry jam, fresh strawberries, and sliced almonds. This show-stopping creation demands a bit of patience during assembly, but the end result is undeniably worth the effort.
Ingredients
Creating a delicious Strawberry Jam Pound Cake requires a perfect balance of ingredients that bring out the rich buttery pound cake flavor combined with the fruity essence of strawberry jam.
For the Pound Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 6 tbsp or 3oz unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 egg at room temperature
- ¾ cup or 8oz sour cream at room temperature
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¾ lb fresh strawberries, trimmed and diced
- ¾ cup strawberry jam
- Softened salted butter for serving
For the Strawberry Jam Swirl
- 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon (4g) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 stick salted butter at room temperature, plus more for the pan
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- ¼ cup strawberry jam
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam
- 2 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 drops red food coloring optional
Equipment Needed
To create this scrumptious Strawberry Jam Pound Cake, you will need the following kitchen tools and equipment:
- 5×10 or 15lb loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Fork
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven preheated to 350°F
- Butter for greasing the pan
- Refrigerator for chilling streusel
- Cooling rack
Having these essential tools ready will ensure a smooth baking experience and help you achieve a perfectly moist and flavorful Strawberry Jam Pound Cake.
Preparation Steps
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Pan
To kick off this scrumptious baking journey, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 5×10 or 1.5lb loaf pan generously with butter and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to allow the parchment paper to hang over the sides by at least 2 inches for easy removal later on.
Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all the essential ingredients for this strawberry jam pound cake recipe. Ensure you have all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream, orange juice, fresh strawberries, and strawberry jam among other listed ingredients ready and measured out. Having everything prepared ahead of time will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Directions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delectable Strawberry Jam Pound Cake that will surely impress your family and guests.
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
To begin, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well incorporated.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for a fragrant touch.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the butter and egg mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until well combined. Be sure not to overmix the batter.
Step 5: Layer Batter and Strawberry Jam
Pour a layer of the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add dollops of the prepared strawberry jam over the batter. Repeat this layering process until all the batter and jam are used up.
Assembling the Cake
Assembling this Strawberry Pound Cake is an essential step in achieving its beautiful presentation and delightful flavor combination. Follow these simple instructions to put together this show-stopping dessert.
Applying the Glaze
To enhance the flavor and appearance of the cake, we use a delightful vanilla glaze. It’s a simple yet elegant addition that adds a touch of sweetness. Here’s how to apply the glaze:
- Prepare the vanilla glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Adjust the extract, sugar, and milk quantities to achieve your desired flavor and consistency.
- Spoon the glaze into a piping bag with the tip snipped off for precise application.
- Alternatively, drizzle the glaze onto the cake using a spoon for a more rustic finish.
- Top the glazed cake with fresh strawberries for a vibrant and fresh touch.
By following these steps, you’ll create a visually stunning and delicious Strawberry Jam Pound Cake that’s sure to impress your guests.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delightful Strawberry Jam Pound Cake, there are a few creative ways to elevate the experience for yourself and your guests. Here are my top suggestions for presenting and enjoying this delectable treat:
1. Fresh Fruit Garnish:
To add a burst of freshness and color to your Strawberry Jam Pound Cake, consider topping each slice with a variety of fresh fruits. Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or a mix of seasonal berries can enhance the visual appeal and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.
2. Whipped Cream or Ice Cream:
For an indulgent twist, serve each slice of the pound cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The lightness of the whipped cream or the cold sweetness of the ice cream complements the dense buttery texture of the cake, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and temperatures.
3. Tea or Coffee Pairing:
Pairing your Strawberry Jam Pound Cake with a steaming cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee can elevate the afternoon treat to a cozy and comforting experience. The aromatic notes of herbal tea or the rich flavor of coffee can enhance the sweetness of the cake and create a delightful contrast that is perfect for tea parties or dessert gatherings.
4. Toasted Almonds:
To add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor profile to your pound cake, consider toasting a handful of sliced almonds and sprinkling them over the glazed surface. The toasted almonds provide a delicious contrast to the soft crumb of the cake and add a sophisticated touch that will impress your guests.
5. Drizzle of Strawberry Sauce:
For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, consider drizzling a spoonful of homemade strawberry sauce over each slice of the pound cake before serving. The vibrant red color and intense fruity taste of the sauce will enhance the overall strawberry experience and take your dessert presentation to the next level.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can create a memorable dining experience with your Strawberry Jam Pound Cake that not only delights the taste buds but also captivates the eyes with a visually appealing presentation. Enjoy the luxurious combination of flavors and textures in each slice, making every bite a true culinary delight.
Make Ahead Tips
When preparing this delightful Strawberry Jam Pound Cake, you can also make certain components ahead of time to streamline the process and save time on the day you plan to serve it. Here are some handy tips for getting ahead:
Preparing Fresh Strawberry Jam:
- Make the fresh strawberry jam in advance: You can prepare the strawberry jam a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld and intensify, enhancing the overall taste of the pound cake.
Baking the Pound Cake Layers:
- Bake the pound cake layers in advance: Once baked and completely cooled, wrap the pound cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. Thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the cake to ensure they are ready to use.
- Prepare the strawberry glaze ahead of time: Whip up the strawberry glaze a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using to bring it back to a smooth consistency.
By following these make-ahead tips, you can efficiently prepare various elements of the Strawberry Jam Pound Cake beforehand, allowing you to assemble the final cake with ease when the time comes to enjoy this delectable treat.
Storage Instructions
After indulging in this scrumptious Strawberry Jam Pound Cake, you may find yourself with leftovers, or perhaps you want to prepare it ahead of time for a special occasion. Properly storing your cake will ensure it stays fresh and delicious for the next serving.
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cake within 1-2 days, you can store it at room temperature. Be sure to cover the cake with aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, it’s best to refrigerate the pound cake. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the cake can last up to 5-7 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: If you want to enjoy the pound cake at a later date, freezing is the way to go. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy the frozen pound cake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process will help retain the cake’s moisture and freshness.
By following these storage instructions, you can ensure that your Strawberry Jam Pound Cake remains delicious and ready to delight your taste buds whenever you decide to indulge in this delightful treat.
Conclusion
Creating this delectable Strawberry Jam Pound Cake is a rewarding journey that culminates in a delightful treat for any occasion. The blend of almond pound cake, white chocolate buttercream, strawberry jam swirl, fresh strawberries, and sliced almonds creates a symphony of flavors that will impress your taste buds. By following the detailed steps outlined in this recipe, you can master the art of baking this delicious cake with ease. Remember the storage tips to enjoy the cake’s freshness for days to come. Whether you savor it immediately or save it for later, this Strawberry Jam Pound Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Indulge in this sweet creation and let your culinary skills shine.