This Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake is a delectable dessert that blends the richness of a traditional pound cake with the fresh, fruity flavor of strawberries. With a buttery and moist texture, the cake is filled with sweetened coconut, crunchy pecans, and, of course, the star ingredient—fresh strawberries. Topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade strawberry Italian cream pound cake combines the best of both worlds—classic, dense pound cake with the brightness of fresh strawberries. The addition of shredded coconut and chopped pecans gives it a delightful texture, while the strawberry cream cheese frosting adds the perfect creamy sweetness. It’s a dessert that feels elegant yet is easy to make, and the flavor is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable shortening
3 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup chopped pecans

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for consistency)
¼ cup mashed fresh strawberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a large bundt or tube cake pan.
Cream together butter, shortening, and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Gently fold in strawberries, coconut, and pecans.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
Bake for 1 hour 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting: Beat together cream cheese and butter. Add mashed strawberries, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar until you achieve the desired consistency.
Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the strawberry cream cheese frosting and garnish with additional fresh strawberries or toasted pecans if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30-40 minutes

Variations

Add Lemon Zest: For a citrusy twist, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake batter. The lemon will complement the strawberries beautifully.
Nut-Free Version: If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped pecans from the cake.
Whipped Cream Frosting: Instead of cream cheese frosting, you can opt for a fluffy whipped cream topping for a lighter feel.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a richer flavor, drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over the finished cake.
Vegan Version: Replace butter and shortening with plant-based alternatives, and use flax eggs in place of the regular eggs. Substitute non-dairy milk for buttermilk.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful. If you have extra frosting, store it separately and refrigerate it as well. For a quick fix, simply allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. This cake does not need to be reheated, as it is just as delicious cold.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it. Frost the cake just before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

While fresh strawberries yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before using them in the batter or frosting.

Can I use a different type of nut in the cake?

Yes, you can substitute chopped walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts if you prefer. Just ensure that the nuts are finely chopped to maintain the cake’s texture.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How long can I keep the frosting?

The strawberry cream cheese frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?

Yes, you can make a strawberry buttercream frosting by using butter instead of cream cheese. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration. Its beautiful appearance and delicious flavor will impress your guests.

Can I use a different fruit for the frosting?

Yes, you can use other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to make a different fruit-flavored cream cheese frosting. Just mash the fruit and adjust the sugar as needed.

Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a bundt pan?

Yes, you can use a standard 9×13-inch cake pan if you don’t have a bundt pan. Adjust the baking time, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

Conclusion

This Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of traditional pound cake with the bright flavors of fresh strawberries. The moist, flavorful cake is complemented by a sweet, creamy strawberry frosting, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply to enjoy with loved ones, this cake is sure to become a favorite. With its light texture and burst of fruity goodness, it’s an irresistible dessert that everyone will adore.

Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake Recipe