Strawberry Swirl Pound Cake

Strawberry Swirl Pound Cake

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream:

   • Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

6. Create the Strawberry Swirl:

   • Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop half of the strawberry preserves over the batter and swirl gently with a knife or skewer.
   • Add the remaining batter on top and repeat the process with the remaining preserves.

7. Bake the Cake:

   • Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent the pan with foil.

8. Cool the Cake:

   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):

   • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Conclusion

Strawberry Swirl Pound Cake is a beautiful and flavorful dessert that’s sure to impress. The rich, buttery cake pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy strawberry swirls. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this cake is a treat that will brighten your day!