Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake has been my answer to the “can dessert be easy and show-stopping at the same time” question. I’m a professional chef who often juggles big ideas with the realities of a busy schedule, and this cake nails that balance. The idea came from dreaming up a dessert that tastes like a strawberry milkshake—bright, creamy, and nostalgic—yet delivers the buttery, dense crumb of a classic pound cake. With strawberry milk, fresh berries, and a glossy strawberry glaze, this bake feels like a celebration you can pull off midweek. It’s approachable for home bakers, but impressive enough to share with guests. Read on, and you’ll see why this strawberry-forward pound cake earns five stars in any setting.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What makes this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake special
Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake feels like a celebration you can pull off in a busy week. I’m a home cook who loves flavor that doesn’t demand a full day of prep. This cake comes together with simple steps and pantry staples, then shines with a glossy glaze. The memory of strawberry milk lingers in every slice. It’s a small victory you can bake between meetings.

Why Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake works for busy schedules
For busy schedules, the plan matters more than flair. This recipe respects your time with straightforward mixing and reliable bake times. You can prep the batter in one bowl, then tackle another task while it bakes. Slice, glaze, and serve—no drama, just dessert for potlucks or after-dinner treats.
Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake: nostalgic flavor meets modern ease
Think of it as a memory you bake. That strawberry milk note tastes like a shake on a sunny porch. The glaze adds shine with zero fuss. It pairs with coffee or tea for a grown-up finish. I love how this cozy dessert bridges nostalgia with practical cooking.
Ingredients Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
I’m sharing the exact staples I lean on for this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake.
Exact quantities are at the bottom of the article and available for printing.
Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake comes together with simple ingredients and a bright berry glow.
Core ingredients for Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour — provides the cake’s structure.
- 1 tsp baking powder — lightens the crumb without overdoing it.
- ½ tsp salt — heightens sweetness and flavor balance.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened — adds richness and tenderness.
- 2 cups granulated sugar — creates a smooth, creamy batter.
- 4 large eggs — bind the batter and enrich the texture.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract — warm, comforting aroma and depth.
- 1 cup strawberry milk — the strawberry-forward flavor base.
- ½ cup sour cream — moisture, tenderness, and tang.
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries — bursts of berry brightness.
- Optional: 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest — boosts brightness.
- Optional garnish: extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries — color and crunch.
Substitutions and tips for Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
- Use a dairy-free butter substitute or half-and-half to accommodate dietary needs.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for tang and extra protein.
- If strawberry milk isn’t available, use whole milk with a splash of strawberry flavoring.
- Fresh strawberries can be swapped for frozen strawberries (thaw and pat dry).
How to Make Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
This is the practical guide to making the Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake with confidence.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a glossy, berry-bright cake in no time.
Step One: Prep and gather ingredients for Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
I start by lining up all ingredients on the counter. Mise en place keeps me calm when the timer is ticking.
Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 10-inch bundt or loaf pan. I dust with flour to ensure the cake releases cleanly.
I also set out a wooden spoon and a whisk for easy mixing. This keeps the process simple and satisfying.
Step Two: Cream butter and sugar for Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
In a large bowl, I beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
This creates a tender, airy base for the Pound Cake.

Step Three: Add eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and strawberry milk for Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
I add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then I stir in vanilla extract for warmth.
I fold in sour cream and strawberry milk until the batter is smooth and glossy.
Step Four: Fold in dry ingredients and strawberries for Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
Gently fold in the flour mixture with baking powder and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries so they stay bright and visible in the batter.
Step Five: Bake and glaze Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
While it cools, whisk powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons strawberry milk and crushed freeze-dried strawberries to make the glaze.
Drizzle over the cooled cake and let the glaze set for a glossy finish.
Tips for Success
- Mise en place helps me stay calm.
- Preheat to 325°F and grease the pan well for Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Do not overmix after adding dry ingredients.
- Fold in strawberries gently for pockets all around.
- Test with a toothpick for doneness.
- Let the cake rest 15 minutes.
- Whisk glaze while it cools briefly.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days.
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or hand mixer for creaming butter and sugar.
- Large mixing bowls (2) plus a silicone spatula.
- 10-inch Bundt or loaf pan; nonstick spray and flour.
- Parchment paper or silicone liner for release.
- Wire rack for cooling and glaze setting.
- Measuring cups and spoons; whisk and spatula for prep.
Variations
- Dairy-free and vegan-friendly Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake is possible. Use vegan butter, dairy-free sour cream, and plant milk.
- Gluten-free option. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free baking powder.
- Citrus lift. Add 1 tablespoon lemon or orange zest for brightness.
- Berry variations. Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries, or use a mixed berry blend.
- Strawberry ribbon swirl. Fold a few tablespoons of strawberry puree into half the batter, then swirl.
- Pan and portion flexibility. Bake as cupcakes or mini loaves for quick portions; adjust time to about 18–22 minutes.
- Glaze flavor tweaks. Enhance with vanilla or citrus in the glaze, or top with extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
This Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake is a weeknight miracle. It tastes like a nostalgic dessert, but comes together in one bowl. You get a glossy glaze, a moist crumb, and berry brightness in minutes.
Plus, you can prep ahead, bake when you’re free, and slice for easy sharing. This personal, practical dessert fits busy families, professionals, and friends who crave comfort. It’s a dessert you’ll reach for again soon, truly.

Serving Suggestions
- I love slicing and serving with vanilla ice cream and a glaze drizzle.
- Pair it with bold coffee or a silky tea to balance sweetness.
- Plate with fresh berries and a mint leaf for color.
- Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for best texture.
- Guaranteed to impress guests anywhere.
Make Ahead Tips and Freezer Storage for Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
Planning ahead keeps this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake handy on busy days. I love a dessert you can prep, freeze, and finish with a glossy glaze in minutes. Here are my go-to tips for make-ahead magic.
- Bake the cake a day ahead; cool completely, wrap tightly, and refrigerate.
- Slice the cooled cake into portions; freeze slices on a tray, then wrap.
- Freeze the whole cake: wrap in plastic, then foil; freeze 2–3 months.
- Keep the glaze separate in the fridge; glaze just before serving.
- Thaw frozen cake in the fridge overnight; bring to room temperature before slicing.
- If you want warm cake, reheat slices briefly in a 300°F oven.
- Label packages with date to track freshness.
- For best texture, glaze after thawing and warming.
- Whole cake can be frozen for 2–3 months.
- Sliced cake freezes well; separate slices by parchment on a tray.
- Glaze storage: keep in fridge up to 1 week.
- Thaw in fridge overnight, then rewarm if desired.
- Wrap well to prevent freezer burn.
- Quantity control: freeze in portions for quick desserts.
When ready to serve, thaw gently and finish with a fresh glaze.
FAQs
Here are quick answers I reach for in my kitchen. The Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake is versatile in many ways. Let me share how to adapt it without losing the magic.
FAQ 1: Can I bake this as a loaf or bundt without changing flavor?
Yes, you can bake it as a loaf or bundt without changing the flavor. The cake will stay moist and berry-forward thanks to the strawberry milk and sour cream. Time may shift a bit, so start checking at 50 minutes.
FAQ 2: How should I store leftovers and glaze texture overnight?
Store leftovers in the fridge, tightly wrapped, up to four days. Glaze texture can thicken in the fridge; if so, whisk in a teaspoon of milk to loosen. Let slices come to room temperature before serving for the best bite.
FAQ 3: Can I adapt this for dairy-free diets without sacrificing flavor?
Yes, I often use dairy-free butter and plant milk to keep the Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake faithful. Swap sour cream for dairy-free yogurt to maintain tang and moisture. Choose a dairy-free strawberry milk or plant milk with a hint of strawberry to maintain flavor.
FAQ 4: What’s the best way to thaw slices for a quick dessert?
Thaw slices in the fridge overnight for best texture. Then bring to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. If you’re in a rush, warm slices briefly in a 300°F oven for a minute or two.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake reminded me why I fell in love with baking in the first place. It blends nostalgia with practicality, turning a pantry run into a celebration. Each slice feels like a hug, the glaze catching the light and the berry brightness waking sleepy afternoons. I love sharing this with my family and clients who crave comfort without fuss. When life speeds up, this cake slows it down just enough for a moment of joy. If you bake it, you’ll hear the same chorus of wow and yum around your table, and that warms my heart.
Print
Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake: Irresistible 5-Star Treat.
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake: Moist, buttery pound cake infused with strawberry milk and finished with a glossy strawberry glaze. Soft, dense crumb with a bright berry flavor makes this a 5-star dessert that turns simple ingredients into a memorable treat.
Ingredients
- For the cake: 3 cups all-purpose flour
- For the cake: 1 tsp baking powder
- For the cake: ½ tsp salt
- For the cake: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- For the cake: 2 cups granulated sugar
- For the cake: 4 large eggs
- For the cake: 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- For the cake: 1 cup strawberry milk
- For the cake: ½ cup sour cream
- For the cake: ½ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
- For the glaze: 2–3 tbsp strawberry milk
- For the glaze: 2 tbsp finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or loaf pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in sour cream and strawberry milk until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in chopped strawberries.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, strawberry milk, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake and let set before slicing.
Notes
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Glaze will set as it sits; you can add extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries for more color and strawberry flavor.
- If using a different pan size, adjust bake time accordingly and start checking doneness at 50 minutes.
- For a lighter texture, do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake, Strawberry Pound Cake, Milkshake flavored cake, Bundt cake, Strawberry glaze, Dessert, Berry cake, Moist pound cake