Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake

Here’s a delicious recipe for Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake that combines the rich flavors of a traditional pound cake with fresh strawberries!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or a 10-inch tube pan.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
   • Gently fold in the diced strawberries.

3. Bake the Cake:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared bundt or tube pan, smoothing the top.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

   • In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

5. Frost the Cake:

   • Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

6. Serve:

   • Slice and serve your Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake. Enjoy!

This cake is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a delightful dessert to enjoy at home!