Some days just call for cake. Not the fancy-schmancy kind that needs a blowtorch or a culinary degreeโbut the comforting, fruit-studded kind that smells like sunshine and tastes like memories. This Strawberry Pineapple Pound Cake is just that. Bursting with real strawberries and sweet crushed pineapple, itโs like a vacation for your taste buds (no TSA line required).
I made this last Sunday while my toddler tried to โhelpโ by sneaking strawberries out of the bowl. The whole kitchen smelled like a summer picnic. And when my husband walked in from mowing the lawn, he legit stopped mid-step and said, โWhat is that smell?โ Thatโs when you know itโs good.
If youโre in the mood for a cake thatโs moist, nostalgic, and dressed in a tropical glaze, this is the recipe for you.
Why Youโll Love This Strawberry Pineapple Pound Cake
- Moist & buttery with a soft crumb thatโs never dry.
- Packed with fruitโevery bite has a burst of strawberry and pineapple.
- Easy to bake with no mixer drama or exotic ingredients.
- Crowd-pleasing for brunches, potlucks, or just Tuesday nights.
- Perfectly sweet, not cloyingโbalanced with tangy fruit.
If youโre a fan of my Cream Cheese Strawberry Muffins or love a good fruity glaze like on the Lemon Yogurt Loaf, this cake will absolutely steal your heart.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ยฝ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ยผ tsp salt
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 ยฝ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour a 9ร5 loaf or bundt pan. Donโt skip thisโno one likes a stuck cake!
- Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl for 3โ4 minutes until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in another bowl. Add to wet ingredients in thirds, alternating with pineapple.
- Fold in strawberries gently with a spatula.
- Pour batter into pan and smooth the top. Bake 50โ60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: whisk powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and milk. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Melaniaโs Tips for Perfect Strawberry Pineapple Pound Cake
- Drain the pineapple well or itโll throw off the moisture.
- Use room temperature eggs and butterโyour batter will mix more evenly.
- Gently fold in strawberries to keep them pretty and pink, not mushed.
Bake It With the Littles
Little hands love pouring, stirring, andโletโs be honestโsneaking strawberries. Let your kiddos:
- Mix the glaze (great for motor skills!)
- Line the pan with butter and flour
- Decorate the top with extra strawberry slices before baking
Plus, baking together = sweet memories and sticky fingers.
Meal-Prep Magic
This cake stays lovely at room temp for 3 days (wrap it tight!).
Want to save it longer?
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week
- Freeze slices between parchment paper for up to 3 months
Thaw overnight on the counter or zap in the microwave for 15 seconds to bring back that โjust bakedโ warmth.
Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic
Trying to lighten things up? I got you.
- Swap ยฝ the butter for Greek yogurt
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated (gives a lovely flavor too!)
- Try whole wheat pastry flour for a fiber boost
- Sub almond milk in the glaze for dairy-free vibes
Itโll still be decadent, pinky promise.
Leftover Remix
Got extra cake? Hereโs how to make the most of it:
- Toaster treat: Toast slices and spread with cream cheese (so good)
- Cake parfaits: Layer with whipped cream and berries in a mason jar
- Ice cream sandwich: Slice thin, freeze, then sandwich with vanilla ice cream
Basically, cake = versatile queen.
Gift It Like a Pro
Wrap it in parchment, tie with twine, and add a cute handwritten tag (or let your kids draw one!). Perfect for:
- New neighbors
- Teacher appreciation
- Mom friends who just need a โyou got thisโ slice
Pair with a small jar of the glaze for bonus points.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check your baking powder.
Can I skip the glaze?
Sureโbut it adds a lovely tangy-sweet finish. Highly recommend.
Can I double this for a party?
Absolutely! Bake in two pans or one large bundt. Just extend the baking time and test with a skewer.
Final Thought
This Strawberry Pineapple Pound Cake is more than just a sweet treatโitโs a slice of sunshine, a taste of joy, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest things bring the biggest smiles. Bake it for yourself, your people, or just because itโs Thursday. You deserve it.
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Strawberry Pineapple Pound Cake ๐๐
Strawberry Pineapple Pound Cake is a fruity, buttery loaf perfect for brunch or snacking. Easy to bake, irresistibly moist, and full of tropical flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
2 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 ยฝ cups granulated sugar
-
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
-
4 large eggs, at room temperature
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 tsp baking powder
-
ยผ tsp salt
-
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
-
1 ยฝ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
For the Glaze:
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
2 tbsp pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
-
2 tbsp milk
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour a 9ร5 loaf or bundt pan. Donโt skip thisโno one likes a stuck cake!
-
Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl for 3โ4 minutes until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
-
Mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in another bowl. Add to wet ingredients in thirds, alternating with pineapple.
-
Fold in strawberries gently with a spatula.
-
Pour batter into pan and smooth the top. Bake 50โ60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
-
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
-
Make the glaze: whisk powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and milk. Drizzle over the cooled cake.