Strawberry Shortcake Pound Cake

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delightful twist on a classic dessert – Strawberry Shortcake Pound Cake! This recipe combines the rich and buttery flavor of a pound cake with the freshness of juicy strawberries and pillowy whipped cream. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy at a cozy gathering, a picnic in the park, or simply as a special dessert for your family. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating this delectable Strawberry Shortcake Pound Cake that is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

**Ingredients:**

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

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

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

6. Allow the pound cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. While the pound cake is cooling, prepare the strawberries by slicing them and tossing them in a bowl with a sprinkle of sugar to bring out their natural sweetness.

8. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form.

9. To assemble the Strawberry Shortcake Pound Cake, slice the cooled pound cake into thick slices. Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a spoonful of strawberries.

10. Finish off each serving with an extra dollop of whipped cream, a few more strawberry slices, and a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and flavor.

Enjoy this Strawberry Shortcake Pound Cake as a refreshing dessert on a warm summer day, or as a special treat for a birthday celebration. The buttery richness of the pound cake complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the airy whipped cream, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Share this delicious recipe with your loved ones and create lasting memories around the table with this delightful dessert.