Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake

This Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake is a moist, dense, melt-in-your-mouth dessert with rich strawberry flavor thanks to strawberry-flavored gelatin blended right into the batter. With a beautiful golden crust and tender crumb, it’s a classic treat that’s perfect with ice cream, whipped cream, or on its own. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep strawberry flavor without pureeing fruit 
• Ultra-moist, dense texture that melts in your mouth 
• Golden crust that adds a classic pound cake finish 
• Great for celebrations or everyday dessert 

Equipment

• Electric stand mixer
• Silicone spatula
• Cake release (or solid shortening + sugar)
• Cake thermometer
• Bundt pan or tube pan
• Measuring cups and spoons 

Ingredients

• ½ cup Crisco shortening + more for pan 
• ½ cup butter 
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 ounce package strawberry flavored gelatin (I used Jello brand) 
• 5 large eggs at room temperature 
• 1 cup buttermilk at room temperature, or whole milk 
• 3 cups all-purpose flour 
• ½ teaspoon salt 
• 2 and ½ teaspoons baking powder 
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 

Directions

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (about 163°C). Grease a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan with solid shortening (or cake release). Sprinkle with sugar to coat the inside — this gives a beautiful crust without white flour marks. 

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside. 

Step 3: Cream Shortening, Butter, and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the ½ cup Crisco shortening and ½ cup butter. Beat on medium until well-creamed. Add the 2 cups granulated sugar and continue beating until light, fluffy, and pale in color. 

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

With the mixer running on low, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so the batter stays smooth and incorporates evenly. Once all eggs are added, mix in the 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. 

Step 5: Add Strawberry Gelatin to Dry Mix

Sprinkle the 3-ounce package of strawberry flavored gelatin into the dry mixture from Step 2, then whisk briefly to combine evenly. 

Step 6: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Add the flour mixture and 1 cup buttermilk to the creamed batter alternately, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix in thirds: flour, buttermilk, flour, buttermilk, then the final flour. Mix until just combined after each addition — do not overmix. 

Step 7: Pour Batter Into Pan

Pour the fully mixed cake batter into the prepared bundt or tube pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to evenly distribute the batter. 

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 65–70 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick or cake thermometer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter. 

Step 9: Cool and Remove from Pan

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. Then carefully invert the cake onto a cooling rack or serving plate. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. 

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use room-temperature ingredients to help batter whip up evenly and trap air for a tender crumb. 
• For extra strawberry flavor, serve with fresh berries or a simple fruit glaze. 
• Dark or light tube pans may change bake time slightly — watch for doneness on the lower end of the range. 

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. 
• Dust with powdered sugar for a classic presentation.
• Pairs beautifully with hot tea or coffee for brunch or dessert. 

Storage/Reheating

• Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days. 
• Refrigerate up to 5 days if you prefer chilled slices. 
• Warm slices briefly in a 300°F oven or microwave to bring back tenderness. 

FAQs

Can I use whole milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes — whole milk can be used, though buttermilk gives extra tenderness and richness. 

What if my cake isn’t fully set after 70 minutes?
Continue baking in 5-minute increments until a toothpick comes out clean — every oven varies slightly. 

Can I drizzle glaze over it?
Absolutely — a simple lemon or vanilla glaze complements the strawberry flavor. 

Conclusion

This Melt in Your Mouth Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake strikes the perfect balance between rich buttery cake and bright berry flavor, with an ultra-moist interior and golden crust. It’s a timeless dessert that’s sure to impress at any table. 

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