If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with bright, fresh flavors and just screams summer, you’ve got to try this Summery Strawberry Lemonade Pound Cake Recipe. This beautiful Bundt cake captures the perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet strawberry, swirled through a moist, tender pound cake that’s as stunning as it is delicious. It’s a true celebration of sunshine in every bite—perfect for a picnic, afternoon tea, or simply to brighten any day with something special and homemade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal bowl filled with a creamy white mixture of soft, thick batter with a broken raw yellow egg yolk sitting on top, slightly sinking into the batter. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby to the right, there is a partially visible carton of brown eggs with some egg shells resting close to it on the marbled surface. The scene is lit softly showing smooth textures of the batter and matte shell of the eggs photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each chosen to add its own special touch. From the richness of butter to the bright zest of lemon and the sweet burst of strawberry jam, every component plays a vital role in the cake’s irresistible flavor and perfect texture.

3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for our pound cake structure.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, giving it a soft crumb.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Enhances the leavening alongside baking powder for perfect fluffiness.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
1 ½ cups butter, room temperature: Adds richness and moisture with a lovely buttery taste.
2 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
6 large eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and add structure.
1 cup Greek yogurt: Ensures a moist cake with a slight tang to complement the citrusy flavors.
Juice of 1 lemon: Brings fresh, vibrant acidity that wakes up every bite.
Zest of 2 lemons: Infuses the batter with concentrated lemon fragrance and flavor.
5 tablespoons strawberry jam: Provides luscious strawberry flavor and sweetness in the swirl.
1 teaspoon strawberry flavoring: Amplifies the strawberry notes for a bright, juicy taste.
For the glaze: 1 cup confectioners sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon strawberry jam – the perfect sweet and tangy finish.
To decorate: Fresh strawberries, lemon slices, and optional mint leaves add a fresh, colorful touch.
Optional: A few drops of red or pink food coloring to deepen the strawberry swirl’s visual impact.

How to Make Summery Strawberry Lemonade Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and generously buttering a large Bundt pan. This ensures your cake releases easily later and helps create those beautiful golden edges.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt in a bowl. This blend is crucial for your cake’s rise and texture, making sure every bite is light and tender.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This step is key in developing the cake’s soft crumb and rich flavor.

Step 4: Add Eggs Gradually

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This technique helps your batter emulsify perfectly for the ideal cake texture.

Step 5: Combine Flour and Yogurt

Fold in half of your flour mixture, then add half a cup of Greek yogurt. Repeat with the remaining flour and yogurt, mixing gently to keep the batter light but fully combined.

Step 6: Separate and Flavor the Batters

Scoop out 1 cup of batter and set it aside for the strawberry portion. Stir lemon juice and zest into the larger portion to give it that refreshing citrus punch. Then mix the strawberry jam, strawberry flavoring, and optional pink food coloring into the reserved cup for a pretty, flavorful swirl.

Step 7: Layer and Swirl the Batters

Pour a third of the lemon batter into your Bundt pan, followed by half the strawberry batter. Spread gently, then add another third of lemon batter and the rest of the strawberry batter. Finish with the remaining lemon batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the batters for a stunning marbled effect that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out almost clean with just a few crumbs. This careful bake time ensures your pound cake is moist and tender, with a lightly golden crust.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Let the cake stand in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, mix confectioners sugar with lemon juice and strawberry jam for a luscious glaze to pour over the top, sealing in all those incredible flavors.

How to Serve Summery Strawberry Lemonade Pound Cake Recipe

A round bundt cake with a smooth, light brown outer layer covered in pink icing dripping down the sides. The cake is sliced, revealing two inside layers: a yellow sponge cake with pink swirls running through it. On top of the cake are fresh red strawberries, green mint leaves, and thin yellow lemon slices arranged as decoration. The cake sits on a wire rack placed on crumpled brown parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Around it are scattered mint leaves, lemon slices, a white bowl filled with strawberries, and a jar of strawberry jam. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Decorate your cake with fresh strawberries, thin lemon slices, and a sprinkle of mint leaves for notes of freshness and stunning color contrast. These simple garnishes elevate your cake making it look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This pound cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a creamy complement. A fresh berry salad or a cool glass of iced tea makes the perfect refreshing accompaniment to keep the summery vibes going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of extra strawberry glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet finish. For parties, cut the cake into bite-sized cubes and serve on skewers, alternating with fresh fruit for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once glazed and decorated, store your pound cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, ready to brighten your snack time whenever you please.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for saving a slice for a special treat later.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, simply let frozen slices thaw at room temperature, then warm slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings back that freshly-baked feeling and flavor instantly!

FAQs

Can I substitute Greek yogurt with another ingredient?

Absolutely! You can use sour cream or buttermilk as alternatives to Greek yogurt, which will still keep the cake moist and add a nice tangy flavor.

Do I have to use the Bundt pan?

While the Bundt pan gives the cake its charming shape and even baking, you can use a standard loaf pan—just adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on doneness.

Is fresh lemon juice necessary, or can I use bottled?

Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. The zest really helps add fresh aroma, so try to include that fresh if possible.

What if I don’t have strawberry flavoring?

You can rely on extra strawberry jam for flavor, or use strawberry puree for a more natural taste. The flavoring just intensifies the strawberry notes for maximum impact.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Be careful not to overbake and ensure you use room temperature ingredients. Properly wrapping and storing the cake after cooling also maintains moisture beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Summery Strawberry Lemonade Pound Cake Recipe truly captures the essence of sun-soaked days and sweet refreshment in one irresistible dessert. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just a special treat for yourself, it’s sure to bring smiles to the table. Give it a try and savor every bright, delicious bite!