If you’re ready to level up your dessert game, this Strawberry Swirl Five Flavor Pound Cake is the one. It’s a classic Southern-style pound cake amped up with a vibrant strawberry swirl and infused with not one, not two but five bold flavors. Vanilla, almond, lemon, butter, and coconut extracts come together in perfect harmony, creating a cake that’s rich, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. The strawberry swirl gives it a fruity twist and a beautiful marbled effect that’s as pretty as it is delicious. It’s the kind of cake that makes people close their eyes after the first bite.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Swirl Five Flavor Pound Cake

This cake is like nostalgia in a bundt pan, but with a fruity twist. Here’s why it’s so special:

Unbeatable Flavor Combo: The five extracts blend together to create a symphony of rich, warm, and slightly tropical notes that pair beautifully with the strawberry swirl.

Moist & Buttery Texture: Thanks to real butter, sour cream, and eggs, this pound cake is tender and melt-in-your-mouth good.

Visually Stunning: The vibrant strawberry ribbons running through the golden pound cake give it an eye-catching swirl effect that looks bakery-quality.

Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for birthdays, brunches, potlucks, or just a weekend treat everyone loves it.

Stores Beautifully: Tastes even better the next day and freezes like a dream.

Ingredients in Strawberry Swirl Five Flavor Pound Cake

Let’s break down what makes this cake so rich and flavorful:

Unsalted Butter: The base of all great pound cakes gives structure and buttery flavor.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and aerates the batter when creamed with butter.

Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help with rise.

All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation that supports all the flavor.

Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tenderness.

Five Flavor Extracts:

• Vanilla: Warm and classic.
• Almond: Slightly sweet and nutty.
• Lemon: Brightens everything up.
• Butter: Enhances that rich, creamy taste.
• Coconut: Adds a light tropical edge.

Strawberry Preserves or Jam: Swirled into the batter to give it that fruity flavor and visual appeal.

Baking Powder & Salt: To lift the cake and balance the sweetness.

Optional Glaze: Powdered sugar + milk + a drop of each extract = Five Flavor Glaze to top it all off.

(Exact measurements are in the full recipe card below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this gorgeous and flavorful cake from scratch:

Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease and flour a large bundt or tube pan to prevent sticking.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale in color this can take 4–5 minutes.

Add the Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Scrape down the bowl to keep things smooth.

Flavor It Up

Mix in all five extracts. Your kitchen will already smell amazing at this point!

Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the butter mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with flour. Mix until just combined.

Create the Swirl

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Spoon strawberry preserves in a zigzag pattern over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it in don’t overmix. Pour in the rest of the batter and repeat the swirl with a little more preserves on top if you like extra strawberry.

Bake

Bake for 75–85 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Glaze

Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and a drop of each of the five extracts. Drizzle over the cooled cake for an extra layer of flavor.

Notes

Servings: 12–16
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 80 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
Calories per Slice: ~450 (without glaze)

How to Serve Strawberry Swirl Five Flavor Pound Cake

Simple Slice: Serve with coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Dressed-Up Dessert: Top with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Brunch Favorite: A great addition to a brunch spread, especially with a mimosa on the side.

Holiday Centerpiece: Garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a festive look.

Additional Tips

• Use Room Temp Ingredients: This helps everything blend better for a smoother batter and fluffier cake.
• Don’t Over-Swirl: Just a few figure-eight motions will give you that marbled look without turning the whole thing pink.
• Flavor Adjustment: If you’re not a fan of one of the extracts, reduce or skip it. The cake still turns out delicious with even just 3 or 4.
• Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze slices individually for a grab-and-go treat. Just thaw and enjoy!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves?
Yes, but cook them down slightly first into a compote so they don’t add too much moisture to the batter.

2. What if I don’t have all five extracts?
Use what you have three or four still gives it depth. Vanilla, almond, and lemon are a great core combo.

3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, use full-fat Greek yogurt for the same rich, tangy results.

4. How do I know it’s done?
A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs start checking around 75 minutes.

5. Can I make this into mini loaves?
Absolutely. Just reduce the baking time to around 40–45 minutes.

6. What type of pan is best?
A heavy bundt or tube pan distributes the heat evenly and gives the cake its signature shape.

7. Why use both white and brown sugar?
You can use just white sugar, but brown sugar adds a subtle molasses depth. Try half and half for a warmer flavor.

8. Can I add chopped nuts?
Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition for extra crunch.

9. Can I skip the glaze?
Totally optional! The cake is flavorful enough on its own, but a drizzle takes it over the top.

10. Can I double the strawberry swirl?
Yes but be careful not to make the batter too wet. Swirl gently to avoid sinking.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Swirl Five Flavor Pound Cake is a flavor-packed showstopper that tastes like Southern hospitality in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply because you love a good homemade cake, this one checks all the boxes. With its soft crumb, bold flavor, and that sweet berry twist, it’s the kind of cake people will ask you to make again and again. Bake it once and watch it disappear.

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