Strawberry Swirl Pound Cake

Strawberry Swirl Pound Cake

Ingredients:

**For the Cake:**
– 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cups granulated sugar
– 6 large eggs
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
– 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
– A few drops of red food coloring (optional, for more vibrant swirls)

**For the Glaze:**
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

**For the Crumble Topping (optional):**
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Cake:**
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or tube pan.
– In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
– In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
– Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using.

2. **Create the Strawberry Swirl:**
– Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
– In a small bowl, mix the strawberry jam with a few drops of red food coloring if desired.
– Spoon the strawberry jam over the batter in the pan, then swirl it gently with a knife or skewer.
– Pour the remaining batter over the top and smooth it out.

3. **Bake the Cake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

4. **Prepare the Glaze:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if the glaze is too thick.
– Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.

5. **Prepare the Crumble Topping (optional):**
– In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and melted butter until crumbly.
– Sprinkle the crumble over the glazed cake.

6. **Serve:**
– Slice and serve the cake once the glaze has set. Enjoy your Strawberry Swirl Pound Cake!

This cake is perfect for serving at gatherings, with a cup of coffee, or as a delightful dessert. Enjoy!