Heavenly Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake Recipe For Sweet Tooths

Crafting a delectable brown sugar caramel pound cake promises pure dessert magic that’ll make taste buds dance with delight.

Sweet aromas will fill your kitchen as butter and sugar blend into creamy perfection.

Layers of rich caramel create a luxurious backdrop for this classic Southern treat.

Cozy afternoons call for something special, and this cake delivers comfort in every slice.

Memories of grandmother’s baking come flooding back with each tender, golden crumb.

Smooth caramel drizzles add decadent charm to this irresistible homemade masterpiece.

Just one bite, and you’ll understand why this pound cake becomes an instant favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Variations to Sweeten Pound Cake

  • Spiced Autumn Edition: Enhance the cake by adding 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, seasonal flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Swirl Sensation: Marble the batter with 1/4 cup of melted dark chocolate, creating rich chocolate ribbons throughout the pound cake.
  • Tropical Coconut Crunch: Replace pecans with toasted coconut flakes and add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical-inspired texture and taste.

Pairings That Complement Caramel Pound Cake

  • Decadent Drink Pairing: Rich bourbon or aged whiskey complements the cake's deep caramel notes, creating a luxurious flavor harmony that elevates the dessert's warmth and sweetness.
  • Creamy Coffee Companion: Serve with a smooth cappuccino or dark roast coffee, whose robust caffeine cuts through the cake's richness and enhances its nutty undertones with a delightful contrast.
  • Sweet Wine Selection: Choose a late-harvest Riesling or Moscato, whose honeyed sweetness and light acidity perfectly balance the cake's dense texture and caramel depth, offering a sophisticated dessert experience.
  • Nutty Beverage Match: Prepare a toasted almond liqueur or nutty amaretto, which echoes the cake's pecan elements and provides a complementary warmth that intensifies the dessert's complex flavor profile.

Storing Brown Sugar Pound Cake

  • Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Seal carefully to prevent drying out.
  • Slice the cake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Store covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • Why use brown sugar in this pound cake?

Brown sugar adds deeper caramel flavor and extra moisture, creating a richer taste and softer texture compared to using only white sugar.

  • Can I skip the pecans in the recipe?

Yes, you can omit pecans without affecting the cake’s overall structure. The cake will still be delicious and moist even without nuts.

  • How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The cake should also be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the pan’s edges.

  • What makes this pound cake different from traditional recipes?

This version uses a combination of brown and white sugars, creating a more complex caramel-like flavor profile and ensuring an exceptionally tender crumb.

Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake Heaven

  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Indulge in a rich, moist pound cake that guarantees smiles and second helpings from family and friends.
  • Master Baking with Ease: Perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, this recipe offers straightforward steps that lead to a professional-looking dessert.
  • Customize Your Treat: Enjoy flexibility with optional pecans, allowing you to personalize the cake to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Celebrate Special Moments: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to a delectable homemade dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients for Rich Caramel Pound Cake

For the Core Ingredients:
  • Butter: The foundational fat that provides rich flavor and tender texture to the pound cake.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cake structure.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's rich, dense texture.
  • Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives structure and substance to the cake.
For the Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, tender cake crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
For the Optional and Supplemental Ingredients:
  • Pecans: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to complement the caramel notes.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

How to Bake Brown Sugar Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a bundt pan and coat it thoroughly with baking spray or butter and dust with flour. Position the oven rack in the center and heat the oven to 325F (163C).

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugars

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. Ensure each egg blends smoothly into the butter-sugar mixture before introducing the next.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Create Cake Batter

Gradually mix dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk.

Begin and end with flour mixture. Stir in vanilla extract.

Gently fold in chopped pecans if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Transfer batter into the prepared bundt pan.

Spread evenly and smooth the top. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 75-85 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Carefully invert onto a wire cooling rack. Let cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Pound Cake

  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, even creaming with sugars, creating a luxurious cake texture.
  • Toss chopped pecans in a bit of flour before folding into batter to prevent them from settling at the bottom during baking.
  • Add eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly to create a smooth, emulsified batter that yields a tender crumb.
  • Use the toothpick test carefully; insert near the center and look for a few moist crumbs, not completely dry, to ensure a moist pound cake.
  • Tent the cake with aluminum foil halfway through baking if the top browns too quickly, preventing burning while ensuring even cooking.
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Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet brown sugar caramel pound cake weaves rich Southern comfort into each delectable slice. Warm spices and silky caramel glaze invite you to savor a moment of pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 5 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups light brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup whole milk

Nuts and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Caramel Glaze Ingredients:

  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 325F (163C) and thoroughly coating a bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter and flour.
  2. Create a smooth, airy base by vigorously whipping butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, approximately 3-5 minutes.
  3. Gradually introduce eggs into the creamed mixture, blending each one completely before adding the next to ensure a uniform texture.
  4. Separately combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a clean bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
  5. Craft the batter by alternating additions of flour mixture and milk into the butter blend, always beginning and concluding with flour. Gently incorporate vanilla extract and fold in pecans for added depth and crunch.
  6. Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared bundt pan, ensuring an even distribution.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 75-85 minutes, monitoring for a golden exterior and checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
  8. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure, then carefully invert onto a wire rack for complete cooling, which helps maintain the cake’s delicate texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and prevent lumpy batter.
  • Softly toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
  • Line bundt pan with parchment paper for easier cake removal and preventing sticking.
  • Reduce baking time by 10-15 minutes for high-altitude baking to prevent over-drying.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 510 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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