Brown Sugar Carmel Pound Cake Recipe

The Dreamy Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake Recipe You Need

Sweet aromas of brown sugar caramel pound cake drift through kitchens like delightful whispers of comfort.

Warm memories bubble up when classic desserts invite us to pause and savor.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen spark nostalgia with each rich, tender slice.

Soft crumbs melt on your tongue, revealing deep caramel notes that sing of indulgence.

Baking becomes an art form when simple ingredients transform into something magical.

Butter, sugar, and flour dance together, creating a dessert that promises pure bliss.

Prepare to treat yourself to a slice of pure happiness that will make every moment sweeter.

Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake: Rich, Sweet, And Memorable

Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake: Rich, Sweet, And Memorable

Unlock Decadent Comfort: Reasons to Love This Pound Cake

  • Impress with Minimal Effort: This recipe requires basic baking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers wanting to create a stunning dessert without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Rich brown sugar and caramel combine to deliver an irresistible sweet sensation that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates at every gathering.
  • Versatile Celebration Companion: Whether it's a holiday dinner, potluck, or casual weekend treat, this cake transitions seamlessly between formal and relaxed settings with its elegant bundt shape and luxurious caramel drizzle.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake in advance, as it stays moist and delicious for several days when stored properly, reducing last-minute kitchen stress and allowing more time to enjoy with loved ones.

Brown Sugar Pound Cake Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Foundational sweetness and rich caramel-like flavor, softened butter helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Large Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and help bind the cake ingredients together.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Main structure for the cake, provides necessary protein for proper cake consistency.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, rich cake batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides deep, classic flavor complexity.
  • Chopped Pecans: Adds nutty crunch and complementary texture to the cake, optional for those who enjoy nuts.

Guide to Brown Sugar Carmel Pound Cake

Guide to Brown Sugar Carmel Pound Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Pan

Warm up your oven to 325°F.

Generously grease and dust a bundt pan with flour to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth cake release.

Step 2: Create A Fluffy Butter Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and incredibly smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Gently add eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition to create a consistent, silky batter.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

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

Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Slowly integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter, alternating with milk.

This technique helps create a smooth, lump-free texture.

Step 6: Add Nutty Flavor

Stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake The Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.

Bake for 75-85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out completely clean.

Step 8: Cool The Cake

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Create Caramel Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

Add:
  • Brown sugar
  • Heavy cream

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 10: Finish With Caramel Drizzle

Once the cake has cooled, generously drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a stunning presentation.

Brown Sugar Pound Cake With Caramel Tips That Stick

  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure a light, fluffy texture that blends smoothly with sugars.
  • Toss chopped pecans in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
  • Do not overmix the batter, as this can develop tough gluten and create a dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • If caramel glaze becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out; if too thin, continue simmering to reduce and thicken.
  • Use the toothpick test in multiple spots of the bundt cake, ensuring it comes out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.

Store Pound Cake With Caramel Flavor Securely

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Keep cake at room temperature for 2-3 days if covered with a cake dome or loose plastic wrap.
  • Slice cake before freezing, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

Ideal Pairings for Brown Sugar Carmel Pound Cake

  • Enjoy a rich bourbon whiskey that echoes the cake's deep caramel notes, highlighting the warm brown sugar undertones and cutting through the dessert's sweetness.
  • Create a magical pairing with a creamy vanilla bean ice cream that provides a cool contrast to the warm cake's rich texture and amplifies its caramel essence.
  • Select a roasted almond or hazelnut coffee that mirrors the pecans in the cake, enhancing the nutty undertones and creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Serve alongside a dollop of lightly whipped cream sprinkled with sea salt, which adds a delicate balance to the cake's sweetness and provides a refreshing counterpoint to its dense, rich structure.

Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake with Cozy Glaze Variants

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains moist and tender. Add xanthan gum for better binding and structure.
  • Nutless Adaptation: Omit pecans completely or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without nuts. Perfect for those with nut allergies.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a combination of monk fruit sweetener and brown sugar to reduce overall sugar content. Add extra vanilla extract to enhance sweetness without additional calories.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of regular milk. Replace cream in the glaze with coconut cream for a rich, creamy alternative that maintains the cake's luxurious texture.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to cream the butter and sugars until fluffy?

Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, creating a lighter, softer cake texture that helps the cake rise evenly and become more tender during baking.

  • Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or chopped almonds work great as substitutes and will provide a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.

  • What if my caramel glaze becomes too thick?

Simply add a little extra cream or milk, one teaspoon at a time, and gently reheat while stirring until you reach the desired drizzling consistency.

  • How do I know when 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 top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Print
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Brown Sugar Carmel Pound Cake Recipe

Brown Sugar Carmel Pound Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake offers a luxurious journey through rich, buttery layers of Southern comfort. Sweet caramel notes dance with deep brown sugar, creating a dessert that promises pure culinary bliss you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 5 large eggs

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Garnish:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 325°F and thoroughly coat a bundt pan with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy with a cloud-like texture.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring each is completely blended before adding the next, creating a smooth and uniform batter.
  4. In a separate container, thoroughly combine flour, baking powder, and salt using a whisk to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
  5. Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk to maintain a consistent, lump-free batter.
  6. Gently fold in vanilla extract and roughly chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the cake mixture.
  7. Transfer the prepared batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
  8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 75-85 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
  9. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then delicately release and transfer to a wire cooling rack.
  10. Create the caramel glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then introducing brown sugar and cream while continuously stirring until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
  11. Simmer the glaze for two minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
  12. Once the cake has completely cooled, generously drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the cake.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, even mixing and better cake texture.
  • Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sinking in the batter.
  • Use dark brown sugar for deeper caramel notes and richer color in the cake.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for celiac-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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