Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake. It’s a decadent treat that combines the sweetness of caramel with the warmth of brown sugar. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Pound Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Glaze:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch (25 cm) tube or bundt pan.

2. Make the Pound Cake:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared tube or bundt pan.

3. Bake the Cake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing it from the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Make the Caramel Glaze:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Glaze the Cake:

1. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top of the pound cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
2. Let the caramel glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You can make this pound cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
• For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of caramel extract to the pound cake batter.
• If you don’t have heavy cream for the caramel glaze, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but it may result in a slightly different texture and flavor.
  • To ensure your pound cake comes out perfectly, make sure your butter is at room temperature. It should be soft but not melted. This allows for proper creaming with the sugars, which is essential for a tender crumb.
  • When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents your flour from being packed down and ensures you get the right amount.
  • If your cake starts to brown too quickly while baking, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning while the inside continues to cook.
  • Be patient while making the caramel glaze. Stir constantly to avoid burning the sugar mixture. The caramel will thicken as it cools, so don’t overcook it during this step.
  • You can add a pinch of sea salt or fleur de sel to the top of the caramel glaze for a delightful contrast in flavors.
  • This cake is perfect for special occasions, potlucks, or just when you’re craving a sweet treat. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent experience.
  • Store any leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors often deepen and become even more delicious the day after baking.
  • Feel free to get creative with the presentation by adding some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel glaze for added texture and flavor.

  This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is a true dessert masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!

Enjoy the sweet, caramel goodness of this Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea!