If you love desserts that perfectly balance sweetness, texture, and deep caramel flavor, this Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake will become your new favorite treat. This recipe combines the classic richness of a traditional pound cake with the luxurious flavor of brown sugar and buttery caramel glaze, resulting in a dessert that’s moist, tender, and irresistibly indulgent.
Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a simple afternoon treat, this cake pairs beautifully with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Serves: 10–12
For the Pound Cake
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 cups (400g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Caramel Glaze
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 75 minutes
- Cooling and glazing time: 30 minutes
- Total time: About 2 hours, 5 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan thoroughly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 70–75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Glaze
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt, and let cool for 5–10 minutes until thickened slightly.
Step 7: Glaze the Cake
- Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake.
- Allow it to set for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream.
- Top with toasted pecans or sea salt for added texture.
- Pair with a cup of coffee, cappuccino, or caramel latte for a cozy dessert moment.
- Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months for a quick sweet fix.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Total Fat | 20 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 58 grams |
| Sugars | 39 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 180 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Brown sugar provides a deeper caramel flavor and natural molasses sweetness.
- Butter and oil combine to create a moist crumb that stays soft for days.
- Moderation is key — while rich, this cake can be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Ensure all ingredients are room temperature before mixing for an even batter.
- Avoid overmixing once the flour is added — this keeps the cake tender.
- If your caramel thickens too much, add a splash of cream and reheat gently.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Variations to Try
- Pecan Caramel Pound Cake: Add 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans to the batter.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the glaze for a gourmet finish.
- Buttermilk Version: Replace milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and softer crumb.
- Mini Cakes: Bake in small loaf pans or cupcake molds for individual servings.
This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert — rich, buttery, and dripping with golden caramel goodness. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed with your favorite drink, each slice delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and nostalgia.
It’s a classic recipe that proves homemade desserts can be both elegant and deeply satisfying.