Here is a classic, bakery-style Caramel Pound Cake recipe that is rich, buttery, and topped with a smooth homemade caramel glaze. This version gives you multiple cakes or one large bundt, perfect for sharing.
Caramel Pound Cakes
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Baking Time
65–75 minutes
Servings
2 small loaf cakes or 1 large bundt cake
Ingredients
Pound Cake Batter
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Unsalted butter – 1½ cups (340 g), softened
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Granulated sugar – 1½ cups
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Light brown sugar – ½ cup
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Eggs – 6 large, room temperature
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All-purpose flour – 3 cups
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Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
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Salt – ½ teaspoon
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Whole milk – 1 cup
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Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
Caramel Glaze
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Brown sugar – 1 cup
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Unsalted butter – ½ cup
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Heavy cream – ¼ cup
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Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
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Salt – ¼ teaspoon
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Pans
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Preheat oven to 165°C (330°F).
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Grease and flour two 8×4-inch loaf pans or one bundt pan.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
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Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 4–5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Scrape the bowl frequently.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
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In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Make the Batter
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Add dry ingredients to the batter alternately with milk.
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Mix gently until just combined.
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Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 6: Bake
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Divide batter evenly into pans.
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Bake for 65–75 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cover loosely with foil if tops brown too fast.
Step 7: Cool
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Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes.
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Turn out and cool completely on wire racks.
Caramel Glaze Directions
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
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Stir in brown sugar and cream.
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Bring to a gentle boil and cook 2–3 minutes.
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Remove from heat and add vanilla and salt.
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Let cool slightly until thick but pourable.
Step 8: Glaze the Cakes
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Pour warm caramel glaze over cooled cakes.
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Allow glaze to set before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Caramel Pound Cakes
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Use room-temperature ingredients.
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Beat butter and sugar thoroughly for a fine crumb.
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Pour glaze while warm, not hot.
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Let cakes rest before cutting.
Variations
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Southern Style: Add 1 tablespoon molasses to glaze.
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Salted Caramel: Increase salt to ½ teaspoon.
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Nutty Caramel: Sprinkle toasted pecans on glaze.
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Mini Loaves: Bake 40–45 minutes.
Storage
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Store covered at room temperature for 3 days.
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Refrigerate up to 5 days.
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Freeze unglazed cakes for up to 2 months.