Description

Looking for a dessert that combines the deep richness of caramel with the sweetness of brown sugar? This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is the perfect indulgence for any occasion. With a moist, tender crumb and a rich caramel glaze that melts in your mouth, this pound cake is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just a treat to enjoy with coffee, this cake will quickly become a favorite. The best part? It’s easy to make, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients

• For the cake:
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• For the caramel glaze:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the cake batter
Start by creaming together 1 1/2 cups of softened unsalted butter, 2 cups of light brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This creaming process helps to aerate the batter and gives the cake its soft, tender texture.

Step 2: Add the eggs
Next, add 5 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter, creating a rich and smooth mixture. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is mixed in evenly.

Step 3: Mix in the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with 1 cup of whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed to prevent overmixing.

Step 4: Add the vanilla and pecans
Once the batter is smooth, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you’d like an extra crunch and flavor, fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans at this stage. The pecans add a delightful texture and a subtle nuttiness that complements the brown sugar and caramel flavors.

Step 5: Prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or a 10-inch tube pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake the cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 75-85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure to check the cake after about 70 minutes, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. The cake should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.

Step 7: Cool the cake
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Letting the cake cool before adding the glaze will ensure the glaze sets properly on the cake.

Step 8: Make the caramel glaze
While the cake cools, it’s time to make the caramel glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Next, slowly add 1/4 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue cooking the glaze for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Once the glaze has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before pouring over the cake.

Step 9: Glaze the cake
Once the cake has cooled and the caramel glaze has slightly thickened, pour the warm glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides. You can use a spoon or spatula to spread the glaze evenly if needed. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, creating a beautiful shiny finish on the cake.

Step 10: Serve
Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect treat for any time of day!

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
For an extra indulgent touch, serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the caramel glaze for a delicious sweet-and-salty flavor combination that takes this dessert to the next level!

Conclusion:
This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is a decadent, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, buttery pound cake combined with the sweet caramel glaze creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Follow these easy steps, and enjoy the delicious result!