Description
This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is a rich and moist dessert combining a classic buttery pound cake with a luscious homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful everyday treat, the cake features a tender crumb enhanced by brown sugar and a smooth vanilla-infused caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the packed brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This step incorporates air, essential for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor throughout the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before removing it from the pan and transferring to a wire rack.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to thicken more.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy this decadent treat with your favorite beverage.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easier creaming and better texture.
- Use buttermilk for a more tender and moist crumb; whole milk can be substituted if needed.
- Check doneness with a toothpick to avoid over-baking, which can dry out the cake.
- Allow caramel sauce to cool slightly before drizzling to prevent melting the cake’s crust excessively.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; the cake stays moist for up to 3 days at room temperature.