½ cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
(Optional: sprinkle with sea salt for salted caramel vibes!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan (or two loaf pans).
2. Cream Butter & Sugars
Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (~5 mins).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
3. Add Dry & Wet Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Alternate adding flour mixture and sour cream to the batter, starting and ending with flour.
Stir in vanilla.
4. Bake to Perfection
Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 60-75 mins, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in the pan 15 mins, then invert onto a wire rack.
5. Make the Caramel Glaze
In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until dissolved.
Add milk/cream, bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Drizzle over the warm cake (it’ll soak in slightly for extra moisture!).
Pro Tips for the Best Pound Cake
🔹 Room temperature ingredients – Ensures even mixing.
🔹 Don’t overmix – Stir just until combined for a tender crumb.
🔹 Bundt pan trick – Grease every nook to prevent sticking.
🔹 Storage – Keeps fresh for 5 days at room temp (covered).
Variations & Swaps
🍯 Deeper caramel – Use dark brown sugar.
🌰 Nutty crunch – Fold in 1 cup toasted pecans.
☕ Coffee twist – Add 1 tbsp instant espresso to the batter.
🍫 Chocolate caramel – Swirl in ½ cup chocolate chips.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pan?
A: Yes! Two 9x5-inch loaf pans work (bake ~50-55 mins).
Q: Why did my cake stick?
A: Grease the pan extra well or use baking spray with flour.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes! Freeze unglazed for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is moist, buttery, and packed with caramel goodness—a foolproof dessert that feels fancy without the fuss. One slice and you’ll be hooked!