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My Granddaddy’s Favorite Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake

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This rich and dense Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake features a warm molasses flavor from brown sugar and a luscious caramel glaze that soaks slightly into the cake, making it irresistibly moist and decadent—perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you crave a comforting dessert.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 85 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 12-14 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan thoroughly.
  2. Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour.
  6. Stir in vanilla extract and fold in pecans if using.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 75–85 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before inverting onto a wire rack.
  9. For the glaze, melt butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar and cream, simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  10. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and powdered sugar if a thicker glaze is desired.
  11. Drizzle warm caramel glaze over the slightly cooled cake.

Notes

  • Switch pecans for walnuts or omit for a nut-free version.
  • Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a richer flavor.
  • Fold in toffee bits or chopped dates for extra texture.
  • Drizzle melted dark chocolate for a twist.
  • Replace part of the butter with sour cream for a moist crumb.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/my-granddaddys-favorite-brown-sugar-caramel-pound-cake/