Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and caramel in a moist and tender cake. Perfect for various occasions, this cake can be the star of your next gathering or a sweet treat for family dinners. Its unique combination of textures and flavors makes it irresistible, ensuring that each slice is both satisfying and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of cream cheese and caramel creates a rich, sweet flavor that is hard to resist.
• Moist Texture: The cream cheese in the batter ensures a moist cake that stays fresh for days.
• Versatile Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or simply as an afternoon treat with coffee.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip this up even if you’re a beginner in baking.
• Customizable Toppings: Drizzle with caramel sauce or add nuts for an extra layer of flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake successfully, having the right tools will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Bundt pan or loaf pans
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar effectively, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to separate dry ingredients from wet ingredients easily.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (500 g) granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120 ml) whole milk

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or two 9×5-inch loaf pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 4-5 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time into the mixture while beating well after each addition.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with milk. Start and end with the flour mixture to ensure even mixing. Stir in vanilla extract until just combined.

Step 3: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s), smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 65-75 minutes if using a bundt pan or 60-70 minutes for loaf pans. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Allow cooling in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter completely. Add brown sugar while stirring constantly until it starts bubbling—about 2-3 minutes. Slowly pour in heavy cream while continuously stirring until smooth; allow cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.

Step 5: Finish the Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely, drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over the top. For an added touch, you may garnish with a pinch of sea salt or some chopped nuts to enhance both flavor and presentation.

With these simple steps, your Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake will be ready to impress friends and family alike!

How to Serve Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cake experience.

Serve with Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Top your cake with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.
• Citrus segments: Orange or grapefruit segments can add a refreshing twist to the sweet cake.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Classic whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream balances the richness of the cake perfectly.
• Flavored whipped cream: Try adding vanilla or almond extract to your whipped cream for added depth.

Enjoy with Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the dense pound cake beautifully.
• Caramel swirl ice cream: For an indulgent treat, serve with caramel swirl ice cream to echo the flavors in the cake.

Drizzle More Caramel Sauce

• Extra sauce: A generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each slice adds an extra layer of sweetness.
• Salted caramel: Enhance flavors by using salted caramel sauce for a sweet and salty contrast.

How to Perfect Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake

To achieve the best results when making Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring butter and cream cheese are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter.
• Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake; overmixing can lead to tough texture.
• Check oven temperature: Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly for even baking; an oven thermometer can help.
• Cool completely before serving: Allowing the cake to cool fully enhances its flavor and texture when served.

Best Side Dishes for Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Pairing side dishes with Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balance to the rich cake.
2. Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy yogurt offers a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the pound cake.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over each slice provides a decadent touch that chocolate lovers will adore.
4. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs wonderfully with the sweet flavors of the cake, enhancing your dessert experience.
5. Cheese Platter: Add some mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone for a savory counterpoint to the sweet cake.
6. Nut Mix: A mix of roasted nuts provides a crunchy texture alongside the soft pound cake, adding an interesting contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can sometimes be tricky, especially with a rich recipe like Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or cream cheese can lead to a dense batter. Always let them sit out until they reach room temperature for better mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can create a tough texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a lighter cake.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down and add too much. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurements.
• Underbaking the cake: Removing the cake too early can result in a gooey center. Always check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when done.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allowing your cake to cool in the pan helps it set properly. Don’t rush this step; let it cool for at least 15 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• This method will keep them good for up to 2 months.

Reheating Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake?

Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a rich dessert made with cream cheese, butter, and caramel sauce, creating a moist and flavorful pound cake.

Can I use different flavors in my pound cake?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like almond extract or lemon zest to customize your Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake is ready!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Final Thoughts

Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake is not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various flavors or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its wonderful richness!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake is an indulgent dessert that brings together the creamy richness of cream cheese and the sweetness of caramel in a moist, tender loaf. This delectable cake is perfect for celebrations or casual family gatherings, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures that make every slice a treat. With its easy preparation, you can whip up this dessert even if you’re new to baking. Drizzle it with warm caramel sauce or add some nuts for an extra touch, and watch it become the highlight of your dessert table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (500 g) granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease your bundt or loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy (about 4-5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture along with milk, starting and ending with the flour. Stir in vanilla until just combined.
4. Pour batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake for 65-75 minutes (bundt) or 60-70 minutes (loaf), checking doneness with a toothpick.
5. Cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
6. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter completely. Add brown sugar while stirring constantly until it starts bubbling—about 2-3 minutes. Slowly pour in heavy cream while continuously stirring until smooth; allow cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
7. Once your cake has cooled completely, drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over the top.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 215mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 105mg