There's nothing quite like the deep, buttery richness of a homemade Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake. The moment it comes out of the oven, your kitchen is filled with the warm aroma of caramelized brown sugar, making it nearly impossible to wait for that first bite.

I first fell in love with this cake when I needed a dessert that felt both comforting and decadent. With its perfectly dense texture and rich caramel drizzle, this pound cake quickly became a family favorite, making appearances at every holiday and special occasion.

Why You'll Love This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake

Get ready to enjoy the ultimate indulgence. This cake isn't just a dessert—it's an experience, with every bite offering a perfect balance of deep caramel flavor and buttery softness.

First, the brown sugar gives this cake its signature flavor. Unlike traditional pound cakes, this one has a warm, molasses-rich sweetness that makes it stand out.

Next, the texture is absolutely dreamy. Thanks to the combination of butter, eggs, and buttermilk, this cake bakes up incredibly moist with a fine, tender crumb.

And let’s not forget the caramel glaze. This simple yet luxurious topping seeps into the cake, adding another layer of richness that takes it to the next level.

Best of all, this pound cake stores beautifully. Whether you enjoy it fresh or slice it up for later, it stays just as moist and flavorful for days.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the cake’s signature flavor and texture.

Brown Sugar – The star of the show! Using dark brown sugar gives the cake a deep caramel flavor, while light brown sugar offers a more subtle sweetness. Either works, but dark brown sugar will give you the richest result.

Butter – For the best flavor, always use real butter rather than margarine. Unsalted butter is preferred since it allows you to control the saltiness of the cake.

Eggs – Room-temperature eggs blend better into the batter, ensuring a smooth and airy texture. Don't skip this step!

Buttermilk – This secret ingredient helps keep the pound cake moist while adding a slight tang that balances out the sweetness. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute with milk and vinegar.

Flour – Stick with all-purpose flour for the best results. Be sure to measure it properly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.

Caramel Glaze – A simple mix of butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla creates a rich, silky glaze that drips beautifully over the cake.

A bundt pan is the best choice for baking this cake, ensuring it cooks evenly while giving it an elegant shape. Grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking!

How To Make This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake

Making this cake is easier than you might think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a bakery-worthy dessert ready to impress.

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and generously greasing your bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray. A light dusting of flour will also help ensure the cake releases cleanly.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it helps incorporate air into the batter, giving the cake its soft texture.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures they blend smoothly and create a rich, uniform batter.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense!

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 75-85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cake cools, prepare the caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves, then add heavy cream and vanilla. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to seep into every groove. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.

Storage Options

This pound cake keeps wonderfully, so you can enjoy it for days!

Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The caramel glaze will continue to soak into the cake, making it even more delicious over time.

Refrigeration – If you want to extend freshness, keep it in the fridge for up to one week. Let it come to room temperature or warm individual slices before serving.

Freezing – This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.

For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave will soften the cake and bring out the rich caramel flavors again.

Variations and Substitutions

This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is already amazing, but there are plenty of ways to switch it up!

Nutty Twist – Stir ½ cup of toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch and flavor. You can also sprinkle some over the caramel glaze for extra texture.

Chocolate Drizzle – If you're a chocolate lover, drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the caramel glaze. The combination of caramel and chocolate is pure heaven!

Spiced Version – Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall and winter.

Lighter Option – Swap half of the butter for Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce to reduce the fat while keeping the cake moist.

Gluten-Free Adaptation – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version that still tastes just as amazing.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! No matter how you tweak it, this cake will always be a showstopper.

This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is the kind of dessert that never fails to impress. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, it's guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your bundt pan and get baking—you’re in for a treat!