Name: Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487700H29M55S
Total time: PT-487700H29M55S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 5 large eggs; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade, for glaze); 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, to thin the glaze)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pound cake offers everything you want in a dessert: dense, buttery texture, rich flavor, and a gooey caramel finish that takes it over the top. The cream cheese keeps the crumb moist and tender, while the caramel glaze adds a luxurious touch. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter (softened)
Cream cheese (softened)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Vanilla extract
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade, for glaze)
Heavy cream (optional, to thin the glaze)

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or 10-inch tube pan.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, and beat until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, drizzle generously with caramel sauce. If needed, warm the caramel slightly or mix with a splash of cream for a pourable consistency.

Servings and timing

Serves 12–14
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 70–80 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30–40 minutes

Variations

Salted Caramel: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the glaze for a sweet-salty finish.
Nutty Twist: Top with toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of melted chocolate over the caramel for contrast.
Spiced Version: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warm spice notes.
Mini Cakes: Divide batter into mini loaf pans and reduce baking time to about 35–40 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze, wrap the cooled, unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze just before serving.

To serve warm, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds and drizzle with extra caramel.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, it works great. Warm it slightly for easy drizzling or mix with cream if it’s too thick.

Do I need to refrigerate the cake?

Not immediately, but if keeping more than 3 days or during hot weather, refrigeration is best.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor, but you can use low-fat in a pinch.

What kind of pan should I use?

A bundt or tube pan works best to ensure even baking and easy slicing.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking?

Grease and flour the pan thoroughly or use a baking spray with flour to ensure easy release.

Can I add caramel to the batter?

You can swirl in a small amount of thick caramel, but too much may affect the texture.

How can I tell when it’s done?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Is this cake overly sweet?

It’s rich and sweet but balanced by the tang of cream cheese and optional salted caramel.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it’s perfect for making a day in advance. The flavors deepen as it rests.

Conclusion

Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a decadent dessert that combines classic richness with a silky caramel finish. With its moist crumb, bold flavor, and beautiful presentation, it’s ideal for holidays, celebrations, or any time you want to impress. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.