Step 1: Cream the butter, shortening & sugar
Mix until light and fluffy to create the perfect pound cake foundation.
Step 2: Add the eggs
Add eggs one at a time to ensure a smooth and rich batter.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
Step 4: Add dry ingredients alternately with milk
Alternate flour mixture and milk into the batter, ending with flour. Add vanilla.
Step 5: Bake the cake
Pour into a greased Bundt pan and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 75–90 minutes. Cool completely.
Step 6: Make the caramel icing
Melt butter, add brown sugar, and cook gently until melted. Add milk, boil 2 minutes, remove from heat. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Step 7: Glaze the cake
Pour warm caramel icing over the cake so it sinks perfectly into every groove.
Ingredients
For the Pound Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup shortening
3 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
For the Caramel Icing:
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup whole milk
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation
Step 1: Cream the butter, shortening & sugar
Mix until light and fluffy to create the perfect pound cake foundation.
Step 2: Add the eggs
Add eggs one at a time to ensure a smooth and rich batter.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
Step 4: Add dry ingredients alternately with milk
Alternate flour mixture and milk into the batter, ending with flour. Add vanilla.
Step 5: Bake the cake
Pour into a greased Bundt pan and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 75–90 minutes. Cool completely.
Step 6: Make the caramel icing
Melt butter, add brown sugar, and cook gently until melted. Add milk, boil 2 minutes, remove from heat. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Step 7: Glaze the cake
Pour warm caramel icing over the cake so it sinks perfectly into every groove.
Variations
Salted Caramel Pound Cake: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Pecan Caramel Pound Cake: Add toasted pecans inside the batter or sprinkle them on top.
Caramel Cream Cheese Filling: Add a cream cheese layer inside the batter for extra richness.
Cooking Note
Do not rush the caramel icing — slow melting prevents grainy texture.
Conclusion
Southern Caramel Pound Cake is the definition of comfort food baking — simple ingredients, deep flavor, and a caramel icing that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether for holidays, family gatherings, or Sunday supper, this cake is guaranteed to be the star of the table.
