This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is everything you want in a dessert: buttery, dense, sweet, and indulgently drizzled in silky caramel sauce. With toasted pecans adding a rich crunch and brown sugar delivering deep molasses notes, each bite of this cake feels like pure Southern hospitality baked into a bundt pan. It’s a showstopper for holidays, potlucks, or when you’re just in the mood for something special.
Unlike light and airy cakes, this pound cake embraces its density with pride. It holds up perfectly under the warm caramel glaze, making it ideal for slicing, gifting, or enjoying with your afternoon coffee. Whether it’s the comforting flavor or the golden, glossy finish, this cake is bound to become a family tradition.
What Makes a Pound Cake Extra Moist?
Brown sugar is the secret weapon here. It adds not just sweetness, but moisture and a richer depth of flavor. Combined with sour cream and butter, these ingredients keep the crumb soft, tender, and far from dry. Be sure not to overbake—and always use room temperature ingredients to help everything blend evenly.


Ingredients for the Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake Recipe
- Butter: Softened, for creaming the batter and building richness.
- Brown Sugar: For deep, molasses-like sweetness and extra moisture.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and structure.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and create a tight crumb.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base of the pound cake.
- Baking Powder: Gives the cake just enough lift.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and keeps the cake moist.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, fragrant notes.
- Chopped Pecans: Optional, but highly recommended for texture and nutty richness.
- Caramel Sauce: Poured over the cooled cake for a glossy, decadent finish.
How To Make the Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly, making sure to coat every crevice.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps build structure and creates a smoother batter.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture. Stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans if using.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 70 to 80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before glazing.
Step 8: Drizzle with Caramel
Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle extra pecans for garnish if desired.

How to Serve and Store Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake
Serve slices of this rich pound cake on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. The glossy caramel topping gives it enough sweetness that no frosting is needed. It’s perfect for special occasions, cozy afternoons, or as a dessert centerpiece for your holiday spread.
To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay moist at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw and gently reheat to enjoy.
What to Serve With Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake Recipe?
Vanilla Ice Cream
The cold creaminess complements the rich caramel drizzle perfectly.
Coffee or Espresso
The bold bitterness of coffee cuts the sweetness of the cake just right.
Whipped Cream
A light and fluffy addition that adds a creamy contrast.
Salted Caramel Sauce
Double up the caramel flavor with an extra drizzle.
Roasted Pears
Add a warm fruit component that pairs naturally with the cake’s nuttiness.
Candied Pecans
A crunchy topping that mirrors the pecans inside the cake.
Bourbon Sauce
For adults, a splash of bourbon-infused sauce elevates each bite.
Want More Sweet Bakes with Southern Charm?
If this Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake hit the sweet spot, you’ll love these other irresistibly rich desserts:
- Cozy up with a slice of Southern Banana Pudding—it’s creamy, nostalgic, and always a hit.
- Try the nutty perfection of Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for bite-sized indulgence.
- This Cast Iron Skillet Peach Cobbler is packed with juicy fruit and topped with a buttery crust.
- You can’t go wrong with Brown Sugar Maple Cookies if you crave warm fall flavors.
- Craving cake with crunch? Don’t miss our Lemon Churro Cookies for a citrus twist on a classic.
Save This Pin For Later
Don’t let this Southern gem get lost in your feed. Pin it to your dessert board now and come back when you’re ready to treat yourself or impress a crowd.
Tried it with a swirl of cinnamon or a bourbon glaze? Share your twist in the comments below!
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
Description
This Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is a Southern dream in dessert form — rich, dense, buttery, and dripping in warm caramel sauce. Toasted pecans offer just the right crunch while sour cream and brown sugar keep every bite moist and deeply flavorful. Whether you need a show-stopping dessert for a holiday gathering or a cozy slice with your coffee, this cake is packed with indulgence and nostalgic charm. Perfect for dessert tables, gifting, or any moment that calls for something sweet and memorable.
Ingredients
1 cup butter softened
2 cups brown sugar packed
1 cup granulated sugar
5 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans optional
1 cup caramel sauce for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
2. Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
4. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture in 3 parts, alternating with sour cream.
6. Stir in vanilla extract and pecans if using.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake 70 to 80 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
10. Cool completely and drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake.
Notes
Let the cake cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the caramel.
Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce for a salted caramel finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: caramel pound cake, brown sugar bundt cake, Southern dessert
