Pound Cake With Caramel Frosting
A rich, moist pound cake with a luscious caramel frosting, perfect for gatherings and special occasions, offering buttery flavor with caramel sweetness and a nutty topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter until smooth, then gradually add 2 cups of sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Alternately add flour and half and half to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites at high speed until foamy.
- Gradually add the remaining 2/3 cup sugar to the egg whites, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Frost with easy caramel frosting and garnish with pecan halves if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your butter is truly softened for the best creaming results, as cold or overly melted butter can affect texture. If you're out of half and half, you can mix equal parts milk and cream as a substitute. For a twist, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract for an extra depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the pound cake and serve it with a generous layer of caramel frosting. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. For a delightful contrast, consider offering fresh fruit or a berry compote on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pound Cake With Caramel Frosting contains roughly 628 calories, with 11g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter cake or a gluten-free blend if necessary. Just be mindful that results may vary, and adjustments in baking time might be needed.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake can result from overmixing the batter or not baking it long enough. Make sure to mix just until combined and always check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready, but if it sinks, it may need a little more time.
How can I make the frosting more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your caramel frosting, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a splash of bourbon for a rich twist. You can also incorporate a teaspoon of vanilla extract to complement the caramel and bring out its sweetness even more.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).