Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Add Eggs One at a Time: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Bake: 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.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Soft Caramel Glaze
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add Brown Sugar and Cream: Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Allow the glaze to cool slightly until it thickens to a pourable consistency.
Step 3: Glaze the Pound Cake
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the soft caramel glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides of the cake for a beautiful finish.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve with extra caramel sauce on the side, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth, creamy batter.
- Do Not Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cake in the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the cake.
- Caramel Glaze Thickness: If the caramel glaze is too thick, stir in a bit more heavy cream to thin it out.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Soft Caramel Glaze is the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. The richness of the pound cake paired with the smooth, buttery caramel glaze is a match made in heaven. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just as a special treat, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tries it!