Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake – Decadent & Swirled
Introduction
This Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines the buttery crumb of pound cake with a cinnamon‑sugar swirl and a luscious caramel glaze. It’s the kind of cake that feels cozy yet elegant—perfect for holidays, brunches, or whenever you want a show‑stopping treat.
Ingredients
Pound Cake
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2½ cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs, room temperature
3 cups all‑purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup melted butter
Caramel Glaze
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
Step 2: Make Pound Cake Batter
Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt separately. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing gently.
Step 3: Cinnamon Swirl
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Step 4: Assemble
Pour half the batter into pan. Spoon cinnamon swirl mixture over batter. Top with remaining batter. Swirl gently with a knife for marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 60–70 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Step 6: Caramel Glaze
In saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Stir in cream and vanilla. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat, whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 7: Finish
Drizzle warm caramel glaze over cooled cake. Let set slightly before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
Room‑temp ingredients: Ensures smooth batter.
Don’t overmix: Keeps cake tender.
Extra swirl: Double the cinnamon mixture for stronger flavor.
Storage: Wrap tightly; keeps 3 days at room temp or freeze up to 2 months.
Variations
Apple Cinnamon Pound Cake: Add diced apples to swirl.
Salted Caramel Glaze: Sprinkle sea salt over glaze.
Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add cocoa powder to swirl.
Mini Bundts: Bake in mini pans for individual servings.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Pair with coffee or chai latte.
Slice thick and drizzle extra caramel for indulgence.
Garnish with pecans or walnuts for crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use low‑fat cream cheese?
Full‑fat works best for texture, but low‑fat can be used.
Q: Can I make ahead?
Yes, bake and glaze the next day for freshest flavor.
Q: Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but the caramel glaze elevates the cake.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 60–70 minutes
Total Time: ~1½ hours
Servings: 12–14
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake is a decadent fusion of creamy pound cake, spiced swirl, and buttery caramel glaze. It’s indulgent, comforting, and guaranteed to impress.