Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake is a delightful treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the rich, creamy goodness of pound cake. This cake brings together the smoothness of cream cheese, the sweetness of caramel, and a hint of spice, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a cozy afternoon at home, this cake is bound to impress.
What You’ll Need for Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed (cinnamon swirl)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (cinnamon swirl)
- ¼ cup melted butter (cinnamon swirl)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (for the glaze)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (for the glaze)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream (for the glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
Step-by-Step Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake Recipe
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake comes out easily.
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Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the ¾ cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, and ¼ cup melted butter. Set this mixture aside; it will create a delightful swirl in your cake.
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Mix the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 8 oz softened cream cheese, and 2 ½ cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 5 minutes.
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Add the Eggs: Introduce the 5 large eggs, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. This will help to incorporate air and create a light texture.
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Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
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Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Finally, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
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Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Then, spoon the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over that layer. Use a knife to swirl it gently into the batter.
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Finish with the Remaining Batter: Add the remaining batter on top, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
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Bake the Cake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 70 to 80 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool the Cake: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the Glaze: For the glaze, melt ½ cup unsalted butter in a saucepan. Add 1 cup packed light brown sugar and ⅓ cup heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and then whisk in 1 cup sifted powdered sugar until smooth.
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Drizzle and Set: Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake and allow it to set before slicing.
The Best Way to Serve It
For serving, slice the Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake into generous pieces. You can enjoy it plain or even warm it slightly in the microwave for a molten effect. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the flavors perfectly, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dessert or indulgent breakfast treat.
Expert Tips for Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend together smoothly.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze slices for longer-lasting enjoyment.
- Add-ins: For an extra twist, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for more texture.
Common Questions About Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and keep it covered. Just add the glaze right before serving for the best flavor.
Q: Why is my pound cake dense?
A: A dense pound cake can result from over-mixing the batter. Mix until just combined for a lighter texture.
Q: Can I substitute the cream cheese?
A: Yes! If you prefer, you can use mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor, although it may alter the texture slightly.
Indulge in a slice of this delectable Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake, and you may just find it becoming a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the rich flavors, and happy baking!