This Salted Caramel Pound Cake is a decadent twist on the classic pound cake. It features a rich caramel swirl throughout the cake and is topped with a generous drizzle of salted caramel, making it the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. The buttery, moist texture combined with the sweet and salty flavor of caramel will surely make this cake a hit at any gathering or as an after-dinner treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Cake:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) Butter, softened

  • 1 cup Granulated sugar

  • 4 large Eggs

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ tsp Baking powder

  • 1 tsp Kosher salt

  • ¼ cup Caramel sauce (plus extra for topping)

  • Flaky sea salt for topping

Directions

1. Prepare the Pan:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9”x5” loaf pan with cooking spray.

2. Make the Batter:
   In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

4. Add Caramel Swirl:
   Scrape ¼ of the batter into a separate bowl and fold in the caramel sauce until combined.

5. Layer the Batter:
   Alternately spoon large dollops of the plain batter and caramel batter into the prepared pan. Use a wooden skewer to swirl the two batters together, creating a figure-eight pattern.

6. Bake:
   Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

7. Add the Caramel Topping:
   Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle with more caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 489 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 67g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 56mg

• Sodium: 218mg

• Potassium: 628mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 14g

• Vitamin A: 1530 IU

• Vitamin C: 37mg

• Calcium: 401mg

• Iron: 2mg

This cake is the perfect combination of buttery texture and sweet, salted caramel goodness. Ideal for those with a love for indulgent desserts!

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Pound Cake

There’s something about the combination of butter, sugar, and eggs in a pound cake that makes it so comforting. When you add a rich caramel swirl, topped with a dash of flaky sea salt, you’ve got the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here are a few reasons why this cake is so irresistible:

1. Buttery Moist Texture: Pound cake is known for its rich, dense texture, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The addition of butter makes it incredibly moist, and the cake holds up beautifully when sliced, maintaining its softness while staying firm enough to hold its shape.

2. Indulgent Caramel Flavor: The caramel swirl throughout the cake adds a depth of flavor, making each bite a delightful surprise. It’s not just about the sweetness—it’s the perfect mix of buttery, toasty caramel and a slight saltiness that comes from the salted caramel topping.

3. Sweet and Salty Combo: The contrast between the sweet caramel and the flaky sea salt is what makes this cake truly special. The sea salt enhances the caramel’s flavor and adds a layer of complexity that turns a regular dessert into something extraordinary.

4. Easy to Make: Despite its indulgent flavor, this salted caramel pound cake is easy to prepare. With basic ingredients and simple steps, it’s a great option for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and fun to make.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday gatherings to casual afternoon tea, this cake fits any occasion. It’s a great dessert to share with family and friends, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

How to Make Salted Caramel Pound Cake

Making this Salted Caramel Pound Cake is simple and requires only a few ingredients. The process is straightforward, with a little patience required while the batter bakes to perfection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this sweet and salty masterpiece.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9”x5” loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with baking paper to ensure the cake comes out easily once it’s baked.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes, and it’s essential for creating the airy, moist texture that makes pound cake so beloved.

Add the 4 large eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. The eggs help bind the ingredients together, contributing to the cake’s texture and richness.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. These dry ingredients provide the structure for the cake, helping it rise and bake evenly.

Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, so be sure to stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Caramel Swirl

Scoop ¼ cup of the batter into a separate bowl and fold in ¼ cup of caramel sauce until it’s fully mixed in. This caramel swirl will create pockets of rich flavor throughout the cake. Once the caramel is incorporated into this portion of the batter, you’ll be ready to layer the two batters into the loaf pan.

Step 5: Layer the Batter

Spoon large dollops of the plain batter and the caramel-flavored batter alternately into the prepared loaf pan. Once the batter is layered, use a wooden skewer or knife to gently swirl the two mixtures together in a figure-eight pattern. This creates the beautiful caramel swirl throughout the cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Once baked, let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Then, invert the cake onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely.

Step 7: Add the Caramel Topping

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle more caramel sauce over the top, letting it cascade down the sides of the cake. This adds a decadent sweetness and enhances the cake’s flavor. Finally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel for that perfect sweet-and-salty finish.

Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Pound Cake

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing.

2. Make Your Own Caramel Sauce: If you have the time, making your own caramel sauce can elevate the flavor of this cake. However, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly fine if you’re short on time.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense and less airy.

4. Serving Suggestions: Serve the cake as-is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can even top it with fresh berries for a contrast of flavors.

Conclusion: The Perfect Sweet and Salty Dessert

Salted Caramel Pound Cake is the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. Its buttery, moist texture combined with the sweet, rich caramel swirl and the slight hint of salt from the sea salt topping makes this cake a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering, enjoying it after dinner, or simply savoring a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake will impress everyone who tries it.

Make it for your next celebration or as a special treat for yourself—you won’t regret it!