If you have a sweet tooth and love the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls combined with rich cream cheese and buttery pecans, then you are absolutely going to adore this Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe. This luscious cake takes the comforting warmth of a cinnamon roll and elevates it into a spectacular pound cake, with swirls of cinnamon sugar, crunchy pecans, and a luxurious caramel drizzle that creates a heavenly treat perfect for any occasion. From breakfast to dessert, this recipe brings smiles and that delightful feeling of homemade goodness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, coming together to create the cake’s tender crumb, moist texture, and irresistible flavor profile. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creamy richness of the cream cheese to the warm spice of cinnamon and the delightful crunch of pecans.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and body to the pound cake.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises evenly with a light texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Adds that classic warm, comforting spice essential to the cinnamon roll theme.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a moist, rich crumb while letting you control the salt.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with the cake’s tender texture.
- Cream cheese, softened: Brings creaminess and a slight tang that makes the cake irresistibly moist.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors with its warm sweetness.
- Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a subtle tang to the batter.
- Chopped pecans: Give a crunchy contrast and nutty depth.
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling): A luscious finishing touch that enriches every bite.
- Brown sugar: Used in the cinnamon swirl for a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl): Amplifies the cinnamon’s aroma and taste in the swirl.
- Butter, melted (for cinnamon swirl): Helps create that gooey, rich cinnamon swirl effect.
How to Make Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan thoroughly to ensure your cake releases beautifully after baking. This step is key for that perfect shape and easy serving later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This combo is your spice foundation and leavening mixture that makes every slice flavorful and light.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This process builds the cake’s tender texture and luscious flavor base.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated for a smooth batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture in thirds, alternating with buttermilk, starting and finishing with the dry. This ensures your batter is well combined without overmixing, keeping the cake tender.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Swirl and Pecan Mixtures
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in one small bowl to create the cinnamon swirl mixture. In another bowl, combine melted butter with chopped pecans. These add both gooey sweetness and nutty crunch to your cake.
Step 7: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over it, then half of the pecan mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl these into the batter for those classic cinnamon roll ribbons. Repeat with the remaining batter and mixtures to complete the layers.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes to set before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Drizzle with Caramel and Serve
Once the cake has cooled, generously drizzle with caramel sauce to add that final touch of decadence. Slice and prepare to dive into one of the best sweet treats you’ll ever taste.
How to Serve Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or an extra handful of toasted pecans sprinkled on top can elevate the visual appeal. For an extra indulgent finish, serve each slice with a small dollop of whipped cream.
Side Dishes
This rich pound cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a creamy latte for breakfast or brunch. It also shines alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for a decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning centerpiece, serve the entire bundt cake on a decorative platter with caramel sauce drizzled generously around it. You can also turn slices into mini trifles layered with whipped cream and caramel for individual servings that wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and fresh, ready for seconds or even thirds!
Freezing
This pound cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm slice portions in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive the soft texture and enhance the aroma of those irresistible cinnamon and caramel flavors.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s tanginess. This helps keep the cake tender and moist.
What type of caramel sauce works best?
Homemade or store-bought caramel sauce both work well. Look for a thick, buttery sauce that isn’t too runny to provide a perfect sticky finish without soaking the cake.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for similar texture. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
How do I prevent the pecans from burning during baking?
Chop the pecans evenly and mix them with melted butter before swirling into the batter; this helps them toast gently rather than burn. Also, keep an eye on the cake in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Is this cake suitable for a brunch menu?
Absolutely! The Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe is a show-stopping, sweet option that’s perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to amaze your family and friends with something both familiar and uniquely delightful, this Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s heartwarming, crowd-pleasing, and just pure joy on a plate. Trust me, once you’ve baked and shared this incredible cake, it’s going to become your new favorite go-to dessert and sweet treat for any special moment.
Print
Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert combining the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with a moist cream cheese pound cake base. Swirled with a cinnamon sugar and pecan mixture, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with luscious caramel sauce, it makes for an unforgettable treat perfect for special occasions or a cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Swirl Mixture
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Topping
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and cream cheese together using a mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three installments, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Swirl Mixtures: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar mixture. In another small bowl, mix the melted butter and chopped pecans together.
- Layer and Swirl Batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, then sprinkle half of the pecan and butter mixture on top. Gently swirl these mixtures into the batter using a knife. Add the remaining batter and repeat the sprinkling and swirling process with the rest of the cinnamon sugar and pecan mixtures.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top. Slice and enjoy this decadent dessert!
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the cake tender and light.
- Use high-quality caramel sauce for a richer flavor and smoother drizzle.
- You can toast the pecans lightly before mixing for extra crunch and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
