If you adore the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls, rich cream cheese, buttery pecans, and luscious caramel, then the Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe is going to become your new obsession. This cake perfectly marries the fluffiness of a classic pound cake with the indulgent swirls of cinnamon sugar, crunchy pecans, and the sweet drizzle of caramel sauce, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is show-stopping. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a decadent treat, this recipe promises slices of pure delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role — from the tender crumb created by the cream cheese and buttermilk to the warm spice of cinnamon and the rich crunch of toasted pecans. These simple yet essential components come together beautifully to bring out the full character of the Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure without weighing it down.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a perfect, tender height.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that adds warm, aromatic depth.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and contributes to a moist crumb.
- Cream cheese, softened: Gives a creamy texture and tangy flavor that makes this pound cake truly special.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure while keeping the cake tender.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the crumb and adds subtle tanginess; it’s a game-changer.
- Chopped pecans: Toasted to add crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Caramel sauce: For drizzling on top, elevating the cake with that gooey, buttery sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Used in the cinnamon swirl to add deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Mixed with brown sugar for that classic cinnamon roll swirl.
- Butter, melted: Helps bind the cinnamon swirl ingredients and adds richness.
How to Make Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to a moderate 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan to ensure your cake bakes evenly and releases effortlessly after baking. This careful preparation sets the stage for your perfectly shaped cake.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together. This step ensures your cinnamon is evenly dispersed while the leavening and salt are perfectly balanced, which helps create layers of flavor and a light crumb in your pound cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cream Cheese
Using a large mixing bowl, beat together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy—about three to four minutes. This mixture is the foundation of your pound cake’s signature moistness and tangy richness.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time to the creamy mixture, making sure each egg is fully blended before adding the next to maintain a silky batter. Stir in vanilla extract for a fragrant, mellow sweetness that complements the cinnamon and caramel notes.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Gently fold in the dry ingredients with the buttermilk in three parts, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This alternating method keeps the batter light and tender, ensuring your pound cake has the perfect soft texture without becoming dense.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl and Pecan Mixtures
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to create the luscious cinnamon swirl, while in another bowl, combine melted butter and chopped pecans. These two mixtures bring texture and visual appeal while layering the cake with that classic cinnamon roll flavor and crunchy pecan crunch.
Step 7: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half the cake batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar and pecan mixtures evenly on top. Use a knife to gently swirl these layers into the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and toppings. This creates beautiful, enticing ribbons of cinnamon and pecan throughout your pound cake.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. During baking, the enticing aromas of cinnamon and caramel will fill your kitchen, signaling that your Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe is nearly ready to delight.
Step 9: Cool and Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, generously drizzle with caramel sauce for that extra indulgent finish that perfectly crowns this dessert masterpiece.
How to Serve Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate each slice of this cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of extra toasted pecans to add crunch and visual appeal. A dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into a decadent treat that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This pound cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a berry compote, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweet richness of the cake. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea complements the cinnamon and caramel layers perfectly, making for a cozy and satisfying snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving slices of this cake with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of finely chopped, toasted pecans. Alternatively, create mini cake trifle cups by layering chunks of the pound cake with whipped cream and caramel sauce — it’s a crowd-pleaser with a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pound cake keeps beautifully at room temperature, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, where it stays moist for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is an option but be aware it may slightly dry the cake, so bringing it back to room temperature before serving is best.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cake wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before serving to preserve its luscious texture.
Reheating
For that just-baked feeling, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This refreshes the cake’s soft crumb and revives the gooey charm of its cinnamon and caramel swirls.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for buttermilk, the slight tang and tender texture buttermilk provides are hard to replicate. This small tweak greatly enhances the final result in this particular pound cake.
How do I ensure the cinnamon swirl stays evenly distributed?
Swirling gently with a knife in layers, rather than overmixing, helps maintain distinct ribbons of cinnamon sugar throughout the cake. Resist the urge to stir too vigorously—this is key for the lovely visual and flavor contrast.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans from the recipe and consider adding a bit more cinnamon swirl or even some raisins for texture. The cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful without the nuts.
Is it necessary to use a bundt pan?
A bundt or tube pan is ideal because it allows the cake to bake evenly, particularly with its dense batter and swirls. However, you could use a loaf pan, but expect a longer baking time and a more compact shape.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, but be sure to let it come to room temperature and give it a gentle stir before layering it into your pan to maintain the best rise and texture.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to indulgent desserts that combine cozy flavors with comforting textures, the Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe is a winner every time. Sharing this cake with friends and family easily turns any moment into a celebration of home-baked goodness. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice (or two) of this utterly delicious pound cake — you won’t regret it!
Print
Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a decadent, moist treat that combines the rich flavors of cinnamon rolls and cream cheese pound cake with a swirl of pecans and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent dessert moments.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Swirl Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Finishing
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan thoroughly 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 until evenly combined. Set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This ensures a light texture in the final cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor depth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to maintain cake tenderness.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl and Pecan Mixtures: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl. In another small bowl, mix the melted butter with the chopped pecans to create the nutty swirl component.
- Layer Batter and Swirls: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, followed by half of the pecan mixture. Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar and pecans into the batter. Pour the remaining cake batter on top and repeat the sprinkle and swirl process with the remaining cinnamon sugar and pecan mixture.
- 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. This ensures the cake is fully cooked but still moist.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the top of the cake generously with caramel sauce. Slice and enjoy this rich, flavorful dessert.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother batter.
- Do not overmix after adding the dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake texture.
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon sugar and pecans gently to create a marbled effect without overblending.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling caramel to prevent it from melting off.
- Storage: Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For added flavor, lightly toast the pecans before mixing with melted butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
