Indulge in this rich and buttery pound cake, filled with ribbons of homemade caramel swirl throughout. A true showstopper for any special occasion or as a luxurious dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously buttery: A soft, fluffy pound cake with the perfect crumb.

• Homemade caramel: The caramel swirl adds a rich, indulgent flavor that’s hard to resist.

• Elegant presentation: The swirls of caramel make this cake both beautiful and mouthwatering.

• Perfect for special occasions: Serve it at birthdays, holidays, or any event that needs a sweet touch.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2¾ cups granulated sugar

• 6 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

For the Caramel Swirl:

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 75–85 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12–14 servings

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt or tube pan.

2. Prepare the caramel swirl: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and cream. Cook over medium heat until smooth and bubbly, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Remove from heat: Stir in vanilla extract and salt, and let the caramel cool slightly.

4. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.

5. Add eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

7. Add dry ingredients and buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture.

8. Layer the cake and caramel: Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Drizzle half of the caramel swirl over the batter and gently swirl with a knife.

9. Add remaining batter: Spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer and drizzle with the rest of the caramel swirl. Swirl again lightly with the knife.

10. Bake: Bake for 75–85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

11. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Optional: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cooled cake for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

• Don’t skip the caramel cooling: Allow the caramel to cool slightly before adding it to the batter; it helps prevent it from sinking to the bottom.

• Swirl gently: Over-swirling can mix the caramel too much with the batter. A light hand with the knife ensures beautiful ribbon-like swirls.

• For extra richness: Add a bit of brown butter to the batter or frosting for a nutty flavor.

• Serve with whipped cream or ice cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with sour cream or yogurt for a similar tang and moisture. If using milk, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a similar acidity.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! After baking and cooling, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw completely before serving.

How can I make the caramel swirl thicker?
For a thicker caramel swirl, reduce the heavy cream slightly while cooking or add more brown sugar.

Is the almond extract necessary?
No, almond extract is optional. It adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the caramel, but it can be skipped if you prefer a purer vanilla taste.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Swirl Buttermilk Mile High Pound Cake is an irresistible treat, offering the perfect balance of rich cake and indulgent caramel. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a decadent dessert, this cake delivers both flavor and elegance in every bite.