Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing

Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing is a delightful dessert that combines rich flavors and a moist texture, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake stands out with its unique buttermilk and sour cream blend. The luscious Southern caramel icing adds an extra touch of sweetness that complements the dense pound cake beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist Texture: The combination of buttermilk and sour cream ensures this cake remains incredibly moist.
• Rich Flavor: With layers of buttery goodness and sweet caramel, each bite is full of flavor.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon tea.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Impressive Presentation: The bundt shape and glossy icing make it look stunning on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating this delicious cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Bundt pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Bundt pan: This unique shape not only looks elegant but also helps the cake bake evenly.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming the butter and sugar to achieve that fluffy texture.

Ingredients

For the Pound Cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp
• 1 cup vegetable shortening (like Crisco)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs, room temp
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup full-fat buttermilk, room temp
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

For the Southern Caramel Icing

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 to 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325F (163C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or use baking spray with flour to ensure easy release after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Shortening

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, vegetable shortening, and granulated sugar until fluffy. This should take about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition for even mixing.

Step 4: Sift Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 6: Alternate Mixing

Gradually add the dry ingredients and wet mixture into the creamed butter mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until incorporated.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Bake in preheated oven for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Southern Caramel Icing

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in light brown sugar and cook for about 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly.

Step 10: Add Cream & Boil

Stir in heavy cream (or evaporated milk) and a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil; let it simmer for an additional two minutes while stirring frequently.

Step 11: Finish It Off

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow it to cool slightly before whisking in powdered sugar until smooth and pourable.

Step 12: Glaze the Cake

Once your pound cake has cooled completely, pour the caramel icing over it. If it thickens too quickly, gently warm it back up or thin it out with a splash of cream.

Enjoy your delicious Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing!

How to Serve Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing

Serving Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing is all about enhancing its rich flavors and delightful texture. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious cake for any occasion.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice plain or topped with the luscious Southern caramel icing.

Fruit Compote

• Pair the pound cake with a warm fruit compote made from berries or peaches to add a fresh, tangy element.

Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream for an airy contrast to the dense cake.

Ice Cream Scoop

• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Coffee or Tea

• Present slices of the cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.

Festive Garnish

• Decorate with chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor.

How to Perfect Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing

Achieving the perfect Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out deliciously every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter, eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.

• Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before turning it out onto a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure.

• Adjust Icing Consistency: If your icing thickens too much, warm it slightly or add a splash of cream to achieve the desired pourable consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing

Enhancing your dining experience with side dishes can elevate your enjoyment of Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and acidity that complements the sweetness of the cake.

2. Citrus Salad: A bright citrus salad featuring oranges and grapefruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pound cake.

3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice creates an indulgent dessert option that chocolate lovers will adore.

4. Caramelized Bananas: Sautéed bananas in brown sugar make for a decadent topping that pairs beautifully with both the cake and icing.

5. Almond Biscotti: Serve crunchy almond biscotti on the side for dipping into coffee or tea alongside your cake slices.

6. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add a tropical twist that complements the flavors of buttermilk and caramel beautifully.

7. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp topped with oats brings comforting fall flavors that work well with pound cake’s richness.

8. Vanilla Yogurt: A dollop of creamy vanilla yogurt offers a light tanginess that balances out the sweetness of both the cake and icing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to a dense cake. Always ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a light texture.

• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Packing flour into the measuring cup can result in too much flour, making the cake dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined to keep your pound cake tender and fluffy.

• Ignoring Oven Temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

• Rushing the Cooling Process: Removing the cake from the pan too soon can cause it to break. Let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• • Container: Use a sealed cake dome or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Freezing Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing

• • Duration: You can freeze the pound cake for up to 3 months.
• • Container: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for extra protection.

Reheating Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake unique?

The combination of buttermilk and sour cream adds moisture and richness, resulting in a tender crumb and delicious flavor.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can replace buttermilk with yogurt or milk mixed with vinegar. Ensure any substitutes maintain similar fat content.

How do I know when my pound cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pound cake stores well and even tastes better after resting for a day or two.

How do I customize my Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake?

You can add citrus zest, nuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment!

Final Thoughts

This Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing is not only delicious but also versatile enough to customize according to your taste. Perfect for gatherings or as an everyday treat, you’re sure to impress family and friends. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!