Caramel Pound Cake & 100th Post Give-A-Way
By Kim Morgan • Nov 20th, 2008 • Category: Desserts, Give-a-ways
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It is hard to believe that this is my 100th post! It seems like it was yesterday when I made my attempt to create a blog, learning how to navigate and set up all the components. I can’t even remember when or why the idea came to me to do this. But it did and I most grateful for it.
Not only have I gotten back into cooking, but I have made lots of friends and am grateful for the encouragement by all to follow my dreams. I am still not totally clear as to my calling- but I do believe I am going in the right direction. You my dear friends have cheered me on with your words of encouragement.
Juggling a full time job, family, life, cooking and writing has been a challenge so today’s post is a landmark and an accomplishment. It is only fitting that we celebrate with a cake, not any old cake mind you. This is my favorite Southern Pound Cake to date, and I say that without trying them all, but- I have made this two times within the last week and it moves to the number one favorite cake space on my list.
This Southern Caramel Pound Cake is for me everything that you would want in a cake- buttery, light yet dense, moist, melts in your mouth, delicate yet flavorful and of course smells incredible while baking in the oven. You can also grab a slice and eat it with your hand, as no fork is needed should you want to forgo one.
It is a big batter cake so the first time I used a 8″, 6″, and a 4″ pan (springform round). I filled it with generous portions and had an overspill in the oven. This didn’t affect the taste, but I so need a new serated knife as mine wasn’t great in trimming the tops even. Making due, I frosted it as suggested, though don’t let your frosting get too cool or it will be hard to spread.
Be prepared to work quickly, frosting the top as it sets rapidly. The sides were easy enough to do and smoothed out fine. This is a pound cake so I was not seeking perfect, just good and wholesome. Mine did not need 2 hours to set before trying some, by the time the last cake was frosted, the first cake was set.
For the round cakes- I lined the bottom and 1″ around the side with buttered parchment paper. This made for easy removal and handling of the cake. I like to use brown parchment paper from Whole Foods.
This cake keeps well in the refrigerator for weeks, but must be eaten at room temperature or it tastes like you are eating a butter stick. Which you are since there is a pound of butter between both recipes. This is quite different from a traditional pound cake in that it has a pound cake flavor but the texture is lighter than most pound cakes I have sampled.
Next time around, I am going to try using a bundt pan in smaller 6″ and 8″ sizes dripping the frosting while warm on top rather than spreading it. Be forewarned the Caramel Icing is sweet-you do not need much. In fact after drizzling on my 6 mini bundt cakes, frosting a 4″, 6″ and 8′ cake (sides and bottom) I still have leftovers. Cutting in half might be the answer.
Now for the giveaway- As a thank you and gesture of appreciation- one of my favorite cookbooks BON APETIT, Y’ALL by Virginia Willis and two teal/green tea towels, along with a Caramel Pound Cake will be sent to one lucky winner. Just leave a comment making sure that you leave me your email if you don’t have a site.
Give-a-way ends on Saturday, November 22nd- midnight. Since my family is a source of the loving support, you are eligible to enter this contest. Should your random number be chosen, I will send you a Caramel Pound Cake and choose a second winner for the Cookbook, Tea Towels and a Pound Cake.
What’s up next Sunday- someone has to make the Fruitcakes before Xmas, and I have taken on the task of transforming the most picked on Holiday dessert into a treasured Holiday dessert. This poor cake has a bad rap, when in truth, the real deal made from scratch can’t be beat. It must be made 1 month before consumption and Sunday’s post is dedicated to Fruit Cakes-all 12 pounds of them.
Good luck to all and I will announce the winner and post my step by step Fruitcakes on Sunday November 23rd.
P.S. If the winner would like a Fruit Cake in place of the Caramel Pound Cake- it will be our little secret to save you the embarrassment of being a Fruit Cake fan.
CARAMEL POUND CAKE
James Villas, The Gift of Southern Cooking
For the cake-
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
1 ½ cups cup granulated sugar
3 sticks butter, softened
6 large eggs
1 ½ cups milk
For the icing-
8 tablespoons butter
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
½ cup whole milk
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 10 inch tube or Bundt pan with butter and set aside.
To make the cake, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl and set aside. In another large mixing bowl, cream together the two sugars and butter with an electric mixer, then add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition till well blended. Alternately, add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed mixture and beat till well blended and smooth.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake till a knife inserted in the center comes out almost clean, about 1 hour. (Do not over bake)
Cool the cake on a rack for 10 minutes, and then turn it out onto the rack to cool completely.
To make the icing, melt the butter in a large heavy saucepan over low heat, then add the brown sugar and milk and stirring, bring the mixture almost to a boil.
Remove from the heat and let cool. Stir in the vanilla, then gradually add the confectioner’s sugar and stir till well blended and smooth.
Transfer the cake to a cake plate and ice the top and sides using a heavy knife or rubber spatula. Let the cake stand at least 2 hours before serving.
Wrapped tightly in foil and kept in the refrigerator the cake keeps for weeks without loosing flavor and its moistness.
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Kim Morgan is the aspiring writer, photographer & passionate cook of ayankeeinasouthernkitchen.com; she is currently cooking Southern food, one stick of butter at a time.
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The caramel cake looks delicious!
Your cake looks wonderful. I can smell and taste the caramel, I can’t wait to bake this cake.
Looks yummy! Congrats on your 100th post!! I’ve been quietly loving observing your journey. Thanks for sharing your passion(s).
That is a lovely cake–simple and delicious but also open to interpretation. I’m already imagining how to vary it (ribbons of caramel running through the cake, swirls of apple butter in the icing, egg-nog flavoring, etc.) Thanks for the delicious inspiration!
Congratulations on your delicious blog’s bday! Wow, does that caramel cake look amazing. I had to LOL about eating it at room temp though!
I think I’ve expressed how much I want this cookbook about 18 times on your blog
Great giveway! Have you visited my blog yet for my current giveaway?
mmm…This cake looks like the stuff dreams are made of – I may have to add it to my Thanksgiving menu.
Mmmmmm, caramel cake. It was a family holiday staple (next to the pecan and jam pies, of course). Looks delish! A happy sugar coma awaits you after eating.
Congrats on your 100th post!
Congrats! So excited for the giveaway!! Fingers crossed because I’d really love to have that cookbook.
This cake looks phenomenal!! Our family makes a 3-Flavor Pound Cake from the Austin Jr. League cookbook that has been a long-time favorite… Your recipe looks like it could be a contender against it though!
I am drooling over this cake! I’m going to have to make this one! Beautiful pictures, as usual! You never dissapoint, your posts are worth the wait!
That cake looks absolutely amazing! I agree about eating cakes at room temperature, it makes all the difference in the world for its texture!
And congrats on 100 posts – to 100 more!
100 Congrats to you!! Found your blog on the right day I see
I usually make one of Southern Living’s pound cakes but it doesn’t have that yummy looking icing. Your’s looks scrumptious..can’t wait to try it!
feel free to treat me like family and just send me the cake should I win! I am new to your blog, but loved it instantly. I am looking forward to reading your next 100 posts.
I have always wanted to try caramel cake!
A pound of butter for the cake, and a pound of butter for the icing? Sounds like my kind of dessert.
This cake looks wonderful!
Congratulations on your 100th post, and I’d love to be entered!
Oh my but this cake looks wonderful!
Looks wonderful. I love caramel. I’ve had a hard time finding a pound cake that is a moist as my old standby sour cream pound cake though.Is this one moist?
This looks to die for, especially the icing. I have such a weakness for caramel!
Fantastic! That scrumptious cake looks delicious! I love caramel…
Cheers,
Rosa
Love your blog!! Congrats on the 100 mark!!! The cake sounds delicious and I love cookbooks!
SO YUMMY!! Can’t wait to make this. congrats on your 100th post, I have truly enjoyed waiting for each new post, as has my family as they get to taste each new recipe. Now off to the kitchen to make pound cake!
Good morning. This cake is for sure on the menu for Thanksgiving. Thanks!
WOW! This one I have to try. It looks amazing and delicious!
Wow, this cake looks SO decadent. I’ve bookmarked more than a few of your posts to try at some point in the future- those bacon buttermilk pralines will hopefully make an appearance at Christmas this year… Keep the posts coming, they’re wonderful!
As always I enjoy your recipes. I haven’t made a pound cake in awhile- the last one I made was an apricot-ginger pound cake with a rum glaze. Your recipe today looks delicious – I think I’m going to have to try it!
Oh, and congratulations on your 100th post!
Your pound cake looks and sounds divine. I’m fairly certain it taste even better!
Congrats on your 100 post!!
~ingrid
this cake looks a-mazing! i will definitely be trying this recipe.
Wow, that thick frosting looks killer, OMg, just amazing, what a way to celebrate 100 posts thank you.
You make me soo hungry every time a recipe of yours pops up in my RSS feed!
Considering my mother is a horrible cook – I’ve had no one to show me the ropes of the kitchen. I’ve started to cook/bake more in preparation for the holidays…and because I figure I should probably learn pretty well before my boyfriend makes an honest woman of me and we start a real family (the cats are picky and don’t like most of my cooking, unless it includes lots of meat!)
I LOVE your photos that accompany your recipes – they give me so much inspiration!
Congrats on #100! Here’s to 100 more!
I just found your website yesterday and woooweeeee am I excited! I can’t wait to make this cake, it sounds and looks so delicious. Happy 100th!
What a gorgeous cake! Absolutely dreamy!
That looks so good! I just tried making caramels three or four days ago, but they came out to be more of the tooth-breaking variety than the soft, chewy, delicious variety. This recipe will definitely go in the recipe box for my next caramel adventure!
I really enjoy reading your food blog, and getting inspired. Your photos really show off the beautiful crumb of the caramel cake, and makes me want to bake! Congrats on your 100th post, and looking forward to reading more!!
Looks gorgeous!
Hi, I found your website through tastespotting and couldn’t wait to read the recipe. If it tastes half as delicious as it looks I’m all over it! You’ve got yourself a new fan!
A pound of butter…I feel a little Paula Deen”ish” but I like her. It seems to be that the frosting would be very fudgelike:D
Looks like the one my Cousin Hattie used to make. I’m going to have to try this. Congrats on your 100th post! Will come back when I can set a spell longer.
I’m a fairly new reader, love your blog!
Your pound cake looks delish! I have just enough Browned Butter frosting left over from some pumpkin cookies I made this week, it’ll be perfect turned into a glaze for this awesome-looking cake.
(BTW, I am a closet fruitcake lover. Done right, it’s practically addictive. It is a much-maligned and misunderstood humble and earthy
confection. )
I love that poundcake. And that cakestand is too cute! Congrats on your post! I’m glad you revitilized your love of cooking!
Oh wow, you’re sending the actual cake! We want! =D
Congrats on the 100th post!
I love all things cakey and all things caramel – so what could be better! Looks great!
Wow, that cake looks amazing! Trying real hard not to chew on my monitor.
That’s one beautiful cake. Congrats on your 100th post.
Congrats on your 100th post! I’ve been reading your blog for about a month now, great work
This caramel pound cake looks delicious, it has now made it to my must try list. Thank you for sharing!
My husband loves carmel – I think I will surprise him with this tomorrow!
Goodness, is it bad to be so happy to see a recipe from a book I have and sign “Wow, I’ll have to bake this cake but I won’t have to buy the book.”
)
This sounds terrific!
I want to win this – that pound cake looks incredible!!!
That looks so incredibly good! I have never made a poundcake before…and yet I have all those ingredients in my kitchen. Like, right now! Okay, this is on the short list of to-do-this-week. Thanks for sharing, and congrats on number 100!!!
That caramel pound cake looks delicious, Kim!!!
And I have to admit that I am looking forward to the fruit cake post. I have lots of recipes, but I’d rather have one that you have tested, so I know it won’t end up as a door stopper!
That looks so good I want to dip a spoon right into the batter!
Congratulations, mom! I can’t believe you’ve already had 100 posts. I love every one. I can’t wait to see you over the holidays!
What a wonderful cake! I can’t wait to try it. Pound cake is my oldest son’s favorite dessert and I want to surprise him with it when he comes home from college. Congratulations on your 100th post.
This recipe looks absolutely delicious!
That cake looks delicious! Congrats on 100 posts! Everything you make looks so good
Thank you for this recipe! It will get made and eaten in no time flat! AND, I too have a wonderful fruitcake recipe – will post it as well – we traditionally make ours the day after Thanksgiving, with the fruit bathing in rum for 48 hours before. And yes, I am still writing you an e-mail!
Wow! A 100 posts – I think I am at about 4 or 5. You have an amazing website and are the true Southern Cook!!!
This cake looks stunning. I was looking on the Internet today for a dessert to take for Thanksgiving dinner (the family is not big on pumpkin…) and this might just do the trick. Who could resist this? Love your blog – I’m am a transplanted southerner living in Nebraska – so I appreciate the southern recipes. Congrats on your 100th post. If I should get so lucky as to win my e-mail is trishinomaha (at)gmail (dot)com.
Thanks,
Trish
This is sinful Kim. The cake, the frosting…the combination must be unbelieveable. The frosting looks fudgey, I would probably eat half of it with a spoon! Happy 100th post! I’m looking forward to the fruitcake post, your right it definetly gets a bad rap.
Happy 100th post!!! That cake looks great, and I love fruitcake too!
Just beautiful! I am in love with the looks of this cake!
You have fabulous timing! I’ve been craving my great grandmother’s caramel pound cake for weeks, but we can’t find the recipe anywhere. This looks really similar, so I’ll definitely try it.
Congrats on your 100th post! I really enjoy your site.
This pound cake looks beautiful. I had just completed my search for the perfect caramel cake and now this. Doh! I settled for a buttermilk cake to use as a vehicle for my Penuche fudge recipe that I adapted for the frosting. It’s outstanding, but yours is an actual caramel cake, so I’ve got to give this a whirl! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Wow, this is a keeper for sure. I have got to try this recipe for Thanksgiving. Just reading it makes my mouth water!
Ooh I want to make this drool-worthy cake for Thanskgiving! Thanks for sharing this recipe:)
Congrats on your 100th post!
I may have to add this to my T-giving menu. I have not had real caramel cake in years!
Congrats on your 100th post! I would’ve guessed you had many more since your site looks so professional & wonderful!
GORGEOUS cake! Someone’s going to be a very lucky winner.
Don’t put me in the drawing but I just wanted to come by and wish you a happy next 100th!
Cheers.
xo
The cake looks awesome.
Ahhhh, that looks SO good, and it is going straight to this southerner’s holiday “to-bake” list! I’ve been looking for an awesome caramel frosting recipe, too! Thanks!
Congratulations on your 100th- this cake looks incredible; definitely on my ‘must try’ list! Keep these great posts comin’!
God Bless you on your 100th post! I have enjoyed your site soooo much, and have made, and shared, so much from it. I appreciate your devotion, commitment, and your Faith in every bite I take! You’ll make a Southerner out of me yet! {{{Hugs}}} Janet
Gorgeous Kim! I like the size and height of the cake and I love the footed plate too
Congrats on 100 posts! It is a lot to balance, but all worth it! Especially when you bring us a gorgeous cake like this one!
Congratulations on your 100th post Kim! Thanks for the giveaway. I really enjoy your site, and will definitely make the cake. Take care, Michele
The cake looks fantastic! Perfect to take to my Southern in-laws.
Looks great!
I’ve had my eye on this cookbook for a while now. Count me in.
I have that cookbook checked out from the library. It’s great. Thanks for the chance to win one.
ktstarre@hotmail.com
oh kim. a more glorious pound cake i have NEVER seen. that caramel icing is the bees knees, and frankly, i’m afraid to make this for fear that i’d eat it all at once.
Love your website. That cake looks AMAZING! Can’t wait to try it!
This looks totally awesome. I will try this soon. Love your recipes.
I like the Bundt pan idea to help cut back on the frosting. This is a must-try recipe! Congratulations on your 100th!
I look forward to receiving your emails with latest recipes! This is a must try – Thank you for sharing your recipes and for your website!
I love caramel and love pound cake. WOW what a combo!! Can’t wait to try this.
This cake looks fantastic – caramel is my greatest weakness when it comes to treats. Think I’ll make this cake while my husband is at work, hide it and eat it all myself!! Well, maybe not – you do such a great job of sharing your recipes, expertise, and dreams with us that I guess it’s only fair I do the same and share this with my husband
YUM YUM YUM!!! I will be making this cake for sure (especially if I don’t win one
)
WOW- who could refuse that? Sounds delicious and at the same time educational. And I wil definitely need those tea towels to salivate into. My goodness that cake looks fabulous.
I was a Yankee in Abbeville, SC for almost a year. Now I have to explore your blog!
The cake looks great — as do the other recipes I’ve seen here. Congrats on your 100th post.
That cake is so beautiful!
I hope I win!
Awesome cake…this is beautiful!!!
And congrats on the 100th POST!!!
YAY
whoa
ok – eneter me as family. because i want THAT cake
seriously… not kidding
caramel pound cake
sign me up
and then the wonderful book can go to winner #2 because i share like that. the book. not the cake. get away from my cake. geeshk….
You know, as a college student *finally* in an apartment (a kitchen at last!), I’ve gone a little crazy making food for myself and my friends. In fact, we’re having a get-together here at my place and making baked goods tomorrow
Now that I see your recipe, I’m sure I have to try it out in my shiny new bundt pan!
I’m so glad I found your blog, as you’ve inspired more than one tasty dinner or snack in good Southern style. Keep up the good cooking!
Yummy! That looks delicious
Beautiful and Delicious looking cake. I can almost smell and taste it now. Looking forward to your fruitcake recipe. Have a son that is crazy about them.
My husband adores Caramel cake so this is definitely on the menu for Thanksgiving dessert. Congratulations on your blogiversary!
I too have been baking pound cakes lately…one lemon and one almond. Yours sounds delicious, and I can’t wait to try it out! I’m anxious to see your fruit cake post. I made Alton Brown’s fruit cake last weekend, with a couple of variations, and I was very pleased. Also, my mother always baked me an Amalgamation Fruit cake, and I made one of those about 3 weeks ago (video and recipe on youtube). Both fruitcakes are ‘aging’ as I write…
I check your blog several times a week. Congratulations on your anniversary.
Becky makes a version of this cake that tastes as decadent as this one sounds.
Congratulations on your 100th post. I am steadfastly watching for more.
Gorgeous! Just looking at the frosting takes me back to the way my Aunt Hen would frost a cake. Either fudge or caramel frosting was thick and rich like a layer of candy. I have never duplicated it but this might be a good time to try.
Congratulations on 100! You have a beautiful blog!
Congratulations on your first 100 posts, great site that is truly enjoyable!
Looks great. Gotta try it.
I am totally going to make this for Thanksgiving. It looks so rich and delicious. Those are beautiful photos too.
Thank you so much for publishing a recipe for caramel pound cake! I had never heard of this before I moved to Kentucky and now it is my favorite dessert; however, I had not been able to find a recipe. I will be sure to try it over Thanksgiving break.
You are a lifesaver. I’m southern, but all the recipes I want to make are stuck inside my grandma’s head in “add flour until it looks right” form. Since I don’t have hours to devote to kitchen apprenticeship, your recipes are far more convenient and look spot-on. I can’t wait to try them out!
Good night! This is a good giveaway! I sure have loved your blog since I found it, and I have checked out some of the books you have suggested at the library. That pound cake looks great! Thanks, Michele
punctual as ever….
I am kicking myself for missing the deadline. MOM, IT LOOKS AMAZING! And now that family can enter…. what a shame for me to miss out.
It does look SO GOOD. Wondering if I could make one for Thanksgiving?
Congrats on your 100th post! I remember when we were talking about your 4th!
Love you, Lindsey
That cakes looks just great –
Congratulations on your 100th post! That is a lovely caramel cake.
Congrats on 100 tasty posts! I look forward to reading more. That cake looks nice and denser and good! Caramel frosting…mmm…
This cake is awesome and so moist the best pound cake ever, thanks!!
Was looking for a pound cake to take to a friends house for the New Year. Stumbled upon your site and this looks mighty delicious. I am going to try. Thanks for a marvelous recipe.
I found your site when looking for a caramel cake recipe. I chose yours as it sounded the most straightforward and the caramel icing did not appear too daunting. We made it tonight and it is amazing! Everyone loved it – defintely a keeper. I am so glad to have found your site.
Best Wishes!