Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing

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Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing

Introduction

A slice of Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake topped with luscious Southern Caramel Icing is more than a dessert; it’s a cherished piece of Southern baking tradition. Known for its rich, dense texture and buttery flavor, this pound cake is a perfect combination of tangy buttermilk and creamy sour cream, which results in a moist and tender crumb. Paired with the decadent caramel icing, it becomes a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s served at a family gathering, holiday dinner, or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, this cake is a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

For the Pound Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

3 cups granulated sugar

6 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Southern Caramel Icing:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)

1/4 cup whole milk

2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Pound Cake:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan thoroughly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
  4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  5. Alternate Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk and sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Southern Caramel Icing:

  1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add Brown Sugar: Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute, then remove it from the heat.
  4. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
  5. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Cool Slightly: Allow the icing to cool slightly before pouring it over the cake.

History

The pound cake traces its origins back to 18th-century Europe, where it was made with a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, giving the cake its name. Over time, the recipe evolved to include variations such as buttermilk and sour cream, which add moisture and richness. Southern Caramel Icing is a traditional topping, showcasing the region’s love for buttery, sugary confections.

Benefits

  1. Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of buttermilk and sour cream adds tanginess and moisture.
  2. Nutrient Boost: Eggs and dairy provide protein, calcium, and essential vitamins.
  3. Long Shelf Life: Pound cakes stay moist and fresh for several days, making them ideal for make-ahead desserts.

Formation

This cake is formed by careful mixing to achieve the dense yet tender crumb characteristic of a classic pound cake. The caramel icing is poured over the cooled cake, creating a glossy, sweet topping that seeps into the cake’s crevices for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 460

Total Fat: 22g

Saturated Fat: 14g

Cholesterol: 105mg

Sodium: 180mg

Carbohydrates: 62g

Sugars: 45g

Protein: 5g

Conclusion

Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing is a labor of love, a dessert that celebrates the art of baking. It brings together timeless ingredients in a comforting, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

For the Lovers of Pound Cake

This dessert is beloved by all who appreciate the combination of buttery richness and caramel sweetness. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as an indulgent treat. Share it with friends and family to create lasting memories around the table.

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