Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing

The Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing is a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of buttermilk and sour cream for a moist, tender cake. Topped with a luscious caramel icing, this dessert is perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on a cozy afternoon. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for any occasion, while its unique combination of ingredients ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Rich: The combination of buttermilk and sour cream creates an incredibly moist cake that stays fresh for days.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can successfully create this delicious pound cake.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers, this cake fits any event.
• Irresistible Southern Flavor: The Southern caramel icing adds a sweet and buttery finish that complements the cake perfectly.
• Beautiful Presentation: The bundt shape and glossy icing make this cake visually stunning for any table setting.

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Tools and Preparation

To ensure the best results while making the Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Bundt pan: Provides the perfect shape for even baking and impressive presentation.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar to achieve lightness in the batter.
• Rubber spatula: Helps incorporate ingredients gently without overmixing, ensuring a tender texture in the finished cake.

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 (½ cup) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ 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 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or use baking spray with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Shortening

In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, shortening, and granulated sugar until fluffy—approximately 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture. Be sure to scrape down the bowl between each addition to incorporate fully.

Step 4: Sift Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agent.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.

Step 6: Alternate Mixing

Gradually add the dry ingredients and wet ingredients to the butter/sugar mixture. Start with half of the flour mixture followed by half of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat this process while being careful not to overmix; just mix until combined.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make Southern Caramel Icing

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

Step 10: Add Cream & Boil

Add heavy cream (or evaporated milk) along with a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil without stirring; allow it to simmer for an additional two minutes.

Step 11: Finish It Off

Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract then gradually whisk in powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth consistency that is pourable.

Step 12: Glaze the Cake

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

Enjoy your homemade 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 can elevate any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. The rich flavors and moist texture make it a delightful dessert that pairs well with various accompaniments.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweet pound cake.
• Sliced Peaches: Their natural sweetness complements the caramel icing beautifully.

Add Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the cake’s richness and provides a light texture.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider infusing whipped cream with vanilla or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic choice that balances the cake’s sweetness and provides a creamy texture.
• Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: This option amplifies the caramel flavor in your pound cake.

Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce

• Homemade Caramel Sauce: A drizzle over each slice adds an indulgent touch and enhances the overall presentation.
• Store-Bought Caramel Sauce: For convenience, a high-quality store-bought sauce works well too.

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

Perfecting your Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out amazing every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing butter, eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream to room temperature helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined will keep your cake tender and avoid a dense texture.
• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, baking soda, and salt helps aerate them, leading to a lighter cake.
• Check Oven Temperature Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for consistent baking results.
• Cool Completely Before Icing: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents the icing from melting into the warm cake, ensuring it stays beautifully glazed.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness that complements the richness of the cake.
2. Pecan Pralines: These sweet treats add crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the moist cake.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The combination of chocolate and strawberries offers a decadent twist alongside the pound cake.
4. Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: This sweet dip is excellent for serving alongside slices of cake or fresh fruit for dipping.
5. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of roasted spiced nuts can provide a savory contrast that balances out the sweetness of the dessert.
6. Coffee or Tea: Serving hot beverages alongside your cake can enhance its flavor profile while providing warmth during gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing can be delightful, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Not measuring ingredients correctly – Accurate measurements are crucial. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for buttermilk and cream.

• Using cold ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before starting.

• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined after adding the flour and buttermilk mixtures.

• Not preheating the oven – A properly preheated oven ensures even baking. Always preheat for at least 15 minutes before placing your cake inside.

• Skipping the cooling time – Allowing your cake to cool properly helps it set. Don’t rush this step; it can affect the texture when slicing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover pound cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing

• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cake on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – For a crispy exterior, place slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing:

Can I use low-fat buttermilk or sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat versions, but the cake may not be as rich or moist as using full-fat options.

How do I know when the pound cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

What can I use instead of vegetable shortening?

You can replace vegetable shortening with additional butter for a richer flavor.

Can I add flavors to my pound cake?

Absolutely! Adding lemon zest or almond extract can give your cake an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Buttermilk Sour Cream Pound Cake with Southern Caramel Icing is a fantastic treat that combines comfort and indulgence. Its rich texture pairs beautifully with the sweet caramel icing. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips to make it your own. Enjoy baking this delightful dessert!