Chocolate Pound Cake with Caramel Frosting

This Best Ever Chocolate Bundt Cake with Caramel Icing is rich, decadent, and super easy to throw together, no mixer necessary!

It’s funny how certain conversations become etched in our memories. I vividly recall a discussion from seven or eight years ago when my son-in-law, Josh, posed an intriguing question: “If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?” As we went around the table, it was fascinating to hear everyone’s dreams. Josh was the only one who confidently said, “I’m doing exactly what I would do if I could choose any job in the world.” His passion for his work was evident, as it perfectly suited his talents and interests.

For over thirty years, I worked as a registered nurse in the obstetrics department, caring for new moms and their babies. While I enjoyed my career, I wouldn’t say it was my passion. When it was my turn to answer Josh’s question, I hesitated. I knew my dream job would involve food, as I’ve loved cooking for as long as I can remember. Perhaps a cooking school? I wasn’t sure then, and the conversation ended without a clear answer for me.

Fast forward to today, if asked the same question, I would echo Josh’s sentiment. I am living my dream job, running The Café, where I get to experiment and create in the kitchen daily. Plus, I have the joy of working alongside my best friend and husband, Scott!

We’re celebrating an anniversary for The Café today. It all started with a wild idea to begin a food blog over four years ago. Scott became my photographer and editor, and we set off on this journey together. We’ve faced challenges and technical hurdles, and there have been days when I’ve tried multiple versions of a recipe to get it just right. Despite the hurdles, we love what we do and wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Pound Cake with Caramel Frosting is a match made in dessert heaven. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. The combination of moist chocolate cake with a luscious caramel topping is simply irresistible.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand whisk or electric mixer
• Bundt pan
• Baking sheet
• Medium-sized saucepan
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

Cake:

• 3 sticks butter
• 3 cups sugar
• 6 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 cups flour
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 ¼ cups milk

Quick Caramel Frosting:

• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cocoa, and salt.
5. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into a greased and floured bundt pan.
7. Bake for about 1 hour, being careful not to overbake. Slightly underbaking is better to keep the cake moist.

For the Caramel Frosting:

1. In a medium-sized heavy saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Add the milk, stir, and bring the mixture back to a boil. Remove from heat.
3. Quickly add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Beat with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until smooth.
4. Use the frosting immediately while still warm to frost the cake. If it hardens, reheat gently and stir until it softens.

Tips for Success

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
• If the frosting hardens, simply reheat it gently and stir to reach a spreadable consistency.

Additional Tips and Variations

• For a nutty twist, add some chopped pecans to the batter or as a garnish on top of the frosting.
• Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the caramel frosting for extra warmth and flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This cake offers a delightful indulgence. While specific nutritional information can vary, expect a rich treat packed with butter, sugar, and cocoa for a decadent dessert experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container and frost it before serving.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan? You can use a regular cake pan but adjust the baking time as needed.

Can the frosting be made in advance? It’s best to make the frosting when you’re ready to use it, as it hardens quickly.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Pound Cake with Caramel Frosting is a must-try for any dessert lover. Its rich flavor and smooth frosting make it an unforgettable treat. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your baking experience with us!