Best Caramel Cake Bundt
Discover our delicious caramel cake bundt recipe! This easy recipe offers tips for a perfectly moist and fluffy cake every time.
Picture this: a golden, glossy caramel cake that’s impossibly moist, rich beyond belief, and crowned with a luscious caramel glaze that drips down every gorgeous curve.
This caramel cake bundt is pure magic in cake form! Just like our famous chocolate bundt cake that readers absolutely adore, this stunning dessert proves that homemade doesn’t have to be complicated. Ready to create dessert perfection?
What is Caramel Cake Bundt?
Ever wondered why bundt cakes have that signature ring shape? This beautiful caramel cake bundt gets its name from the iconic fluted pan that creates those elegant ridges and that perfect hollow center.
The bundt pan was actually invented in 1950, making every cake baked in it a little piece of culinary history! As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” – and this caramel masterpiece is your golden ticket there!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Cake Bundt
The Ultimate Caramel Experience
This isn’t just any cake – it’s a caramel lover’s dream come true! Every single bite delivers that deep, buttery caramel flavor that melts on your tongue. The cake itself is infused with caramel, while the glaze adds an extra layer of indulgent sweetness.
Budget-Friendly Bakery Quality
Skip the expensive bakery! This homemade caramel cake bundt costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a similar dessert at your local cake shop. Plus, you control every ingredient, ensuring the highest quality and freshness.
Show-Stopping Presentation
The elegant bundt shape makes this cake naturally gorgeous – no fancy decorating skills required! The caramel glaze cascades beautifully down those fluted edges, creating an impressive centerpiece that rivals our popular lemon bundt cake. Ready to impress your family and friends with minimal effort?
How to Make Caramel Cake Bundt
Quick Overview
This caramel cake bundt combines simplicity with spectacular results. The rich, tender crumb comes from a perfect balance of butter, brown sugar, and our secret ingredient – sour cream! The homemade caramel glaze takes this cake from good to absolutely extraordinary.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 12-16 slices
Key Ingredients for Caramel Cake Bundt
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Caramel Glaze:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-12 cup bundt pan with butter, then dust with flour, tapping out excess. This step is crucial for easy removal!
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale and airy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and the 1/2 cup caramel sauce until smooth.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream mixture (sour cream + milk), beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until combined – don’t overmix!
Pour batter into prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Making the Caramel Glaze:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. The sugar will clump, then melt into a golden amber liquid – don’t worry, this is normal!
Once sugar is completely melted and amber-colored, immediately add butter (it will bubble vigorously). Stir until melted.
Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring – be careful as it will bubble up. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
Let glaze cool for 10 minutes until it’s thick enough to coat the cake but still pourable.
Assembly:
Place cooled cake on serving plate. Pour glaze over top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let set for 30 minutes before slicing.
What to Serve Caramel Cake Bundt With
This rich caramel cake pairs beautifully with:
Beverages: Strong coffee, espresso, or black tea to balance the sweetness. For special occasions, try it with dessert wine or bourbon.
Accompaniments: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of crème fraîche. Fresh berries add a lovely tart contrast.
Complete Dessert Experience: Serve alongside our popular chocolate chip cookies for a decadent dessert spread, or pair with fresh fruit salad for a balanced finish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Caramel Cake Bundt
Essential Baking Tips
Always use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter. Cold eggs and dairy can cause the batter to curdle, affecting texture.
Don’t skip the flour dusting step after greasing your bundt pan. This double protection ensures easy release every time.
Ingredient Substitutions
Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for extra protein, or use buttermilk for tangier flavor. Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel note.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Never open the oven door during the first 45 minutes of baking – this can cause the cake to sink. Test for doneness with a long toothpick or cake tester.
If your caramel glaze becomes too thick, gently reheat with a tablespoon of cream. If too thin, let it cool longer before applying.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage: Cover tightly and store for up to 3 days. The cake actually improves in flavor after the first day as the caramel notes develop.
Refrigerator Storage: Wrap well and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezing Instructions: Wrap unfrosted cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then add fresh glaze.
Reheating: For individual slices, microwave for 15-20 seconds. For whole cake, warm in 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1/12 of cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbs | 65g |
| Sugars | 48g |
| Protein | 6g |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this caramel cake bundt ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld together. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
You can use two 9-inch round pans or one 9×13 inch pan. Adjust baking time to 25-30 minutes for round pans, or 35-40 minutes for rectangular pan.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce in the cake?
Yes! Use high-quality jarred caramel sauce for convenience. Avoid ice cream toppings as they’re too thin and may affect cake structure.
Why did my cake stick to the pan?
This usually happens when the pan isn’t properly greased and floured, or when the cake is removed too soon. Always cool for exactly 15 minutes before turning out.
Can I make the glaze in advance?
The glaze is best made fresh, but you can prepare it up to 2 hours ahead. Gently reheat if it becomes too thick, adding cream as needed.
How do I know when the caramel is the right color?
The sugar should be a deep amber color, similar to honey. If it’s too light, it won’t have enough caramel flavor. Too dark and it becomes bitter.
Expert Baker’s Secrets
The Science Behind Perfect Caramel: When making caramel, sugar molecules break down and recombine to create hundreds of new flavor compounds. This is why homemade caramel tastes so much more complex than artificial flavoring.
Altitude Adjustments: If baking above 3,000 feet, reduce baking powder by 1/4 teaspoon and increase liquid by 2-4 tablespoons. The lower air pressure affects how cakes rise.
Professional Glazing Technique: For the most even glaze distribution, place the cake on a wire rack set over parchment paper. This catches drips and allows you to re-drizzle for perfect coverage.
This caramel cake bundt represents everything we love about homemade baking – it’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weekend treats. The combination of moist, tender cake and glossy caramel glaze creates a dessert that’s truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting dinner guests, or simply treating your family to something special, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with home-kitchen simplicity. The beautiful bundt shape means you’re always serving something impressive, while the incredible caramel flavor ensures every bite is pure bliss.
Ready to create your own caramel masterpiece? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare for the amazing aroma of homemade caramel cake to fill your kitchen. Your family and friends are going to absolutely love this show-stopping dessert!
