If you love cinnamon rolls, cheesecake, and pound cake, this Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake is the dessert of your dreams. It’s a decadent creation that combines the buttery richness of a classic pound cake, the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls, the tangy creaminess of cheesecake, and the irresistible drizzle of caramel sauce. Imagine biting into a slice where every forkful delivers layers of moist cake, swirls of cinnamon sugar, creamy cheesecake filling, and a silky caramel topping. This cake is as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for holidays, birthdays, special gatherings, or simply indulging in a luxurious dessert at home.
This cake is baked in a bundt or tube pan to give it that signature tall and elegant look. The caramel drizzle and cream cheese glaze create an eye-catching marble-like effect that makes it look bakery-worthy. But don’t be fooled—it’s very approachable for home bakers, with straightforward steps and pantry-friendly ingredients.
In this detailed recipe, we’ll walk through everything you need to know—from mixing the batter to perfecting the glaze—to help you bake a flawless caramel cream cheese cinnamon roll pound cake.
Ingredients
For the Pound Cake Batter:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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2 ½ cups granulated sugar
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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6 large eggs, room temperature
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1 cup sour cream, room temperature
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½ cup whole milk
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1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
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½ cup light brown sugar, packed
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2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
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2 cups powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for thickness)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Drizzle:
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½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan, making sure every crease is coated to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
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In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth.
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Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and lump-free.
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Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
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In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
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Mix until it resembles wet sand.
Step 4: Mix the Pound Cake Batter
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy (about 4–5 minutes).
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Mix in vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream and milk.
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Beat until smooth and thick.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
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Pour half of the pound cake batter into the prepared pan.
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Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
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Gently spoon the cream cheese filling over the cinnamon layer, being careful not to spread too much.
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Top with the remaining cake batter and finish with the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture.
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Use a butter knife to lightly swirl the layers together for a marbled effect.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
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Place pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze & Caramel Topping
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In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
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Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake.
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Finish with a caramel sauce drizzle in a swirling motion for a marbled effect.
Variation
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Pecan Caramel Version: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans into the cinnamon swirl for extra crunch.
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Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the caramel drizzle for a sweet-and-salty combination.
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Chocolate Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a mocha-inspired cake.
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Apple Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake: Add diced apples to the cinnamon swirl for a fruity fall variation.
Cooking Note
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Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
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Do not over-swirl the batter; a gentle swirl ensures distinct layers of flavor.
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Baking times may vary depending on oven calibration—check at the 65-minute mark.
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Always let the cake cool before glazing to prevent the icing from melting off.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style treat.
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Pair with hot coffee or a latte for a cozy breakfast indulgence.
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Slice thinly and serve at brunch buffets or holiday dessert tables.
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Top with extra caramel drizzle and whipped cream for an over-the-top presentation.
Tips
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For best results, use high-quality caramel sauce—homemade works wonderfully.
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Do not rush the creaming process when beating butter and sugar; it’s key to a fluffy pound cake.
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If your glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add more cream.
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Use a serrated knife when slicing to preserve the swirl pattern.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
70 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 12 servings):
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Calories: ~480
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Protein: 6g
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Sodium: 290mg
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Carbohydrates: 62g
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Fat: 22g
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Sugar: 42g
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well for up to 3 days at room temperature (covered) or up to a week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it (unglazed) for up to 2 months.
Q2: Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls instead of making the swirl?
While possible, the homemade cinnamon sugar mixture is more flavorful and integrates better into the cake.
Q3: How do I prevent my cream cheese layer from sinking?
Make sure your cake batter is thick enough and don’t overmix after adding the filling.
Q4: Can I replace sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a good substitute and will still provide the moist texture.
Q5: How do I get the perfect marbled glaze effect?
Pour the cream cheese glaze first, then drizzle caramel sauce in thin streams, and gently drag a toothpick through to create swirls.
Conclusion
The Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake is more than just a cake—it’s a showstopper dessert that blends the comfort of cinnamon rolls, the tang of cream cheese, and the indulgence of caramel into one masterpiece. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, making it for brunch, or enjoying it as an evening treat, this cake promises to impress both in flavor and appearance. Its moist texture, luscious layers, and bakery-style glaze make it a recipe worth keeping in your permanent collection.