Preparation

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan thoroughly or use baking spray with flour. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 2 tbsp melted butter. Mix until it resembles wet sand. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and continue to beat until very creamy and pale.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Layer the Batter and Swirl

Pour half of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon swirl on top, and swirl again.

Step 7: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 75 to 85 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Begin checking at the 70-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

Step 8: Cool

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and slowly mix in the milk until your desired drizzling consistency is reached.

Step 10: Make the Caramel Drizzle

In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and cream. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Boil for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Let it cool slightly before using.

Step 11: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is fully cooled:

1. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top.

2. Follow with the warm caramel sauce.

3. Sprinkle toasted pecans evenly over the glaze and drizzle with a final touch of caramel if desired.