I imagine a rich, buttery cream cheese pound cake swirled with gooey cinnamon sugar, studded with toasted pecans, and drenched in warm caramel sauce—a cinnamon roll and pecan pie love child that’s moist, tender, and utterly irresistible!

Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake – The Ultimate Decadent Dessert Mashup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and pecan pie into a single, indulgent dessert. The cream cheese ensures an ultra-moist crumb, while the cinnamon swirl and caramel glaze provide bakery-worthy flavors. It’s easy to make—no yeast, no rolling, no fuss—and it’s freezer-friendly, making it perfect for holiday brunches, special occasions, or gift-giving.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups (3 sticks) butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

½ cup brown sugar
1 ½ tbsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

For the Caramel Glaze:

½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp heavy cream

Pro Tip: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3 minutes to deepen their flavor.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasted pecans for the swirl.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-pecan mixture evenly over the batter.
Pour the remaining batter over the swirl layer, smoothing the top.
Bake for 75–85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, warm the caramel sauce and heavy cream together until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 75–85 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes

Variations

Nut Alternatives: Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if desired.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon swirl for extra warmth.
Glaze Options: Use a cream cheese glaze instead of caramel for a tangier finish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to enjoy a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

How can I ensure the cake is moist?

Using softened butter and cream cheese, along with room-temperature eggs, helps create a moist batter. Be careful not to overbake; check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or refrigerate, then glaze just before serving.

What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?

You can use two 9×5-inch loaf pans instead. Adjust the baking time accordingly, starting to check for doneness around 60 minutes.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a rich, personal touch to the cake. Ensure it’s warm and pourable when drizzling over the cake.

Is it necessary to toast the pecans?

Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch, but it’s optional if you’re short on time.

Conclusion

This Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a show-stopping dessert that marries the best elements of cinnamon rolls and pecan pie. Its moist texture, rich flavors, and beautiful presentation make it a perfect choice for any special occasion or indulgent treat.