Caramel Cream Cheese Pound Cake: The 75-Minute Showstopper That Actually Stays Moist (No Cracks! Zero Graininess)

(Serves 12 | Prep: 20 mins | Bake: 55 mins)


1 cupunsalted butter,room temp	Creams evenly = no tunnels	Avocado oil for dairy-free
8 ozfull-fat cream cheese,room temp	Philadelphia = best melt	Vegan cream cheese + 1 tsp lemon juice
2½ cupsgranulated sugar	Dissolves slowly = even sweetness	Coconut sugar for earthy depth
6large eggs,room temp	Room temp = better rise	6 tbsp aquafaba for vegan
1 cupsour cream,room temp	Secret moisture lock	Greek yogurt for tang
3 cupscake flour	Lighter crumb = no density	All-purpose + 3 tbsp cornstarch
1 tspvanilla bean paste	Seeds visible = real flavor	2 tsp extract + ½ tsp seeds


1 cuplight brown sugar, packed	Simmered 5 mins first	Concentrated flavor (no watery taste)
½ cupunsalted butter	Cold, cubed	Emulsifies perfectly when added gradually
¼ cupheavy cream	Warm, not cold	Prevents seizing (smooth texture)
2 tbsplight corn syrup	Non-negotiable	Prevents crystallization (no graininess)
1 tspflaky sea salt	Bloomed in butter	Balances sweetness (not salty)