Southern Bourbon Cake Recipe

Introduction

Southern Bourbon Cake is a rich, moist dessert that brings together the warm flavors of bourbon, cinnamon, and pecans. This classic cake is perfect for special occasions or to enjoy with a cup of coffee anytime.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (4 sticks) butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, plus more for pan
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 6 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 3/4 cup bourbon, plus 3 tablespoons, divided
• For the glaze:
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon bourbon
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a bundt pan with butter, then sprinkle about 1/4 cup granulated sugar into the pan. Shake to coat evenly and tap out any excess sugar.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1/2 cup of bourbon until combined.
4. Step 4: Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Step 5: Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup bourbon and the chopped pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
6. Step 6: Bake for about 1 hour and 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
7. Step 7: While the cake is still hot, carefully pour 3 tablespoons of bourbon around the outside edge of the cake. Allow the cake to cool in the pan.
8. Step 8: Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon bourbon in a medium bowl until smooth.
9. Step 9: Once cooled, turn the cake out onto a serving plate. Pour the glaze over the top and sprinkle with the chopped pecans.
10. Step 10: Slice, serve, and enjoy your Southern Bourbon Cake!

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with chopped walnuts or toasted coconut.
• Use good-quality bourbon for the best flavor impact.
• If you prefer a stronger bourbon flavor, brush the cake with additional bourbon after glazing.
• Allow the cake to rest overnight for flavors to meld beautifully.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bring the cake to room temperature and reheat slightly if desired to soften the glaze and enhance the bourbon aroma.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut in this cake?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even leave nuts out if preferred. Each option will slightly change the texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to add bourbon to the cake?

While bourbon adds a distinctive flavor and moisture, you can replace it with vanilla extract or apple cider if you want a non-alcoholic version. However, the traditional character of the cake comes from the bourbon.

Southern Bourbon Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 84 reviews

This Southern Bourbon Cake is a moist and flavorful bundt cake infused with rich bourbon and warm spices, loaded with crunchy pecans and finished with a luscious bourbon glaze. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat, this classic Southern dessert offers a delightful balance of sweet, nutty, and boozy notes baked to perfection.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 2 cups (4 sticks) butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, plus more for pan
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 6 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 3/4 cup bourbon, divided (3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons)

Glaze

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon bourbon
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly with butter, then sprinkle about 1/4 cup granulated sugar inside the pan. Shake and tap out the excess sugar to create a sweet, non-stick coating.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
3. Add Eggs and Bourbon: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they incorporate smoothly. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of the bourbon and mix to blend evenly into the batter.
4. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to ensure even distribution and prevent lumps.
5. Combine Batter and Flour Mixture: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture while mixing gently until just combined, careful not to overmix.
6. Add Remaining Bourbon and Pecans: Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup bourbon and the 2 cups of chopped pecans, folding carefully to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
8. Bourbon Brushing: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven and is still hot, pour 3 tablespoons of bourbon evenly around the outside edge of the cake while it is still in the pan. This adds extra moisture and flavor. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
9. Prepare the Glaze: While the cake cools, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon bourbon in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and well blended.
10. Glaze and Garnish: Once cooled, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Pour the bourbon glaze evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup chopped pecans for added crunch and decoration.
11. Serve: Slice, serve, and enjoy this moist and flavorful Southern classic!

Notes

• Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Do not overmix after adding flour to keep the cake tender.
• If you prefer, substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
• The bourbon in the recipe adds flavor; for a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or additional vanilla extract.
• Use a toothpick test to check doneness instead of relying on time alone, as oven temperatures may vary.
• Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and becoming runny.

Keywords: Southern Bourbon Cake, bourbon cake, bundt cake, pecan cake, bourbon glaze, Southern dessert, holiday cake