Indulge in a rich Bourbon Chocolate Cake recipe that combines the decadent flavors of chocolate and bourbon in both the cake layers and the icing, creating a truly indulgent treat. Are you a fan of chocolate cake with a twist of bourbon?
The cake layers are deeply rich and decadent, with bourbon and cocoa mingling together to create a sponge that’s perfect for any occasion.The nutty brown butter in the buttercream underscores the essence of the bourbon, making this cake truly memorable.
Key Bourbon Chocolate Cake Ingredients & Why
- Cocoa powder
- Bourbon
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
- Unsweetened chocolate
- Sugar
- Butter
- Baking soda and baking powder
- Salt
- Instant espresso powder
- Boiling water
- Oil
- Pecans
- Blackberry
How Do You Make The Best Bourbon Chocolate Cake?
- Start by preheating the oven to 180C. Then, simply brush a 23cm springform pan with melted butter and line the base with non-stick paper for easy use.
- Melt chocolate and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Once smooth, let it cool.
- Beat egg yolks and brown sugar with an electric beater for 3 minutes until thick. Add vanilla, then gently fold in the chocolate mixture, almond meal, and 1 tablespoon of bourbon. In a separate clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture, and then fold in the remaining egg whites.
- Spread evenly in the pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a skewer comes out nearly clean. Let it cool in the pan.
- Heat caster sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling for 5-10 minutes until it’s golden and dissolved. Let it cool.
- To make a smooth mixture, simply put butter, cream, and the remaining bourbon in a saucepan and cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes. Remove it from the heat, add extra chocolate, and whisk until it’s smooth. Then, let it cool slightly.
- Serve cake with sauce after slicing it into wedges.
Pro Tips For Making Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Opt for high-quality ingredients: Elevate your cake by using top-notch cocoa powder, bourbon, and chocolate for those key flavors.
- Avoid overmixing: To maintain a tender cake, mix the ingredients only until combined.
- Line with parchment paper: Prevent sticking by lining your cake pans with parchment paper.
- Infuse frosting with bourbon: Elevate the flavor with a nutty twist by adding bourbon to the frosting, creating a memorable taste.
- Allow complete cooling: Ensure the cake is thoroughly cooled before frosting to avoid melting and sliding.
- Level your layers: Achieve even layers using a cake leveler to trim the cake tops.
- Chill before serving: Enhance slicing ease by refrigerating the cake for at least an hour before serving.
- Enhance aesthetics with toppings: Elevate the visual appeal by adding chopped pecans or a bourbon-caramel glaze.
How to Store Bourbon Chocolate Cake
- Allow the cake to cool fully before storing.
- Wrap it snugly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
- Store the wrapped cake in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Keep it in the fridge for up to two days.
Can You Freeze Bourbon Chocolate Cake?
Freeze bourbon chocolate cake for up to 1 month. For the layer cake version, place the fully frosted cake in a freezer bag; for the Bundt cake version, do the same with the glazed cake. To thaw, leave the cake at room temperature for 2 hours. Consider making the cake in advance and freezing it, as it’s easier to work with when frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Chocolate Cake
What is bourbon chocolate cake?
Elevate your dessert experience with bourbon-infused chocolate cake, complemented by a rich bourbon frosting and delightful additions like pecans or caramel.
Can I substitute another liquid for bourbon in bourbon chocolate cake?
If you’re considering swapping bourbon for another liquid, keep in mind that it will alter the cake’s flavor profile, resulting in a different outcome than a classic bourbon chocolate cake. For those who aren’t fond of bourbon, it’s best to explore alternative cake recipes.
Is bourbon chocolate cake suitable for children?
Bourbon chocolate cake, rich in bourbon, should be enjoyed responsibly by adults, as it contains alcohol and is not suitable for children or those who can’t consume alcohol.
Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- Melted butter, to grease
- 200g pkt dark cooking chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 125g unsalted butter
- 5 eggs, separated
- 120g (2/3 cup, lightly packed) brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla essence
- 125g almond meal
- 180ml (2/3 cup) bourbon whiskey
- 100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
- 185ml (3/4 cup) thickened cream
- 100g dark cooking chocolate, extra, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- To prepare, preheat the oven to 180C. Next, brush a 23cm springform pan with melted butter and line its base with non-stick paper.
- Gently stir chocolate and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until it's smooth. Then, allow it to cool.
- Using an electric beater, whisk egg yolks and brown sugar in a large bowl for 3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. Incorporate vanilla, and gently fold in the chocolate mixture, almond meal, and a tablespoon of bourbon. In a separate clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites.
- Evenly spread the mixture in the pan, then bake for 45-55 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center emerges nearly clean. Allow it to cool in the pan.
- In the meantime, heat caster sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling it for 5-10 minutes until it turns golden and the sugar dissolves. Allow it to cool slightly.
- In a saucepan, merge the butter, cream, and the remaining bourbon. Gently cook for 5-10 minutes, ensuring a smooth blend. Afterward, take it off the heat, introduce extra chocolate, and, while still on low heat, whisk until it achieves a seamless consistency. Allow it to cool for a short while.
- Slice the cake into wedges and serve it alongside the sauce for a delightful treat.
