Mrs. Beam'S Bourbon Pecan Cake
A rich bourbon-infused pecan cake featuring dried raisins and a moist crumb, perfect for special occasions and bourbon lovers seeking a decadent dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak raisins in bourbon overnight.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in sifted flour with baking powder and salt.
- Add soaked raisins and broken pecan pieces, mixing well.
- Pour batter into a greased and lined tube pan or a greased and floured bundt pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake on a wire rack.
- Wrap the cooled cake in a towel soaked with bourbon and store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider toasting the pecan pieces before adding them to the batter. If Jim Beam Bourbon isn't available, any quality bourbon will work as a substitute. For a non-alcoholic version, you could replace the bourbon with apple juice or a mix of vanilla extract and water, although it will alter the flavor profile slightly. Make sure to sift the flour to ensure a light cake texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Bourbon Pecan Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It also makes a wonderful addition to a brunch spread or holiday gathering. Consider serving it alongside Katherine Hepburn Brownies for a delightful dessert table. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of bourbon complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep it fresher for longer, you can also refrigerate it. If you want to enjoy it warm, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Beam'S Bourbon Pecan Cake contains roughly 2015 calories, with 40g protein, 355g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (90% of the Daily Value), protein (81% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2592mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor slightly, but both options will still provide a delicious crunch. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped to similar sizes for even distribution in the cake.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking around the 1-hour mark. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Is it necessary to soak the raisins overnight?
Soaking the raisins in bourbon overnight is highly recommended as it plumps them up and enhances their flavor, making them more enjoyable in the cake. If you're short on time, soaking them for at least an hour can still yield good results, but the texture and flavor may not be as pronounced.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).