Original Bourbon Cake
A rich, boozy cake featuring candied cherries, raisins, and chopped pecans, infused with bourbon for a deep, flavorful experience. Its moist texture and nutty notes make it perfect for special occasions or holiday celebrations, appealing to those who enjoy decadent, alcohol-enhanced desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine red candied cherries, raisins, and bourbon whiskey in a bowl.
- Cover and let stand overnight.
- Drain the soaked fruit and reserve the bourbon.
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, a little at a time, and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sifted cake flour with ground nutmeg, baking powder, and chopped pecans.
- Set aside the dry mixture.
- Add remaining flour and bourbon alternately to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold egg whites into the batter.
- Fold in soaked fruit and pecan flour mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased 10-inch tube pan lined with greased waxed paper.
- Bake for 3 1/2 hours.
- Allow to cool before removing from pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist cake, ensure the butter is at room temperature before creaming, and don't overmix once the egg whites are added. If you don't have bourbon, substitute with a mix of apple cider and vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version. You can also use walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This bourbon cake is perfect on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of bourbon for an indulgent dessert experience. It also goes wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a delightful ending to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bourbon cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three weeks. To serve, let it come to room temperature, or gently warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Original Bourbon Cake contains roughly 1420 calories, with 18g protein, 223g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 29g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this bourbon cake a few days in advance. It actually improves in flavor as it sits. Just be sure to store it properly and wrap it tightly to keep it fresh.
What can I use instead of candied cherries?
If you can't find red candied cherries, you can substitute them with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots. While the flavor will differ slightly, it will still add a nice sweetness to the cake.
Is there a way to reduce the alcohol content?
To reduce the alcohol content, you can soak the fruits in a mixture of orange juice and vanilla extract instead of bourbon. It will change the flavor profile but still result in a delicious cake.
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).