Spirit Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 70 min Cuisine: American

A rich, boozy pound cake infused with whiskey and vanilla pudding, perfect for gatherings or special occasions, offering moist texture and delightful flavor contrasts.

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Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 ounces whiskey
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding
  • 1 box Duncan Hines golden butter pound cake mix
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs until well combined.
  2. Mix in oil, milk, whiskey, vanilla pudding, and pound cake mix until smooth.
  3. Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
  4. Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, you can substitute applesauce for half of the oil. Make sure to beat the eggs thoroughly for a fluffier texture. If you prefer a different flavor, try using spiced rum instead of whiskey. This cake is great for gatherings and pairs beautifully with Raspberry Walnut Torte Squares as a dessert option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Spirit Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It works well as a dessert after a hearty meal or as a sweet snack with coffee. Complement it with a fruit salad or enjoy it alongside Apricot Or Peach Danish for a delightful brunch spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Spirit Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spirit Cake contains roughly 1010 calories, with 11g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (24% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 692mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

1010 kcal 51% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.3g 23% DV
Total Fat 72.7g 93% DV
Carbs 83.9g 31% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 25.3g 51% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 692mg 30% DV
Potassium 388.4mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 45mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 80.9mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 6.3mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 311mg 24% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Contains Milk Egg Tree nuts

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 a different type of pudding mix?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of instant pudding mix, like chocolate or butterscotch, to give the cake a unique twist. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall flavor profile of the cake.

What can I do if I don't have a Bundt pan?

If you don't have a Bundt pan, you can use a regular cake pan or a loaf pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly; smaller pans may require less time, so start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.

Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored properly. Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Just keep it covered at room temperature.

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).

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