Southern Bourbon Cake
A rich, buttery, and boozy delight, this Southern Bourbon Cake is a showstopper for holidays, special occasions, or any time you crave a decadent, whiskey-kissed dessert. Moist, fragrant, and packed with warm spices, it’s a grown-up twist on classic pound cake.
🍰 Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
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½ cup good-quality bourbon (like Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Bourbon Glaze:
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
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1 cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup bourbon
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¼ cup water
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1 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan (or use baking spray).
2. Make the Cake Batter
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In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (~5 mins).
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
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In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, mixing just until combined.
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Stir in bourbon, vanilla, and nuts (if using).
3. Bake
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Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 55–65 mins, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan 10 mins, then invert onto a wire rack.
4. Make the Bourbon Glaze
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In a saucepan, melt butter, sugar, bourbon, and water over medium heat.
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Simmer 5 mins, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
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Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and immediately brush/pour over the warm cake.
5. Serve
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Let glaze set 15–20 mins before slicing.
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Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.
🍾 Tips & Variations
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For extra boozy flavor: Poke holes in the warm cake and drizzle with extra bourbon before glazing.
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Non-alcoholic version: Substitute bourbon with apple cider + 1 tsp vanilla.
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Storage: Keeps well wrapped at room temp for 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
This cake is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Kentucky Derby parties! Want a chocolate bourbon version? Let me know! 😊
