Mouth-Watering Recipe: Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake
Welcome to my boozy Irish whiskey cake recipe! I am a pastry chef specializing in the best of British cuisine, and this recipe is one of my all-time favorites.
What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion than with a moist and delicious whiskey cake? This recipe combines the rich flavors of sultanas, Irish whiskey, and unsalted butter to make a heavenly dessert that will leave you wanting more.
Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake is easy to make with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, the whiskey glaze on top adds an extra touch of tipsy decadence that is sure to impress your guests.
So grab your apron and let’s get started! Follow my instructions carefully for a perfect result every time. Don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of Jameson Irish whiskey while you bake – after all, it’s all about enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a pastry chef, I have created many desserts and cakes, but this boozy Irish whiskey cake recipe is my absolute favorite. There are so many reasons why you will love this recipe – from the rich flavor to the delicious texture.
Firstly, the moist texture of this cake is like no other. With sultanas that are soaked in Irish whiskey and plenty of butter in the batter, every bite is perfectly dense without being too heavy. The baking powder and salt add just enough leavening to keep it fluffy while maintaining that desired richness.
Secondly, the taste of this cake is simply divine. The Irish whiskey adds a deep, warm flavor throughout the entire cake that is both smoky and sweet. The whiskey glaze on top of the warm cake imparts an additional layer of flavor to each bite making it a complex and intricate taste profile overall.
Thirdly, not only is this cake flavorful and satisfying, but it’s also simple to make! You don’t need any complicated techniques or ingredients to achieve this irresistible dessert. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dessert recipe for St. Patrick’s Day or any other occasion, then look no further than this boozy Irish whiskey cake recipe.
Lastly, this recipe can be easily customized according to personal preferences by using different types of whiskey or adding various toppings like whipped cream or fresh berries. You can even turn it into a layer cake by slicing you’re your finished product into two halves to create a tipsy whiskey layer cake!
Overall, this boozy Irish whiskey cake recipe is undoubtedly one of the best dessert recipes out there – loaded with flavor, easy to make for novice bakers, and versatile enough for any occasion like birthdays or even just for a luxurious sweet indulgence after dinner!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need for this boozy Irish whiskey cake recipe:
Cake:
- 1 package yellow cake mix (approximately 15 oz)
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding (approximately 5oz)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup Irish whiskey + 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup raisins or sultanas
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 8 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Whiskey Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
- Zest of 1 lemon
Note: If you don’t have sultanas, raisins work just as well in this recipe. While this recipe calls for Irish whiskey, feel free to use your favorite. Additionally, be sure to have butter and flour ready for greasing the pan before you begin mixing the cake.
The Recipe How-To
Alright, now we are ready to put our baking skills to the test! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the boozy Irish whiskey cake that’s sure to please any crowd.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before beginning, preheat your oven to 325°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of plain flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Next, stir in the sultanas and set aside.
In another mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of white sugar. Gradually mix in 5 eggs, one at a time. Slowly add in the flour mixture until fully combined.
Step 2: Add Booze for Flavor
Now for the fun part – it’s time to add the booze! Pour in 1 cup of Irish whiskey and mix until fully incorporated into the batter. The result will be a slightly thickened mixture with a lovely boozy aroma.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Grease a round 9-inch cake pan generously with a non-stick vegetable oil spray or greased butter. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Bake for approximately 75 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Optional Step: Add a Whiskey Glaze
While your cake is baking, feel free to prepare an optional whiskey glaze by whisking together 2 tablespoons of Irish whiskey with 2 cups of powdered sugar and the zest from 1 lemon. Once ready, pour over as much or as little as desired over your cooled cake.
Step 4: Time to Enjoy!
Congratulations, you made it to the final step! Allow your cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to fully cool. Once cooled, you can either serve immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Happy Baking!
There you have it folks, a recipe that will surely impress your dinner guests. The full-bodied flavor of Irish whiskey infused into the fluffy cake base is the perfect treat after a long day. Try this tipsy whiskey layer cake for dessert and enjoy with a hot cup of tea or another glass of whiskey if you’re feeling wild!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about substitutions and variations for this Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake Recipe. This recipe is quite versatile, and there are several ways to switch things up to suit your taste buds.
Firstly, If you’re not a fan of sultanas, or don’t have any on hand, you can substitute raisins or dried currants. Alternatively, you can omit the dried fruit altogether and add more whiskey to make it an extra boozy Irish whiskey cake.
Secondly, if you can’t find Irish whiskey at your local liquor store or just prefer another type of whiskey, substitute it with American or Canadian whiskey. However, I highly recommend using Irish whiskey as it gives the cake a unique flavor profile that compliments the other ingredients in the recipe.
Another variation you can try is adding a chocolate layer to the cake for an extra kick of flavor. Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/4 cup of chocolate chips to the dry ingredients before mixing in the wet.
Additional options include swapping some of the all-purpose flour for almond flour or coconut flour to cater for those with gluten intolerances.
Lastly, If you want to experiment serving this cake in a different way rather than simply on its own consider topping it off with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipping cream.
In conclusion, substitutions and variations are a great way to modify this Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake Recipe to fit your specific taste preferences. Feel free to get creative with these options and let your imagination run wild.
Serving and Pairing
Welcome to the delicious serving and pairing section of my Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake recipe! Once the cake has cooled down, it’s time to plate it for presentation, admire its beauty and enjoy its rich flavor. The cake should be cut into thin slices using a sharp knife, and each slice should be placed on a small plate or saucer.
Now that the cake is ready, let’s talk about what you can pair it with. A cup of coffee or tea will make a stunning combination, and I recommend a strong and bold flavor such as black tea or espresso. If you are looking for something different, you can try a caramel latte or a hot apple cider.
For an after-dinner treat, pair the cake with a glass of Jameson Irish Whiskey for an extraordinary sensory experience. You can also use other whiskey brands such as Tullamore D.E.W., Bushmills Black Bush or Paddy Irish Whiskey to add different flavors to your cake.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, apple juice, cranberry juice or ginger beer will nicely balance out the sweetness of the cake.
If you are hosting a party, serve individual slices of cake with a drizzle of whiskey glaze on top for extra flavor and elegance. You can garnish each slice with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh berries for contrast, visual appeal and an extra kick of health benefits.
Overall, serving and pairing this Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake brings joy to the senses and pleases any taste buds from kids to adults alike. Keep in mind that it is always fun to experiment with different pairings and allow your creativity to flourish!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen, if you’re like me, then you’re probably always on the go! Well, let me tell you a little secret – this Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake is perfect for make-ahead and storing!
To make ahead, whip up a batch and let it cool completely. Once the cake has cooled, wrap it tightly with cling film and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Trust me, the flavors will deepen during this time, leaving you with an even more delectable treat!
When ready to serve, simply take the cake out of the fridge and remove the cling film. If desired, reheat slices individually in the microwave for about 15 to 30 seconds or pop it back in the oven at 375°F for a few minutes until it’s warm and slightly crispy on top again.
Now, when it comes to storing the cake after serving, I recommend wrapping any leftover portions with cling film and storing them in an airtight container. The cake should retain its flavor well while stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
But let’s be real here – chances are there won’t be any leftovers! This boozy Irish whiskey cake is just that good! So go ahead and give this recipe a try – not only is it delicious but so easy to prep ahead of time!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the perfect Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake, it’s important to pay attention to the details. Here are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results:
1. Use high-quality Irish whiskey
The flavor of Irish whiskey is essential to this recipe, so I recommend using a good quality Irish whiskey such as Jameson. It’ll add depth and richness to your cake that you won’t get with a cheaper option.
2. Sift dry ingredients
Sifting flour, baking powder, and salt together isn’t something to skip over. The step results in fluffy flour and uniform leavening.
3. Room temperature eggs
Make sure your eggs are at room temperature when adding them to the batter. Doing so helps everything combine smoothly.
4. Cream butter and sugar
Don’t rush through creaming butter and sugar together until light and fluffy stage. This step creates air pockets in the mixture—when heated, steam expands these pockets, to yield a moist crumb.
5. Soak sultanas in Irish Whiskey
To impart an extra kick of boozy flavor in every bite, soak sultanas in Irish whiskey for at least an hour before adding them to the batter. This tip adds moisture and texture in one neat pop.
6. Use plain flour instead of self-raising flour
For this particular recipe, it’s safer to use plain flour instead of self-raising flour as the latter interferes with how high the cake rises and how dense it could be.
7. Let it cool down completely before slicing
Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake needs about an hour or so cooling down period before you can cut it cleanly with minimal crumbs.
With these simple tips, you’ll create an aromatic and flavorsome Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake that will be sure to impress your guests time after time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a cozy night in to a festive celebration with family and friends. The layers of rich, fluffy cake and tipsy whiskey glaze make for a truly decadent treat that will have you reaching for seconds. Plus, with easy substitutions and variations like apple or chocolate stout cake, this recipe can easily become your go-to dessert.
So why not channel your inner pastry chef and whip up this recipe? With tips and recommendations for perfect results, make-ahead ideas, and serving and pairing suggestions, you’ll be sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. So go ahead and try out the best Jameson Irish Whiskey Cake recipe out there – I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
- 1 orange rind, from
- 6 ounces sultanas (or yellow raisins)
- 6 ounces butter
- 6 ounces sugar
- 3 eggs
- 8 ounces plain flour (all-purpose)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Put the whiskey into a small bowl.
- Peel the orange and soak the peel in the whiskey for a few (2) hours; then discard the orange peel.
- Add the sultanas to the whiskey, and let them soak while preparing the cake.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, with a teaspoon of flour for each egg, beating well between each addition.
- Sift remaining flour, salt and baking powder together, and fold into the egg mixture.
- Fold in the whiskey and sultanas.
- Line a greased 7-inch round cake tin with greased paper.
- Put in the mixture and bake in a moderate (350°F) oven for about 30-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out dry.
- Cool on wire rack.
- Serve as soon as its cooled.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.