Indulge in a Warm and Wholesome Irish Cake Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where the smell of baked goods and the enticing aroma of Irish whiskey creates an unmistakable atmosphere. As a master chef specializing in British cuisine, it is my pleasure to present to you a recipe that truly captures the essence of Ireland – the delicious Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake.
This cake is a perfect blend of rich, buttery flavors combined with the unmistakable sweetness of dark brown sugar and the earthy undertones of Irish whiskey. The infusion of this delicate liquor and its signature smoky flavor offers a luxurious complement to the comforting texture and mouthwatering taste of our recipe’s ingredients.
Whether you are planning your next St. Patrick’s Day party with your friends, hosting a cozy family gathering, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth cravings, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites in no time.
So let’s get started! Together we can create magic in every bite of this delightful dessert that perfectly embodies the traditional flavors that made Ireland famous around the world.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or just looking to impress your dinner guests, this Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake recipe is bound to tick all your boxes.
First of all, it’s a cake – who doesn’t love cake? But not just any cake, a decadent and boozy cake that will have you coming back for seconds. The moist and perfectly-spiced cake is made with a touch of sweet potato and two full cups of flour for that perfect crumb texture. Plus, there’s the warm caramel flavor from the Irish whiskey glaze that takes this cake to new heights.
What sets this recipe apart is its adaptability. You can easily make it into a layer cake with the whiskey glaze as frosting or pour it over a bundt cake for an elegant presentation. You can even switch up the raisins with chocolate chips or use a different spirit like bourbon or rum for an entirely different flavor profile.
Don’t tell me you’re not already drooling at the thought? As if that wasn’t enough, this recipe is also incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients and steps. Trust me, this Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake will be your new go-to dessert for any occasion.
Ingredient List
Here is the list of the ingredients you’ll need for this Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake Recipe:
For the Cake:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sweet potato purée (you can also use pumpkin purée)
- 3/4 cup Irish whiskey
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 oz dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
For the Irish Whiskey Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into pieces
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons Irish whiskey
Make sure you have all the ingredients before starting your baking session.
The Recipe How-To
Before starting the recipe, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a cake pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. If using a bundt cake pan, make sure to cool the pan for at least 10 minutes before attempting to remove the cake.
Mixing the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with milk, until everything is evenly combined.
Finally, fold in 2 oz of mashed sweet potato that has been previously boiled or baked until soft. This unique ingredient adds an incredible richness to the cake!
Adding Irish Whiskey Flavor
To give this cake its distinctive flavor, we’ll be adding two different types of sugar and our secret ingredient: Irish whiskey! First, mix together both types of brown sugar (dark and light) until well combined.
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of Irish whiskey with 1/4 cup of water as well as one packet of pudding mix (vanilla or butterscotch), ensuring that everything is dissolved properly.
Add this whiskey mixture into our brown sugar mixture along with 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter to make Irish Whiskey Glaze.
Putting Everything Together
Now it’s time to combine all of our ingredients. Fold the brown sugar glaze into our main batter containing your sweet potato mixture until combined.
Next add in approximately 1/4 cup more whiskey along with raisin or nuts if wanted .
Finally pour your batter into your greased cake pan and bake for 30-40 minutes. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
Adding the Whiskey Caramel Sauce
While the cake is cooling, make a whiskey caramel sauce by mixing together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 oz Irish whiskey, and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir ingredients until completely melted together.
Pour this warm sauce over your hot cake making sure to pour most of it in the center so that it soaks down into the cake.
And voila! A deliciously tender and moist Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake recipe with an irresistible whiskey kick!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, here are some substitutions and variations that you can try with this Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake recipe.
Substitutions:
– Instead of using all-purpose flour, you can use cake flour for a lighter, more delicate texture.
– If you don’t have any sweet potatoes on hand, you can use pumpkin puree as a substitute.
– For those who prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can substitute the Irish whiskey with Irish cream or omit it altogether. Just note that this will alter the taste of the cake.
Variations:
– To make this recipe into a chocolate whiskey cake, add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use chocolate stout beer in place of the milk.
– If you’re a fan of apple desserts, try adding grated apples or apple sauce to the mix for an Irish-inspired apple cake.
– For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cake instead of the whiskey glaze.
Remember to adjust your ingredient measurements accordingly if you choose to try any of these substitutions or variations. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve baked this dreamy Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake, it’s time to talk serving and pairing suggestions. This cake is a winner with almost anything, but my personal preferences are from spicy chai tea to creamy hot cocoa.
When it comes to serving, a simple dusting of confectioners’ sugar on the top is probably all this glorious cake needs. However, if you’re feeling adventurous or want to add an extra punch of flavor, try topping the slice with some whiskey-infused whipped cream.
As for pairings, a glass of scotch or whisky can certainly hit the spot – nothing too fancy, though – solo cups might be best here! Alternatively, craft beerheads could choose their favorite dark ale. Strong coffee or espresso would also complement the deep flavors of the cake well.
Finally, don’t shy away from serving whipped cream or ice cream as accompaniments to this decadent dessert. A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream can create a perfect blend of hot and cold sensations when mixed with warm whiskey caramel sauce.
So whip up this whiskey-laden creation for your next house party or dinner gathering and get ready to be showered with compliments on your impressive culinary skills!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake is a dessert recipe that’s perfect for making in advance. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to have something sweet on hand, this cake can be prepared ahead of time and stored for several days.
To make the cake ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions as normal and bake the cake according to the directions provided. Once the cake is cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will keep the cake fresh and prevent it from drying out.
When you’re ready to serve the cake, take it out of the container and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours to allow it to soften. If you prefer a warm cake, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds each.
If you have any leftover cake, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat the entire cake, place it on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
One thing to keep in mind when storing this cake is that the whiskey glaze may become firmer and even harden when refrigerated. However, this won’t affect the taste or texture of the cake once reheated. If you prefer a softer glaze, simply let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Overall, this Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake is a versatile dessert that can easily be made ahead of time and stored for later use without any compromise on its flavors.
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the best results while making Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake, I have some tips for you to follow.
Firstly, make sure that all the ingredients are at room temperature before starting to make the cake batter. This includes eggs, butter and milk. Room-temperature ingredients incorporate into the cake batter more easily and create a smooth texture.
Secondly, use unsalted butter in this recipe as there is already salt in the recipe. It prevents the cake from being too salty because of extra salt or low-quality salt.
Thirdly, mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the batter. Use a sieve to sift flour, baking soda, and baking powder together. This ensures that there are no lumps in the mixture and prevents over mixing.
Next, when folding in the mixture, do so gently with a rubber spatula. Overmixing leads to tough cakes or dense and chewy textures, which should be avoided at all costs.
Fifthly, don’t overbake the cake even if it doesn’t look cooked through. If you leave it in a little longer than necessary, your cake can become dry and crumbly or lose some of its moisture.
When making the whiskey glaze, make sure it’s thick enough to pour but still runny enough to soak into the cake. To test its thickness: dip a spoon into glaze and watch how fast it drips back down. If it falls off quickly like water then it needs more sugar; if it’s too thick like honey then add more whiskey.
If you don’t have Irish whiskey on hand or don’t want to use alcohol, you can swap it out for apple juice or coffee instead.
Lastly, let your cake rest for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. It’s easier to slice warm cakes but if your cake is too hot then it can break apart or stick inside the pan.
Following these tips will ensure that you make a perfect, moist Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake every time.
FAQ
Now that you have the Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake recipe all laid out, it’s time to answer some common questions that may pop up during the baking process. From ingredient substitutes to how long it can be stored, here are some frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers to ensure that your cake comes out perfectly every time.
Which whiskey is the best for cakes?
When it comes to incorporating alcohol in cakes, bourbon is my top pick. However, for a cake that celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, Irish whiskey would be a fitting choice. Another delicious option would be a Tennessee whiskey cake.
What does whiskey do in baking?
Incorporating alcoholic beverages while baking can elevate the taste, texture, and composition of various baked items. One can witness a distinction in the crust of pies by merely adding a dash of whiskey or rum as it results in a crusty and flaky dough. The addition of vodka to tarts and shortbread dough creates a similar effect by producing a smooth and buttery texture while striking a perfect balance between gluten development and moisture.
Why is it called whiskey cake?
Whiskey cake, also referred to as tipsy cake, is a delectable dessert that combines various fruits, nuts, and whiskey in its batter. This creates a pleasant contrast of flavors and textures that make every forkful enjoyable.
What is whiskey cake made of?
Get ready to dive into a mouth-watering dessert that’s got it all! We’re talking about a luscious cake made from dates and served with bourbon and toffee sauces, sprinkled with spiced pecans and topped with homemade whipped cream. Your taste buds are in for a real treat, my friend.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake Recipe is without a doubt one of the finest cake recipes you will ever come across. The blend of buttery, sweet and spicy flavors makes for an unforgettable treat that will tantalize your tastebuds long after you’ve had it.
Whether you’re looking for a new cake recipe to try or planning a special occasion, this Irish Whiskey Cake recipe is sure to impress your guests. With its rich and delicious texture, subtle hints of spice and warmth from the Jameson Irish whiskey, and a light yet satisfying sweetness, this cake is perfect for both family gatherings and formal events.
So why wait? Whether you’re a fan of whiskey-infused desserts or want to surprise someone with an incredible homemade treat, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Irish Whiskey-Glazed Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Irish Whiskey Glaze
- 1 cup Irish whiskey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F Grease and flour a standard tube pan.
- Cook sweet potato in boiling water until tender; or, for richer flavor, bake in the oven. Cool, peel and mash until you have 1 cup puree.
- Cream butter together with sugars in a large mixing bowl. Mix in sweet potato puree. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift flour, baking powder and salt together and add alternately with milk. Pour into pan and bake 60 to 70 minutes.
- While cake is baking, make Irish Whiskey Glaze:
- Combine whiskey, sugar and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil to dissolve sugar.
- When cake tests done remove to a rack. Pour a portion of glaze over hot cake in pan. Let soak in a little before adding all the glaze. Cool completely in pan and gently remove to a plate.
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.