Chocolate & Bourbon Cake

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
10 Min Read

Chocolate & Bourbon Cake Recipe

Have you ever dreamed of a dessert that combines the intensity of cocoa with the sophisticated touch of bourbon? This Chocolate & Bourbon Cake is the culmination of flavors that seduce all the senses, a delight that unites the tradition of baking with an adult and elegant twist. Perfect for special celebrations or for treating yourself at any time, its moist texture and deep aroma fill the room with an invitation to savor every bite. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients, which allow you to create a cake that transforms into a unique experience, where the flavor of cocoa melts with smoky and warm notes of bourbon. Undoubtedly, a renewed classic that captivates both chocolate lovers and connoisseurs looking for something different. From precise ingredients to baking techniques, every step is designed to help you achieve a dazzling result that leaves a lasting impression at every gathering or special moment. Ready to add a special touch to your baking? This cake also invites you to share cherished moments, where good food becomes a ritual of pleasure and celebration.

Preparation time

  • Preparation: 20 minutes
  • Cooking: 50 minutes
  • Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Servings: 10-12
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

  • 200 g unsalted butter
  • 250 g brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 200 g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 150 g wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 150 ml bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: chopped or dark chocolate in pieces

For the dough

  • Melt the butter over low heat in a heat-resistant pan or bowl.
  • Beat the eggs with the sugar until a creamy and pale mixture is obtained.
  • Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and bourbon, and mix well.
  • Sift the cocoa, flour, and baking powder and add to the previous mixture, incorporating with enveloping movements.
  • Include nuts or chocolate chips if you want extra texture and flavor.

Utensils we will use

  • Round baking pan (about 24 cm)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sieve or fine strainer
  • Silicone spatula
  • Tongs or forks to remove the pan

Preparation: How to make Chocolate & Bourbon Cake

1. Pre-preparation

  • Turn on your oven to 180°C and grease it with butter or line it with baking paper to prevent sticking.
  • Prepare all ingredients and utensils at hand for a smooth process.

2. Batter preparation

  • Melt the butter: Place the butter in a pan over low heat until it is completely melted.
  • Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture looks fluffy and pale in color.
  • Incorporate liquids: Add the melted butter little by little, without stopping beating. Then, the bourbon and vanilla essence, until completely integrated.
  • Mix dry ingredients: Sift the cocoa, flour, and baking powder, only then add them to the wet mixture with gentle, enveloping movements to maintain fluffiness.
  • Add extras: If you decide to include nuts or chocolate chips, integrate them at this moment carefully.

3. Baking

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, leveling the surface with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out moist but clean.
  • If you notice the surface starting to brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil and continue baking.

To finish and serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes in the pan for the crumb to set. Carefully unmold using tongs or a spatula and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, you can decorate it with a chocolate glaze, a little powdered sugar, or some toasted walnuts. This cake is ideal to accompany with an extra glass of bourbon or an intense coffee. Surprise your guests or enjoy with family in a moment of celebration!

Tips for a perfect Chocolate & Bourbon Cake

  • Use good quality butter for a soft and aromatic crumb.
  • Bourbon adds depth, so opt for a good quality one or one with aromatic notes that complement the chocolate.
  • For a shinier finish, you can cover it with melted chocolate glaze or make a ganache.
  • Do not overbake; controlling the time and the toothpick test ensures it remains moist and tender.
  • Let it cool completely before unmolding so it doesn't break and maintains its perfect shape.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Proteins: 6 g
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 8 g

These values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients used.


5 keys to make your Chocolate & Bourbon Cake perfect

  • Choose quality ingredients, such as good cocoa powder and aromatic bourbon.
  • Respect the baking time and temperature to maintain moisture.
  • Incorporate the ingredients with gentle movements to preserve fluffiness.
  • Do not overbeat the mixture; excessive beating can compact the dough and reduce the texture.
  • Let it cool before unmolding, thus preventing it from breaking and preserving its shape.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This Chocolate & Bourbon Cake is perfect for special celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or intimate gatherings. Furthermore, its aromatic profile makes it ideal to accompany an afternoon coffee or a glass of bourbon on a Sunday evening. It also makes an excellent gift, where decoration and plating make all the difference. In summer, if you're looking for a refreshing touch, accompany it with fresh fruit or low-sugar ice cream. Without a doubt, no moment is too small for a dessert like this, which combines elegance and pleasure in a single bite.


Similar alternatives and their advantages

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Mocha and Chocolate CakeMascarpone cheese, coffee, cocoaIntegrate coffee notes for a more intense and aromatic flavor.
Cold tuna Triple ChocolateDark, milk, and white chocolateOffers a more complex experience in flavor and texture.
Cheesecake of White Chocolate and RaspberriesCream cheese, white chocolate, raspberriesCombines the acidity of fruits with the creaminess of cheese.
Cold tart Coconut and LemonShredded coconut, lemon, cookie baseRefreshing, ideal for warm climates and light desserts.
Walnut and Caramel BrownieWalnuts, caramel, chocolateDenser and tastier texture, with caramelized notes.
White Chocolate and Macadamia CookiesWhite chocolate, macadamia, butterPerfect for accompanying coffees and teas, with a milder flavor.

Frequently asked questions


Share your experience with this Chocolate & Bourbon Cake

Have you tried this recipe yet? What techniques worked best for you? Share in the comments how your cake turned out and if you added any personal variations you discovered in the process. Cooking is a world of creativity and enjoyment, and every baking achievement deserves to be celebrated. We would love to hear about your experience and see how this classic becomes even more special in your kitchen!

Culinary Glossary

  • Sponginess: Light and airy texture obtained by incorporating air into the mixture, causing the cake to rise and become fluffy.
  • Whipping: The action of vigorously mixing ingredients with a whisk or mixer to incorporate air and add volume.
  • Sift: Sifting dry ingredients like cocoa, flour, or baking powder through a fine sieve to prevent lumps and achieve a fine texture.
  • Unmold: Carefully removing the cake from the mold, so that it retains its shape without breaking.
  • Bake: Baking food in an oven at a controlled temperature to achieve uniform cooking and flavor development.
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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
3 Comments
  • Perfect for sharing this ‘Chocolate & Bourbon Cake’. It reminded me of a version I tried on a trip. Keep sharing more like this.

  • I prepared it exactly as this ‘Chocolate & Bourbon Cake’. I made it for dinner and everyone was happy. Keep sharing more like this.

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