Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dessert game! This Bourbon Caramel Spice Cake is not just another cake – it's a decadent masterpiece that combines the warm, rich flavors of bourbon, the luxurious sweetness of caramel, and a symphony of aromatic spices. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a show-stopping dessert, this recipe promises to deliver an unforgettable experience that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: pour in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and bourbon. Crack in the eggs and whisk everything together until smooth and fully combined.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula if necessary.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pans.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the caramel sauce if you are making it from scratch, or simply warm up your store-bought caramel sauce for easier drizzling.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the top of the first layer.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the first. Drizzle more caramel sauce over the top of the second layer, allowing some to drip down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
- For an extra touch, you can garnish the cake with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few nuts if desired.
- Slice and serve your Bourbon Caramel Spice Cake to enjoy a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all your ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature for a smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Quality Bourbon Makes a Difference: Use a good-quality bourbon that you would enjoy drinking. The flavor will shine through in the cake.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test to ensure your cake is fully baked. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding caramel sauce to prevent it from melting too quickly.
- Caramel Drizzling Technique: Warm your caramel sauce slightly for easier drizzling, and let it flow naturally for a beautiful, rustic look.
- Storage Tip: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
