Kentucky Bourbon Cake Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Kentucky Bourbon Cake, a delightful dessert perfect for special occasions or a cozy weeknight treat. This recipe combines the warmth of bourbon-infused fruits with the crunch of pecans, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a preparation time of 48 hours and a total cooking time of 5 hours, this cake requires patience but promises a rewarding outcome.
- Prep Time: 48 hours
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 53 hours
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1 cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Bourbon or whiskey
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup cherries
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 eggs, separated
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions:
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Prepare Bourbon-Infused Fruits:
- Pour 2 cups of bourbon or whiskey over golden raisins and cherries in a container.
- Cover and soak for 48 hours.
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Preparation Before Mixing:
- Drain the soaked fruits well, reserving the bourbon for later use.
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Prepare Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter until light.
- Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks until very light, then add light brown sugar. Beat well to dissolve the sugar.
- Combine the two sugar mixtures in the large bowl and blend well.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix nutmeg, baking powder, and 4 1/2 cups of flour.
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Prepare Pecans:
- Mix the remaining 1/2 cup of flour with chopped pecans.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Add the flour mixture alternately with reserved bourbon to the sugar-butter-egg mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in the soaked fruits, then add the pecans and fold in gently.
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Whip Egg Whites:
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry.
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Incorporate Egg Whites:
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until evenly distributed.
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Prepare Pan:
- Grease a 10-inch tube pan and line it with greased brown paper.
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Bake:
- Place a pan of water in the bottom of the oven to create steam.
- Bake the cake for 4-5 hours at 275°F (135°C).
- Test the cake’s doneness with a toothpick about 2 inches from the outer edge; it may take longer than 5 hours.
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Cooling and Soaking:
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before turning it out of the pan.
- When the cake is almost cool, heavily sponge the sides and inside hole with bourbon-saturated cheesecloth.
- Cover the cake with the saturated cheesecloth, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Let the cake set overnight to allow the flavors to meld and saturate further.
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Storage:
- Store the cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for at least 2 weeks to enhance the flavors.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1906.6
- Fat: 80.1g
- Saturated Fat: 26.9g
- Cholesterol: 231mg
- Sodium: 480.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 250.1g
- Fiber: 9.7g
- Sugar: 177g
- Protein: 19.6g
Tips:
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- The longer the cake is stored, the richer the flavors will become. Patience is key!
- Serve slices of this decadent cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Enjoy the rich and decadent flavors of this Kentucky Bourbon Cake, perfect for festive celebrations or any occasion that calls for a special treat! 🎂🥃