Bourbon Blackberry Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Bourbon Blackberry Cake combines rich chocolate flavor with a hint of bourbon and the freshness of blackberries for a truly indulgent dessert. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want a comforting treat with a grown-up twist.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, shaken
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
• ½ cup bourbon
• 1 to 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries (for folding into the batter or topping the cake)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated.
5. Step 5: Stir in the hot coffee and bourbon until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin—that’s normal for this cake.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in blackberries if using them in the batter, being careful not to crush them.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9: Once cooled, you can top the cake with additional fresh blackberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or frozen blackberries; if frozen, do not thaw before adding to batter to prevent color bleeding.
• Substitute bourbon with whiskey or omit for a non-alcoholic version, adding an extra ½ cup of coffee instead.
• For a richer cake, add a chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting on top.
• Ensure eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smoother batter and better rise.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, bring cake to room temperature before serving for best flavor. This cake also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?

Yes, whiskey or rum can be used as substitutes if you prefer. Each will add a slightly different flavor profile but still complement the chocolate and berries beautifully.

Is it possible to make this cake without coffee?

Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but can be replaced with hot water if you prefer. The depth of chocolate taste might be slightly less intense without coffee.

Bourbon Blackberry Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 56 reviews

This Bourbon Blackberry Cake is a rich and moist chocolate cake infused with bourbon and topped with fresh blackberries, offering a perfect blend of deep chocolate flavor and a hint of boozy warmth. Ideal for special occasions or as a decadent dessert, this cake combines the classic comforts of chocolate with the fresh brightness of blackberries and the smooth complexity of bourbon.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bourbon Chocolate Cake

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, shaken
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
• ½ cup bourbon
• 1 cup fresh blackberries (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Ensure thorough mixing for even baking.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Incorporate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently to combine without overmixing.
5. Add Coffee and Bourbon: Slowly pour in the freshly brewed hot coffee and bourbon into the batter, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The batter will be thin, which is normal for this recipe.
6. Pour Batter into Pans: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans, smoothing out the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then invert them onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. Assemble and Top: Once cooled, layer the cakes as desired. Garnish the top of the cake with fresh blackberries to complement the rich bourbon-chocolate flavor.
10. Serve: Slice and serve at room temperature. Store leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
• The hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and helps dissolve the sugar and cocoa powder better.
• If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with an equal amount of strong brewed coffee or vanilla extract.
• For a more decadent dessert, consider adding a bourbon-infused chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting.
• Fresh blackberries on top add a burst of freshness and tartness to balance the rich chocolate and bourbon flavors.
• Store cake covered to maintain moisture, and avoid refrigerating for long periods as it may dry out.

Keywords: Bourbon Cake, Chocolate Cake, Blackberry Cake, Bourbon Dessert, Moist Chocolate Cake, Holiday Cake