Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Irish Whiskey Cake is an easy yet delicious dessert that blends the rich flavors of whiskey into a moist sponge cake. With its subtle whiskey buttercream filling and a whiskey glaze, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth. The glaze adds a perfect finishing touch, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a cake that’s as fun as it is flavorful. Plus, it’s perfect for celebrations, especially St. Patrick’s Day!

Ingredients

• Butter
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Self-raising flour
• Whiskey
• Salt
• Confectioner’s/powdered sugar
• Milk
• Heavy whipping cream
• Brown sugar

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

Make the Whiskey Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans with butter, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and dust the sides with flour.
2. In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add one-third of the beaten eggs and continue to mix at medium speed.
4. Add one-third of the sifted flour, repeating this process until all the flour and eggs are incorporated.
5. Turn the mixer to low and add the whiskey, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide the mixture evenly between the two cake pans.
7. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.
8. Cool for 15 minutes before removing the cakes from the pans.

Fill and Decorate the Cake

1. Make the whiskey buttercream by mixing all ingredients until smooth.
2. Slice the tops of the cakes to make them level.
3. Place one cake layer cut-side up, spread the whiskey buttercream on top, and then place the second layer, cut-side down.
4. Dust the cake with powdered sugar or make a whiskey glaze for the top (recipe below).

Make the Whiskey Glaze

1. In a small pot, combine brown sugar, milk, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and stir in whiskey. The glaze should be thick enough to run slightly over the edges.
3. Pour the glaze over the cake and allow it to set.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Flavored Whiskey: You can experiment with different types of whiskey, such as bourbon or rye, to change the flavor profile of the cake.
• Buttercream Alternatives: If you want a richer flavor, try adding a touch of vanilla extract or chocolate to the buttercream.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute whiskey with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or a combination of strong brewed tea for a similar depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
• Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy the cake warm, gently reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of whiskey for the cake?

Yes, you can substitute any whiskey you like, though Irish whiskey like Jameson is traditional.

2. How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be made a day or two ahead. Just cover it and store it in the fridge.

4. Can I skip the whiskey glaze?

Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer a less boozy cake or want a different type of topping.

5. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but you’ll need to add baking powder to it (about 2 teaspoons for every cup of flour).

6. How do I make the whiskey buttercream thicker?

If the buttercream is too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

7. Can I decorate the cake with something other than powdered sugar?

Yes, you can decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder.

8. How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

9. Can I freeze the whiskey cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unglazed cake layers or the fully decorated cake for up to 3 months.

10. How do I make a non-alcoholic version of this cake?

Substitute the whiskey with a strong brewed tea or a whiskey alternative, and use a whiskey-flavored extract in the glaze.

Conclusion

This Irish Whiskey Cake is a perfect blend of light, moist cake, flavorful whiskey buttercream, and a decadent glaze. It’s the ideal treat for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion that calls for a boozy dessert. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, this cake is sure to impress your guests!

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