If you are looking for a cake that will wow your friends and family with layers of deep, complex flavors and a luxurious moist texture, this Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe is here to steal the show. It combines the rich nuttiness of browned butter with the warm, spirited notes of bourbon, all perfectly paired with intense cocoa for a chocolate cake that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a moment to indulge yourself, this cake offers a unique twist on the classic chocolate dessert that you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe are straightforward but absolutely essential. Each one plays a crucial role, from enhancing the flavor to ensuring the perfect texture and moistness that makes this dessert unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty depth that transforms the flavor profile beyond ordinary chocolate cake.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle molasses note to complement the bourbon.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides intense chocolate flavor without overpowering the other elements.
- Hot coffee or hot water: Enhances the chocolate’s richness and keeps the cake moist.
- Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients and give structure to the cake.
- Bourbon: Infuses warm, boozy undertones that lift the chocolate to another level.
- Vanilla extract: Balances flavors with its sweet aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour: The base that supports the cake’s rise and texture.
- Baking soda: Works as a leavening agent to give the cake a light, tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the frosting for a smooth and silky finish.
- Heavy cream: Adds creaminess to the frosting, making it luscious and spreadable.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting and intensifies the chocolate notes.
How to Make Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring they are well-prepared to prevent sticking and to help your cakes bake evenly.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
Melt one cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Keep cooking until the butter turns golden brown and releases a wonderful nutty aroma—this step is crucial as this flavor is what makes the cake truly special. Let it cool just slightly before moving on.
Step 3: Mix Cocoa and Coffee
In a bowl, whisk the unsweetened cocoa powder with the hot coffee or hot water until smooth. This mixture not only adds chocolate intensity but also keeps the batter moist. Then, stir in the browned butter until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Sugars, Eggs, Bourbon, and Vanilla
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, bourbon, and vanilla extract to your cocoa mixture. Whisk everything together until the batter looks smooth and glossy, which means it’s ready for the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this helps keep your cake tender and light in texture.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Then, allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Bourbon Chocolate Frosting
For the frosting, beat softened butter with cocoa powder until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, bourbon, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, beating until thick and spreadable. This frosting perfectly complements the cake with its rich, boozy chocolate flavor.
Step 8: Assemble and Frost the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer. Finish by frosting the entire cake, keeping the look rustic and inviting rather than overly perfect.
How to Serve Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top adds a lovely crunch and highlights the nuttiness of the browned butter. Fresh berries or a light dusting of cocoa powder can also add a beautiful finishing touch that elevates your presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream to balance the rich flavors. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of bourbon on the side can also enhance your tasting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few chocolate shavings for an extra-special touch. For gatherings, a rustic cake stand with a few sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers around the base can make the presentation truly festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days, maintaining its moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap each layer separately in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake stays good for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently warm slices in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or place them in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. This helps soften the frosting and bring out the rich, buttery flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute bourbon with another alcohol or non-alcoholic option?
Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute bourbon with vanilla extract or coffee for flavor depth. For a different alcoholic twist, whiskey or dark rum work nicely too, but the signature warmth of bourbon is part of this recipe’s charm.
What is the purpose of browning the butter?
Browned butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake. It also adds a subtle richness and complexity that regular melted butter simply cannot match.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best way is to insert a toothpick near the center of the cake; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), the cake is perfectly baked. This ensures it’s moist but not undercooked.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain structure. Baking times may need to be adjusted slightly.
What’s the best way to achieve a rustic frosting look?
Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting with gentle but deliberate strokes. Avoid smoothing it perfectly; instead, embrace natural swirls and peaks, which give the cake a warm, homemade feel that invites people to dig in.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe is a personal favorite for good reason—it brings together simple ingredients and transforms them into a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a party or a cozy night in, this cake promises joy in every bite. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen.
Print
Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist dessert featuring the deep flavors of browned butter and bourbon, balanced by a smooth cocoa-infused frosting. Perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat, this cake combines a tender crumb with a luxuriously creamy frosting boasting a subtle boozy kick.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons bourbon
- 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1 cup of unsalted butter. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Combine Cocoa and Hot Liquid: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3/4 cup cocoa powder with 1 cup of hot coffee or hot water until smooth, creating a rich cocoa mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk the browned butter into the cocoa mixture. Then add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, 1/3 cup bourbon, and vanilla extract, whisking until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and ensuring a tender cake.
- Bake the Cake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely in their pans before removing and frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cocoa powder together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar along with 2 to 3 tablespoons bourbon, 2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until you achieve a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble and Frost: Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread frosting evenly on top, then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides, keeping the finish slightly rustic rather than overly polished for a charming, homemade look.
Notes
- For a stronger bourbon flavor, consider brushing the cake layers with additional bourbon before frosting.
- Use fresh eggs at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with strong brewed coffee or additional vanilla extract.
- Allow the browned butter to cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs when combined.
- Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to achieve the best texture.
- Heavy cream quantity can be adjusted to reach your desired frosting consistency.
