If you have a soft spot for rich, buttery cakes that brim with warm, inviting flavors, then this Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe is going to steal your heart. Combining velvety pound cake texture with a subtle hint of Southern Comfort whiskey creates a dessert that feels like a cozy, indulgent hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake promises both nostalgia and a touch of Southern charm rolled into one irresistible slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the secret to this pound cake’s signature texture and flavor. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the creamy butter for richness or the whiskey for that unmistakable Southern kick.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The foundation for a moist, tender crumb and buttery flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with that perfect crust.
- 5 large eggs: Adds structure and richness to the batter.
- 1/2 cup Southern Comfort whiskey: Infuses the cake with its characteristic warm, fruity notes.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and balances the batter’s richness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, aromatic touch.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for that traditional pound cake texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle lift without sacrificing density.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens flavor depth.
- Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for topping: Adds a festive finish and extra sweetness.
How to Make Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup bundt or tube pan thoroughly—this ensures your pound cake will release beautifully after baking without any sticking mishaps.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This step incorporates air that helps create a tender texture, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Crack in the eggs individually, beating well after each addition. This slow introduction guarantees your batter becomes smooth and emulsified, contributing to the cake’s velvety consistency.
Step 4: Mix Southern Comfort, Milk, and Vanilla
In a small bowl, whisk together the Southern Comfort whiskey, whole milk, and vanilla extract. These flavors melt into each other, setting the stage for the rich profile that makes this cake special.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Sifting helps distribute the leavening agent evenly and ensures a lump-free batter.
Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the Southern Comfort liquid mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix gently and just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make the cake tough.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Place it in the preheated oven for 70 to 80 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remember, patience here leads to that perfect golden crust and tender center.
Step 8: Cool and Add Finishing Touches
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple Southern Comfort glaze for an added sparkle.
How to Serve Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting your Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe with a light layer of powdered sugar instantly elevates its charm, offering a delicate sweet crust. For a glossier finish, a quick drizzle of a whiskey-infused glaze adds an elegant touch that teases the palate before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The fruity brightness and creamy textures complement the dense, boozy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the pound cake and stacking the pieces with layers of mascarpone and seasonal fruit for a delightful trifle. Alternatively, serve it warm alongside a spiced caramel sauce to bring out the Southern Comfort nuances even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature. It keeps well for up to three days, during which the flavors actually deepen and become more harmonious.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the cake later, slice it and freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. This way, you can thaw just what you need without compromising the cake’s tender texture.
Reheating
To refresh the cake’s warmth and softness, gently warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. This step revives the cake as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of whiskey instead of Southern Comfort?
Absolutely! While Southern Comfort brings its unique fruity sweetness, substituting with bourbon or a mellow whiskey will still work well, though the flavor profile might shift slightly.
What’s the best way to avoid the cake drying out?
Make sure not to overbake and store the cake wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge. Adding the milk and whiskey precisely helps maintain moisture too.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, but results may vary slightly in texture since gluten is important for structure in pound cakes.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
You could experiment by swapping the butter for a dairy-free alternative and using plant-based milk, but it might affect the flavor and crumb, so proceed with cautious optimism.
How long should the cake rest before serving?
While tempting to dig in right away, letting the Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe rest overnight enhances the flavors and moistness, making each slice even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe—a dessert that brings together simplicity and depth in one glorious, buttery bite. Whether you’re making it for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this cake never fails to impress with its tender crumb and those unforgettable hints of Southern Comfort whiskey. Give it a try, and you’ll soon find it becoming a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
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Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Comfort Pound Cake is a classic, rich, and moist dessert infused with the warm flavors of Southern Comfort whiskey. Perfectly buttery with a tender crumb, this bundt cake is ideal for celebrations or an indulgent treat any day. The cake’s boozy undertone pairs wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple whiskey glaze.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Southern Comfort whiskey
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar or glaze for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup bundt or tube pan thoroughly to ensure the cake does not stick after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is key to a tender cake.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and maintain the smooth texture.
- Combine Liquids: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Southern Comfort whiskey, whole milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture adds moistness and the signature whiskey flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and to avoid lumps.
- Alternate Adding Dry and Liquid Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the liquid mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until combined after each addition. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 70 to 80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes after baking, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add Topping: Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and Southern Comfort whiskey if desired.
Notes
- For a simple glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons Southern Comfort whiskey until smooth.
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld together.
- Store the cake wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
