This cake delivers a beautiful balance of sweetness and subtle warmth from the whiskey. leaving behind a smooth, caramel-like flavor that enhances the buttery crumb.
It has a soft, moist texture thanks to a generous amount of butter and liquid in the batter. The glaze soaks into the cake, adding extra richness and keeping every slice tender.
Despite its elegant flavor, this recipe is simple to prepare. It uses basic pantry ingredients and comes together easily, making it a reliable choice for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
all-purpose flour granulated sugar brown sugar baking powder salt unsalted butter, softened eggs milk or buttermilk Irish whiskey vanilla extract
For the glaze: butter granulated sugar Irish whiskey water
Directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or standard cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and Irish whiskey.
Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by melting butter in a saucepan. Stir in sugar and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and stir in whiskey.
Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Poke small holes in the warm cake and slowly pour the glaze over it, allowing it to soak in.
Let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan and serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 10–12 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes Bake time: 50–60 minutes Cooling time: 30–45 minutes Total time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture.
For a chocolate twist, mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips.
Substitute part of the milk with strong brewed coffee for deeper flavor.
You can also dust the finished cake with powdered sugar instead of using the glaze for a lighter finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
To reheat a slice, warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if desired.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of whiskey?
Yes, any good-quality whiskey will work, though Irish whiskey provides a smoother flavor.
What type of pan works best?
A bundt pan is ideal, but a standard round or loaf pan can also be used with adjusted baking time.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Why is my cake dry?
Overbaking can cause dryness. Check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time ends.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but the glaze adds moisture and enhances the whiskey flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based butter and milk alternatives as needed.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking?
Grease and flour the pan thoroughly, especially if using a bundt pan.
Can I add spices?
Yes, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth to the flavor profile.
Is this cake very sweet?
It’s moderately sweet, balanced by the richness of the butter and the warmth of the whiskey.
Conclusion
Irish Whiskey Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines buttery richness with smooth whiskey warmth. Elegant yet easy to make, this cake is perfect for celebrations or whenever you want a comforting slice with a touch of sophistication.
Irish Whiskey Cake is a rich, buttery bundt cake infused with smooth Irish whiskey and finished with a sweet whiskey glaze. This moist whiskey cake delivers a tender crumb and subtle caramel-like warmth, making it perfect for celebrations, holidays, or an elegant dessert any time of year.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
¾ cup milk or buttermilk
¼ cup Irish whiskey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
2–3 tablespoons Irish whiskey
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or standard cake pan thoroughly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and Irish whiskey.
Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugar and water and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and stir in whiskey.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Poke small holes in the warm cake and slowly pour the glaze over it, allowing it to soak in.
Cool completely before removing from the pan and serving
Notes
Grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, especially with bundt pans.Check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds extra warmth.
