If you’re anything like me, you know a truly unforgettable dessert when you taste one. The Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe is exactly that—rich, moist, and layered with flavors that surprise and delight at every bite. The nutty warmth of browned butter mingles with the deep chocolate and a subtle kick of bourbon, creating a cake that’s both comforting and decadently sophisticated. It’s the kind of dessert perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or whenever you deserve a little indulgence that feels like a hug in cake form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is where this cake journey begins, and the best part is how simple yet essential these elements are. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—whether it’s the butter bringing a nutty depth, the bourbon adding a unique warmth, or the cocoa giving that chocolate punch, everything works in harmony to create a cake you’ll keep coming back to.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Browning this butter is the magic that adds a toasty, nutty flair to the cake’s flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while ensuring a tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides deep chocolate richness that balances the butter’s nuttiness.
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water: Enhances the chocolate and keeps the batter smooth.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together, giving the cake structure and softness.
- 1/3 cup bourbon: Infuses the cake with a warming, slightly boozy depth that elevates the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cake’s perfect texture and rise.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise and keeps it light.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): For the frosting, creating a creamy, luscious finish.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds richness and chocolate flavor to the frosting.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.
- 2–3 tablespoons bourbon: Gives the frosting a boozy hint that mirrors the cake’s interior.
- 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream: Adjusts frosting consistency to perfectly spreadable softness.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the frosting’s flavors.
How to Make Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Brown the Butter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans—this ensures your cakes slide out perfectly later. Then melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown with a rich, nutty aroma. This browned butter is the star ingredient, setting the flavor apart from your average chocolate cake. Let it cool slightly before moving on.
Step 2: Combine Cocoa and Coffee
In a bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and hot coffee (or hot water) until smooth. This step wakes up the cocoa, intensifying the chocolate notes. Once smooth, blend in the slightly cooled browned butter to marry those decadent, nutty tones with the chocolate.
Step 3: Mix the Sugars, Eggs, and Bourbon
To the chocolate-butter mixture, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until silky smooth. Incorporating the bourbon here is key as it infuses the batter with a subtle warmth that’s perfectly balanced by the sugars and vanilla.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cake tender and moist. This is where texture is born, and each component works together to produce a rich yet airy crumb.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and place them in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Removing the cakes at just the right moment means a moist and tender bite every time. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Whip Up the Bourbon Chocolate Frosting
Melted flavors continue in the frosting—beat softened butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then bourbon, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, beating until you achieve a thick, spreadable consistency. The bourbon in the frosting echoes the cake’s flavor, making every bite a harmonious blend of chocolate and warmth.
Step 7: Assemble Your Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe
Spread a generous layer of frosting between the cake layers, then cover the top and sides, letting your rustic style shine through rather than aiming for perfection. This slightly imperfect, homemade finish matches the cake’s soul: inviting and deeply satisfying.
How to Serve Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your cake with a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts to add a satisfying crunch that complements the nutty browned butter. A dusting of cocoa powder or a few chocolate shavings can elevate the presentation, making your dessert feel truly special. Fresh berries also pair beautifully, adding a fresh contrast to the richness.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but can be paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to introduce a cool, creamy element. Freshly brewed coffee or a glass of bourbon will echo the cake’s flavors and make serving feel like a well-planned experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and serve this cake on rustic wooden boards for a cozy vibe or fancy ceramic plates for a refined touch. For parties, cut into small squares and serve as bite-sized treats. You could even layer it as a trifle with whipped cream and cherries for a fun twist that keeps the same beloved flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This approach keeps the cake moist and the frosting soft, perfect for enjoying as a treat the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake either assembled or in layers. Wrap each layer separately in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen, it stays delicious for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer a slightly warmed slice, microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften the frosting and bring out the luscious aroma of bourbon and chocolate. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake’s structure and moistness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bourbon in this cake?
Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the alcohol, try using vanilla extract or a splash of strong brewed coffee. While it won’t replicate the exact warmth of bourbon, these alternatives still enhance the cake’s rich flavors beautifully.
Why is browning the butter important?
Brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that takes this chocolate cake to another level. It’s more complex than melted butter and brings a unique aroma and taste that complement the bourbon and cocoa perfectly.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your baking soda is gluten-free as well, and you’ll still get a moist and delicious cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. This ensures your cake is baked through yet still moist and tender.
What is the best way to store leftover frosting?
Keep leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using again, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip to restore its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe a try because it truly is a crowd-pleaser that feels special without being complicated. Every bite feels like a celebration of flavors that comfort and surprise. Whether for a casual dessert or a festive occasion, this cake promises to make memories around your table. Happy baking!
Print
Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Cake, a moist and flavorful dessert featuring nutty browned butter and a splash of bourbon for added depth. This chocolate cake is layered with a luscious bourbon-infused cocoa frosting, perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.
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 and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
- Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking it until it turns a golden brown color and releases a nutty aroma, indicating it is browned. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix cocoa and coffee: Whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and hot coffee (or hot water) in a bowl until smooth and fully combined. Add the browned butter and whisk again to mix evenly.
- Combine sugars and wet ingredients: To the cocoa mixture, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Add dry ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt using a spatula or spoon, just until the ingredients are incorporated without overmixing.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans before handling or frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the cocoa powder until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, bourbon, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until it is thick, creamy, and spreadable.
- Assemble and frost: Layer the cooled cakes with the bourbon cocoa frosting. Spread the frosting over the top and sides of the cake, keeping a slightly rustic texture rather than a perfectly smooth finish for an inviting look.
Notes
- Use hot coffee instead of water to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Be careful when browning butter; watch closely to avoid burning.
- The bourbon in both the cake and frosting adds a subtle depth—adjust amount to taste or substitute with vanilla extract if preferred.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- The frosting consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less heavy cream to reach the desired spreadability.
