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A perfect celebratory dessert for the holidays! This easywhiskey cakerecipe starts with a box of cake mix for a moist, flavorful, and quick yellow Bundt cake that’s topped with walnuts and soaked in a rich, butter-whiskey glaze. The old-fashioned treat has been a favorite for generations!

Bourbon Whiskey Cake Recipe
I have vivid memories of my mom and my grandmother preparing this Christmas cake throughout my childhood. They often made it with rum, but the dessert is equally delicious with my parents’ favorite bourbon instead! It’s a perfect holiday dessert because you can make it in advance (and it doesn’t need to be refrigerated), it’s easy (since it takes advantage of a boxed cake mix), and it feels festive and celebratory — thanks to plenty of boozy whiskey glaze! It would also be ideal for Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, or St. Patrick’s Day (when using Irish whiskey).

What does whiskey cake taste like?
The base of the recipe is a golden yellow cake mix made with vanilla pudding and a touch of Tennessee whiskey, Kentucky bourbon, or Irish whiskey — whatever you prefer. The cake itself doesn’t have a strong whiskey flavor at all — instead, it’s just a reallymoist, fluffy golden Bundt cake with a rich vanilla flavor and a toasty, crunchy walnut topping.
The warm cake soaks up a buttery whiskey glaze, which gives it that classic whiskey taste without an overpowering amount of alcohol. While some whiskey cakes taste very strongly of booze,this cake is made with less alcohol and therefore has a more subtle whiskey taste.Plus, the amount of alcohol in any given slice is not enough to make anyone drunk. You’ll need to pour some cocktails if that’s what you’re going for!

What does whiskey do in baking?
Baking a cake with whiskey adds flavor and depth to the cake. It tastes rich, decadent, and festive!
Can you add liquor to cake mix?
Yes! You can replace water with liquor in a cake mix. In this case, we’re using a combination of both whiskey and water so that the flavor of the alcohol isn’t too overpowering.

The Best Whiskey for Cake
You can use just about any variety of whiskey that you like in this cake. Our favorite is bourbon, but Irish whiskey would be a great addition for a St. Patrick’s Day cake, and a Tennessee whiskey cake also works really well!

Ingredients
This is just a quick overview of the ingredients that you’ll need for an easy whiskey cake recipe. As always, specific measurements and step-by-step baking instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.
- Walnuts: add a rich, toasted, crunchy topping to the cake. Finely chopped pecans are a good substitute.
- Yellow cake mix:I like the super moistDuncan Hines yellow cake mix, but any similar variety (such as Betty Crocker or Pillsbury brands) will work. You can even substitute with a white cake mix.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix:justthe small 4-serving (3.4 ounce) boxof dry mix — not prepared into actual pudding.
- Whiskey: adds great flavor to the dessert. Use any whiskey that you like — Tennessee whiskey, Irish whiskey, or Kentucky bourbon all work well.
- Water:the liquid that thins the cake batter.
- Vegetable oil:keeps the cake super-moist. I use vegetable oil, but any neutral oil (such as canola oil) will work.
- Eggs:give the cake structure.
- Salted butter and granulated sugar: combine with some additional whiskey to make the glaze.

Why add pudding to cake mix?
Thegelatin component in the instant pudding mix makes the cake super moist. It’s the secret ingredient tomake your cake more fluffy, too! When baking a cake in a Bundt pan, a very moist batter is necessary so that the cake doesn’t dry out. Don’t omit the pudding, which is a key ingredient.

How to Make Whiskey Cake
We’re big fans of store-bought shortcuts to help get easy desserts on the table without too much stress. This simplewhiskey soaked cakelooks impressive on a holiday table, but a yellow cake mix and a box of vanilla instant pudding make it a breeze to put together.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts in the bottom of a greased and floured Bundt pan.
- Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, whiskey, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer or stand mixer for 2 minutes.
- Pour the batter over the nuts in the pan.
- Bake the cake in a 325°F oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Combine the butter, sugar, and whiskey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Poke holes in the bottom of the warm cake while it’s still in the pan. Slowly pour about half of the whiskey mixture over the cake. Let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Turn the cake out onto a wire rack. Poke holes in the top of the cake. Pour the rest of the glaze over the top.
- Cool completely, then slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake on its own, or top each slice withfreshly whipped cream,fresh berries, or a scoop ofvanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce is a nice touch, too!

Storage
Covered loosely, this cake willkeep at room temperature for about 2-3 days.To extend the life of your cake, store it in an airtight container in therefrigerator for up to 1 week.
You can freeze this cake, too! I often cut the large Bundt cake in half so that we can enjoy part of it now and save the other half for later. Allow the cake to cool completely, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, wrap again with aluminum foil, and store in the freezer forupto 3 months.

Recipe Variations
- For a stronger whiskey flavor, increase the whiskey in the cake batter to ½ cup and use just ¼ cup of water.
- For a more mild whiskey flavor, use just ¼ cup of whiskey in the glaze plus ¼ cup of water.
- Any type of whiskey will work. We prefer bourbon or a Jack Daniel’s whiskey cake recipe. For St. Patrick’s Day, make an Irish whiskey cake by using something like Jameson Irish whiskey.
- Loaf Cakes:If you don’t have a Bundt pan,you can bake this cake in two loaf pans. The cooking time will be about the same or slightly shorter, typically 45-50 minutes in a 350°F oven.
- If you don’t have a box of yellow cake mix, use white cake mix instead.
- Chocolate Whiskey Cake Recipe: use a box of chocolate cake mix and a box of chocolate instant pudding mix. You can also fold chocolate chips into the cake batter.

Tips for the Best Whiskey Cake Recipe
- Grease the Bundt pan really wellby coating with butter and then dusting with flour. Alternatively, you can use a cooking spray that’s specifically made for baking (likethis one). These options will ensure that your cake pops right out of the pan when it’s done!
- Do not over-bake the cakeor it can become dry. Start checking for doneness by the 50-minute mark, since total baking times will vary depending on your personal oven and the type and color of Bundt pan that you use.
- Poke a lot of holes in the cake and pour the glaze over top very slowly, allowing plenty of time for the glaze to sink into the warm cake.
- The cake gets better as it sits, so this is a nice dessert option to prepare the day before you plan to serve it.

More Easy Bundt Cake Recipes to Try
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Rum Cake
Chocolate Bundt Cake {Using Cake Mix!}
Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake
Lemon Bundt Cake {using Cake Mix!}
Orange Juice Cake
Apple Bundt Cake {Apple Dapple Cake}
Pistachio Cake
Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Cake Mix
Old Fashioned Whiskey Cake Recipe
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 12 slices
Calories 380 kcal
A perfect celebratory dessert for the holidays! This easywhiskey cakerecipe starts with a box of cake mix for a moist, flavorful treat!
Equipment
Ingredients
FOR THE CAKE:
- 1 cup finely-chopped walnuts (or sub with pecans)
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup whiskey
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs, at room temperature
FOR THE GLAZE:
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup whiskey
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
Sprinkle nuts in the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, whiskey, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Pour the batter over the nuts in the pan.
(Video) Old Fashioned Traditional molasses Gingerbread cakeBake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
About 5 minutes before the cake is done, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and whiskey. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Leave the hot cake in the pan and use a toothpick or wooden skewer to poke holes in the bottom of the cake. Slowly drizzle about half of the glaze over the bottom of the cake, allowing time for the glaze to soak into the holes and be absorbed by the hot cake.
Place a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet to catch drips. After about 10 minutes in the pan, turn the cake out onto the wire rack (right-side up). Poke holes on the top of the cake. Gradually drizzle remaining glaze over the top of the cake. A lot of the glaze will soak into the cake, and some will also drip down the sides.
Cool completely, then slice and serve!
Notes
- Grease the Bundt pan really wellby coating with butter and then dusting with flour. Alternatively, you can use a cooking spray that’s specifically made for baking (likethis one). These options will ensure that your cake pops right out of the pan when it’s done!
- Do not over-bake the cakeor it can become dry. Start checking for doneness by the 50-minute mark, since total baking times will vary depending on your personal oven and the type and color of Bundt pan that you use.
- Poke a lot of holes in the cake and pour the glaze over top very slowly, allowing plenty of time for the glaze to sink into the warm cake.
- The cake gets better as it sits, so this is a nice dessert option to prepare the day before you plan to serve it.
Nutrition
Serving: 1sliceCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 396mgPotassium: 84mgFiber: 1gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 318IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 97mgIron: 1mg
Keyword: bourbon whiskey cake, old fashioned whiskey cake recipe, whiskey bundt cake, whiskey cake, whiskey cake recipe
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Blair Lonergan
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FAQs
Does alcohol cook out of whiskey cake? ›
Although the alcohol content of a whiskey cake decreases while you bake it, the cake remains an alcoholic product even after you remove it from the oven. This is why it's important to always ensure that you and others consume your whiskey cake responsibly, just as you would a glass of whiskey or a whiskey cocktail.
What is Whisky cake made of? ›Ingredients
1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix. 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix. ½ cup water. ¼ cup whiskey.
Whiskey cake, as the name describes, is commonly baked with nuts, dried fruits, and of course some good, old-fashioned whiskey (via Rabbit Hole Distillery). This dessert is also known as tipsy cake, but according to Toriavey, this boozy treat won't actually get you drunk.
Does whiskey bake out of cake? ›The alcohol does not entirely bake out, so yes -technically, you can get drunk from eating whiskey cake, but you would have to eat quite a bit.
How long does it take for alcohol to bake out of a cake? ›...
No Worries, the Alcohol Burns Off During Cooking—But, Does It Really?
Time Cooked at Boiling point of alcohol | Approximate Amount of Alcohol Remaining |
---|---|
30 minutes | 35 percent |
One hour | 25 percent |
Two hours | 10 percent |
The longer you cook, the more alcohol cooks out, but you have to cook food for about 3 hours to fully erase all traces of alcohol. A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Nutrient Data lab confirmed this and added that food baked or simmered in alcohol for 15 minutes still retains 40 percent of the alcohol.
Which alcohol is best for cake? ›For example, rum and bourbon give off nutty and vanilla tasting notes that work well with pie filling, cake mix and cookie dough (much like a vanilla extract). Red wine, port and brandy, on the other hand, add a sweetness that pairs nicely with glazes, chocolate cake and gingerbread.
What percent alcohol is whiskey cake? ›Will this cake get me intoxicated? No. Each cake has no more than . 5% alcohol by volume, therefore, it is considered non-alcoholic.
How do you put liquor on a cake? ›While some recipes include the alcohol in the baking mix, if you want the real strength of booze in your baking, use it without cooking it: add alcohol some to simple syrup to soak the cake layers in or fold a little into frosting, whipped cream, or glaze for the final topping.
What is jail cake called? ›Nutraloaf (also known as meal loaf, prison loaf, disciplinary loaf, food loaf, lockup loaf, confinement loaf, seg loaf, grue or special management meal) is food served in prisons in the United States and in Canada to inmates who have misbehaved, for example by assaulting prison guards or fellow prisoners.
Why is it called wife cake? ›
The new pastry was found to taste better than the dim sums that were being sold in teahouses, and the chef proudly told everyone it was made by his wife, hence it was named "Wife Cake".
What are Elvis cakes? ›Elvis Presley cake is made with a simple yellow cake mix that's doctored up with pineapple chunks to make an incredibly moist cream cheese frosted cake with chopped pecans sprinkled on top. Starting with a cake mix and ending with pineapple, homemade cream cheese frosting, and pecans.
What whiskey is good for baking? ›Bourbon — you can use it for more than just drinking. As a smooth, sweet, smokey beverage, bourbon has intensifying flavors to produce a truly decadent recipe, making it one of the best ingredients to add to desserts. You can master desserts with bourbon in baked goods by using a Jim Beam bourbon baking recipe guide.
What happens if you put too much alcohol in a cake? ›Think of adding alcohol to your food as working on a curve. Too little and you won't taste it, and too much means that the alcohol will mask some of the dish's flavor.
Does cake soak up alcohol? ›Cake Soaks with Alcohol
Some alcohols (like rum, or whiskey) are more concentrated and intense than others (like schnapps, or Baileys Irish Cream). It's a good idea to start with a tablespoon of the alcohol per cup of simple syrup, taste, and adjust to your liking from there.
It's true that alcohol boils at a much lower temperature than water (173 degrees Fahrenheit compared with 212 degrees Fahrenheit), so in a sauce, for example, the alcohol will begin to evaporate before the water does.
At what temperature does alcohol bake out of food? ›Its molecules will evaporate not just when alcohol reaches its boiling point, a chilly 173 degrees Fahrenheit compared to water's 212 degree Fahrenheit boiling point, but any time it is exposed to the air. Despite its ability to dissipate, “it's impossible to cook out all of the alcohol [in a dish],” says McGee.
Does burning alcohol make it weaker? ›When a drink is set on fire, alcohol in the drink burns. As the alcohol burns off, the flavors of the other parts of the drink will condense and mix, enhancing one another. This reduction in liquid also affects the feel of the drink, which may take on a creamier texture with the loss of the liquid.
How do you know if alcohol is cooked off? ›You need to cook a sauce for at least 20 to 30 seconds after adding wine to it to allow the alcohol to evaporate. Since alcohol evaporates at 172°F (78°C), any sauce or stew that is simmering or boiling is certainly hot enough to evaporate the alcohol.
What's the fastest way to evaporate alcohol? ›Heat evaporates the alcohol faster, leaving concentrated medicine behind. Additionally, air movement, such as with a fan, can help to evaporate the alcohol faster as well.
How much alcohol should I put in a cake? ›
A concentration of about 1% ABV (alcohol by volume) is ideal for flavor enhancement, but this concentration is not always practical when adding low alcohol-concentration beverages to a cake; it would simply require the addition of too much liquid and would result in imbalance of ingredients.
How do you add alcohol to a box cake mix? ›- Bake the Duncan Hines Fudge cake mix as directed two rounds, squares.
- While baking, mix the contents of the pudding mix substituting 1/2 cup milk for liqueur. (For example if the mixes call for 3 cups milk, do 2 1/2 cups milk and a half cup of liqueur. ...
- Let pudding firm up in fridge while cake cools.
It's technically possible to get drunk off boozy desserts
But it's possible that it could happen — although this is based on a few select factors. According to Insider, eating meals with alcohol in them can indeed raise your blood alcohol level the same way drinking a straight glass of liquor would.
To serve, cut cake in 9 pieces. Poke several holes in each piece, top with 2 oz. of warm toffee sauce. Place in a 500 degree oven on a pan for 4-5 minutes until toffee is bubbling and cake is warmed throughout.
What does alcohol cake taste like? ›What does rum cake taste like? The base of the recipe is a golden yellow cake mix made with vanilla pudding and a touch of Caribbean rum. The cake itself doesn't have a strong rum flavor at all — instead, it's just a really moist, fluffy golden Bundt cake with a rich vanilla flavor and a toasty, crunchy pecan topping.
What is the best alcohol for Christmas cake? ›What alcohol should you use? Strong, flavourful spirits with a high ABV are ideal for feeding fruitcakes. You can use rum, brandy or whisky for spice, or if you like citrus flavours, try an orange liqueur. Cherry brandy and amaretto will also work well if you prefer these.
Does alcohol make cake last longer? ›Alcohol: Before baking, add booze to your cake and be sure of its longevity. Alcohol not only enhances the flavor of the cake but also help to keep it moist. Alcohol should be added in moderation.
What makes cake spoil easily? ›Chemical leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda are what give your cakes their rise and, like every ingredient in your pantry, they eventually go stale. These products have an effective life of about six months. They'll still work after that, but not as well.
Does alcohol cook out in bourbon cake? ›In terms of cake, there's never a way to completely cook the alcohol out. After 2 1/2 hours in an oven, baked goods still hold about 10 percent of the alcohol.
Is the alcohol in rum cake cooked out? ›Does Rum Cake Contain Alcohol? Though there is rum in both the cake and sauce, a lot of it cooks off during the baking/heating process. That being said, the conventional saying that “all” of the alcohol cooks out during baking isn't completely true.
Can Jack Daniels whiskey cake get you drunk? ›
Will this cake get me intoxicated? No. Each cake has no more than . 5% alcohol by volume, therefore, it is considered non-alcoholic.
Is it safe to bake with whiskey? ›When baking with whiskey, much of the alcohol does cook out of the finished product, but the flavor remains. It's a good idea to choose a full-flavored whiskey or bourbon and avoid Canadian whiskeys, as the flavors don't hold up as well in the cooking process.
How long does it take to boil alcohol out of whiskey? ›After 15 minutes, 40% of the alcohol remains, after 30 minutes 35%, and only after two and a half hours 5%. This is why it takes about three hours to eliminate all traces of alcohol.
Can alcohol infused cake get you drunk? ›An average rum cake has around 1/2 cup rum to bake the cake and eating two to three pieces of dry rum cake is too less to get you drunk. However, if you soak the cake in rum after baking and serve it after refrigeration, then eating too much cake can get you a little intoxicated.
How much alcohol is left in rum cake? ›It is possible to become intoxicated from consumption of an excessive amount of rum cake, and some rum cakes contain even more than five percent of certain grain alcohols, though some are made to consistently contain less than 0.5% alcohol.
Can you add liquor to box cake mix? ›When adding liquor to your baking, start with a little and work up to your taste level. Allow enough cooling time to remove the alcohol's harsh taste. You can substitute alcohol for extracts called for in recipes if you desire. In fact, this could open up a whole new world of flavors to try!
Can rum cake make you fail a drug test? ›Flavoring extracts, such as vanilla or almond extract, and liquid herbal extracts could result in a positive drug test for alcohol. Foods cooked with wine should be avoided, such as cherries jubilee, baked Alaska, rum cake, burgundy chicken, and flambé dishes.
Which whiskey is good for baking? ›Bourbon — you can use it for more than just drinking. As a smooth, sweet, smokey beverage, bourbon has intensifying flavors to produce a truly decadent recipe, making it one of the best ingredients to add to desserts. You can master desserts with bourbon in baked goods by using a Jim Beam bourbon baking recipe guide.
Does heat ruin whiskey? ›Exposing your bottles to direct sunlight, heat, and temperature changes won't make your whiskey go bad overnight, but it can affect the taste of the spirit in both open and unopened bottles. Swings in temperature cause whiskey to expand and contract in volume, picking up oxygen along the way.