Bourbon pecan pound cake

Bourbon pecan pound cake is a medium Southern American recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Everything Sweet by Charles on YouTube.

Prep: 34 min | Cook: 1 hr 5 min | Total: 1 hr 54 min

Cost: $20.30 total, $1.69 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (lightly spooned, not packed)
  • 3 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
  • 0.5 cup Sour Cream (room temperature)
  • 2 stick Unsalted Butter (softened, room temperature)
  • 5 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 0.5 cup Bourbon (good quality, room temperature)
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp Pecan Extract
  • 1 cup Pecans (chopped, toasted)
  • 1.5 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted, room temperature)
  • 4 tbsp Milk (room temperature, warmed 15‑20 sec if cold)
  • a few drops Food Coloring (optional, for glaze color)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Remove butter, milk, sour cream, and eggs from the refrigerator 2‑3 hours before you start so they reach room temperature.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Cream Butter

    In the mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on low speed for about 1 minute until smooth.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Add Sugar and Cream

    Add half of the granulated sugar and cream on low for 1 minute, then add the remaining sugar. Increase to medium‑high and beat 5‑7 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

    Time: PT6M

  4. Add Flavor Extracts

    Stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tsp pecan extract and mix for 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Incorporate Eggs One at a Time

    Add the eggs one by one, beating on low after each addition until fully combined. Scrape the bowl between eggs.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Combine Milk and Sour Cream

    Whisk together the whole milk and sour cream until smooth.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Fold in Flour and Milk Mixture Alternately

    Add 1 cup of flour on low speed, mix until just combined, then add half of the milk‑sour‑cream mixture. Continue alternating—second cup of flour, remaining milk mixture, third cup of flour—mixing each addition just until incorporated. Do not over‑mix.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Add Bourbon

    Pour in ½ cup bourbon and stir on low for 1 minute until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Prepare Pan and Add Pecans

    Grease the 12‑cup bundt pan thoroughly. Transfer the batter, smooth the top with a spatula, and sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans over the surface.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Bake

    Place the pan in a pre‑heated oven at 340°F (electric) or 325°F (gas). Bake for 55 minutes, then test with a toothpick; if it’s not clean, continue baking in 5‑minute increments until a clean toothpick emerges, total about 65 minutes.

    Time: PT1H5M

    Temperature: 340°F

  11. Cool

    Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a rack for 20 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

    Time: PT20M

  12. Make Glaze

    In a small bowl, whisk together 1½ cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, 4 tbsp milk, and ½ tsp vanilla (or pecan) extract until smooth and glossy.

    Time: PT5M

  13. Glaze the Cake

    Drizzle or spread the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to set for a few minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains alcohol, Contains nuts

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Tree nuts, Gluten, Alcohol

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Bourbon pecan pound cake

Recipe by Everything Sweet by Charles

A moist, buttery bourbon‑infused pound cake studded with toasted pecans and finished with a light powdered‑sugar glaze. Inspired by historic Southern recipes that used alcohol to preserve cakes, this version balances rich vanilla‑pecan flavor with a subtle kick of bourbon.

MediumSouthern AmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 4m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.30
Total cost
$1.69
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time to avoid a tough batter.
  • Alternate flour with the milk‑sour‑cream mixture without over‑mixing.
  • Check doneness with a toothpick and adjust baking time as needed.
  • Allow the cake to cool slightly before glazing to prevent a soggy crust.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Alcohol vapors can be flammable; keep the kitchen well‑ventilated while baking.
  • Consume raw or undercooked eggs at your own risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Bourbon Pecan Pound Cake in Southern American cuisine?

A

Bourbon pound cake traces back to the 19th‑century Southern tradition of adding alcohol to preserve baked goods before refrigeration. The bourbon not only extended shelf life but also added a signature flavor that became a staple at holiday gatherings and family celebrations.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of bourbon pound cake in the Southern United States?

A

In the Deep South, the cake is often made with pecan‑infused extracts and topped with toasted pecans, while in coastal areas cooks may add citrus zest or replace pecans with walnuts. Some versions also incorporate a caramel glaze instead of a simple powdered‑sugar glaze.

cultural
Q

How is bourbon pound cake traditionally served in Southern culture?

A

It is typically served at brunches, holiday meals, or as an after‑dinner treat, sliced and sometimes accompanied by fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The glaze gives it a glossy finish that makes it look festive.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is bourbon pecan pound cake traditionally associated with in Southern cuisine?

A

Bourbon pecan pound cake is popular at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family reunions, as well as at birthday celebrations and bridal showers where a rich, buttery dessert is appreciated.

cultural
Q

What makes bourbon pecan pound cake special or unique in Southern American cuisine?

A

The combination of a classic pound‑cake texture with the warm, caramel‑like notes of bourbon and the crunchy, buttery pecans creates a layered flavor profile that is both nostalgic and indulgent, setting it apart from plain butter cakes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making bourbon pecan pound cake?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing after adding flour, adding all the eggs at once, using cold butter or milk, and baking at too high a temperature which can cause cracks. Following the step‑by‑step mixing order and checking doneness with a toothpick prevents these issues.

technical
Q

Why does this bourbon pound cake recipe use a 12‑cup bundt pan instead of a loaf pan?

A

A bundt pan provides even heat distribution and a larger surface area for the pecan topping, resulting in a moist crumb and a beautiful presentation. A loaf pan would yield a denser texture and less visual impact.

technical
Q

Can I make the bourbon pecan pound cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, bake the cake up to 24 hours ahead. Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic, and store at room temperature for a day or refrigerate for up to four days. Add the glaze just before serving for the best texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Everything Sweet by Charles specialize in?

A

Everything Sweet by Charles focuses on classic and comfort desserts with a modern twist, often incorporating nostalgic flavors like bourbon, caramel, and seasonal fruits while providing detailed, step‑by‑step tutorials for home bakers.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Everything Sweet by Charles' approach to Southern dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Charles emphasizes the historical context of each recipe, uses high‑quality ingredients like Pecan Pantry pecans, and stresses technique—such as room‑temperature dairy and gradual egg incorporation—resulting in bakery‑level texture that many other channels overlook.

channel

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