Kentucky Bourbon Cake

Kentucky Bourbon Cake is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Janine Washle on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 25 min | Total: 2 hrs

Cost: $39.52 total, $3.29 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks Unsalted Butter (softened, room temperature)
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 4 pieces Large Eggs (added one at a time)
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Kentucky Bourbon (plus extra for syrup)
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for syrup)
  • 1/2 cup Kentucky Bourbon (for syrup)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the tube pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Cream Butter and Sugar

    In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Eggs One at a Time

    Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate air.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Incorporate Buttermilk and Bourbon

    Pour in 1 cup of buttermilk and 1/2 cup of Kentucky bourbon, mixing on low speed until just combined.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Fold in Dry Ingredients

    Sift together 3 cups of flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, folding with a spatula until just combined.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Bake the Cake

    Transfer the batter to the prepared tube pan, smooth the top, and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Cool the Cake

    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack and let cool completely.

    Time: PT20M

  8. Prepare Bourbon‑Infused Syrup

    In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup Kentucky bourbon. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Syrup the Cake

    Transfer the warm syrup to a squeeze bottle. Slowly drizzle the syrup over the top of the cooled cake, allowing it to soak as it drips down the sides and into the bottom.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Finish and Serve

    Let the cake rest for 10 minutes to fully absorb the syrup. Slice and serve plain, or garnish with fresh berries and whipped cream if desired.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
18g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains alcohol

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten, Alcohol

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Kentucky Bourbon Cake

Recipe by Janine Washle

A rich, buttery cake infused with Kentucky bourbon and drenched in a bourbon‑sweet syrup. Inspired by a historic recipe from the early days of Kentucky’s bourbon industry, this cake is moist, velvety, and perfect for travel, freezing, or serving fresh with berries and whipped cream.

MediumAmericanServes 12

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

Source Video
58m
Prep
55m
Cook
14m
Cleanup
2h 7m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$39.52
Total cost
$3.29
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
  • Add eggs one at a time to incorporate air
  • Do not over‑mix after adding flour
  • Prepare and apply bourbon‑infused syrup with a squeeze bottle

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Alcohol can ignite; keep flame away when simmering the syrup.
  • Allow the syrup to cool slightly before squeezing to prevent splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Kentucky Bourbon Cake dates back to the early 19th century when Kentucky separated from Virginia. It was created to celebrate the fledgling bourbon industry, making it a historic dessert that represents Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Kentucky Bourbon Cake in the Southern United States?

A

In some Southern regions the cake is made with pecans folded into the batter or sprinkled on top, while others keep it nut‑free and focus on a richer butter‑bourbon flavor. Some versions use a glaze instead of a syrup.

cultural
Q

How is Kentucky Bourbon Cake traditionally served in Kentucky?

A

It is often served at celebrations such as Derby parties, family gatherings, and holidays, sliced and paired with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the buttery richness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Kentucky Bourbon Cake traditionally associated with in Kentucky culture?

A

The cake is popular at Kentucky Derby festivities, bourbon festivals, and other local celebrations that highlight the state’s bourbon legacy.

cultural
Q

What makes Kentucky Bourbon Cake special or unique in Southern cuisine?

A

Its combination of a buttery cake base with a bourbon‑infused syrup creates a velvety texture and a distinct, adult‑friendly flavor that sets it apart from typical Southern pound or yellow cakes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Kentucky Bourbon Cake at home?

A

Common errors include under‑creaming the butter and sugar, adding eggs too quickly, over‑mixing after flour is added, and pouring too much syrup too fast, which can make the bottom soggy.

technical
Q

Why does this Kentucky Bourbon Cake recipe use a squeeze bottle for the bourbon syrup instead of pouring it directly?

A

Using a squeeze bottle lets you control the flow, ensuring the syrup drips from the top and runs down the sides, allowing even absorption without saturating the bottom and creating a soggy texture.

technical
Q

Can I make Kentucky Bourbon Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Bake the cake up to two days ahead, wrap it tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Add the bourbon syrup just before serving, or keep the syrup separate and drizzle when ready to eat.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Kentucky Bourbon Cake is done baking?

A

The cake should be a deep golden brown, spring back lightly when touched, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Janine Washle specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Janine Washle focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that celebrate regional American flavors, often highlighting classic desserts and party‑ready dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Janine Washle's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?

A

Janine Washle emphasizes practical tips for travel‑friendly and make‑ahead dishes, like the Kentucky Bourbon Cake, and often provides clear step‑by‑step guidance with a focus on flavor balance rather than heavy, indulgent preparations.

channel

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