Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing Cake is the perfect blend of warm Southern charm and classic bakery indulgence. The cake itself is moist, tender, and delicately spiced or vanilla-forward depending on your base, while the bourbon-infused cream cheese icing adds a silky richness with subtle caramel notes. The bourbon doesn’t overpower; instead, it enhances the frosting’s depth in a way that feels sophisticated yet comforting. I once tried this icing using a splash of maple bourbon, and the gentle sweetness paired beautifully with a spiced cake base. Whether prepared for holidays, celebrations, or a cosy dessert moment, this recipe delivers elegance, warmth, and incredible flavour in every slice.
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Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing Cake: A Rich, Velvety, Southern-Inspired Treat
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 9–12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist, tender cake topped with a rich bourbon-infused cream cheese icing—sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced with warm vanilla and caramel notes.
Ingredients
-
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp bourbon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cake completely before icing.
- For the icing, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla; beat until creamy and spreadable.
- Spread icing over cooled cake and serve.
Notes
- Adjust bourbon amount to taste.
- Sub milk for bourbon for a non-alcoholic version.
- This cake pairs well with pecans or caramel drizzle.
- Store refrigerated due to cream cheese icing.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Flour
Forms the structure of the cake while keeping the crumb soft when properly balanced with fats and liquids.
Sugar
Adds sweetness and helps create a tender, lightly caramelised crust.
Eggs
Bind the batter and contribute moisture, lift, and stability.
Vegetable oil or butter
Provides richness and ensures the cake stays moist for several days.
Baking powder and baking soda
Help the cake rise evenly and create a light, fluffy texture.
Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances the warm flavours of the cake.
Milk or buttermilk
Adds moisture and tenderness; buttermilk gives a slight tang that pairs well with bourbon icing.
Vanilla extract
Brings aromatic depth and warmth to the cake base.
Cream cheese
The heart of the frosting, providing tanginess and luxurious creaminess.
Butter
Adds body and silkiness to the bourbon cream cheese icing.
Powdered sugar
Sweetens and thickens the icing without grittiness.
Bourbon
Infuses the frosting with warm, caramel-like notes that elevate the entire cake.
Optional spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
Enhance the flavour profile, especially if making a spiced cake base.
Directions
Preheat your oven and prepare your chosen cake pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional spices. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, oil or melted butter, milk or buttermilk, and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and fold gently until no dry streaks remain. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before icing.
For the bourbon cream cheese icing, beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until smooth. Drizzle in the bourbon and continue beating until the frosting becomes silky and spreadable. Adjust the bourbon amount to taste. Spread generously over the cooled cake, allowing soft swirls to form naturally.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 8–10
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling and icing time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the iced cake in the refrigerator for up to four days. Allow slices to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving so the icing softens to its creamy texture. The cake freezes well without icing; wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw fully before adding the frosting.
Variations and Customizations
Spiced Bourbon Cake
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a warm, autumnal flavour.
Chocolate Bourbon Cake
Use a cocoa-based batter for a richer, deeper dessert.
Maple Bourbon Frosting
Swap part of the powdered sugar with maple syrup for added complexity.
Brown Butter Base
Use browned butter in the batter to intensify caramel notes.
Almond Bourbon Icing
Add a touch of almond extract alongside the bourbon for a fragrant twist.
Citrus Bourbon Cake
Fold in orange zest to brighten the overall flavour.
Nutty Crunch
Add toasted pecans to the top of the cake for texture.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; ensure all components are certified gluten-free.
Layer Cake Style
Bake the batter in two round pans and fill with extra bourbon frosting.
Light Bourbon Version
Use a smaller amount of bourbon or replace part with vanilla to mellow the flavour.
FAQs
Does the bourbon flavour overpower the cake?
No, it adds warmth and depth without being too strong.
Can I make the icing without bourbon?
Yes, replace it with vanilla or a splash of milk.
Can I use boxed cake mix?
Absolutely—this icing elevates even the simplest cake base.
Is the alcohol still present after mixing into icing?
Yes, it is not cooked out; use less if you prefer a milder flavour.
What cake base pairs best?
Vanilla, spice, pumpkin, or chocolate all complement bourbon icing beautifully.
Can I freeze the iced cake?
It’s best to freeze the cake without icing and frost after thawing.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free icing.
Can I use whipped cream cheese?
Stick to block-style cream cheese for proper texture.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes, reduce bake time to 18–20 minutes.
How do I thicken icing if it’s too soft?
Add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is achieved.
Conclusion
A Bourbon Cream Cheese Icing Cake is a beautiful blend of creamy indulgence, warm flavour, and timeless cake simplicity. With its velvety frosting and tender crumb, it works wonderfully for celebrations or everyday treats. The bourbon elevates the classic cream cheese icing, giving it depth and sophistication while keeping the dessert approachable and comforting.
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