Imagine a wedding dessert that captures the essence of a crisp autumn day, where warm spices dance with rich bourbon and sweet apple butter create a symphony of flavors. This Bourbon Apple Butter Cake is not just a dessert; it's a culinary love story that transforms a simple cake into an unforgettable celebration of seasonal romance. Perfect for intimate autumn weddings or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe promises to enchant your guests and leave them craving just one more slice.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup apple butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round wedding cake pan or springform pan, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This process should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This helps eliminate any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple butter and bourbon. Mix gently to maintain the cake's delicate texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a bourbon-infused glaze for an extra elegant wedding presentation.
- Slice and serve at room temperature. This cake pairs beautifully with a light whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to maintain the cake's delicate crumb. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Quality Ingredients Make a Difference: Use high-quality bourbon and fresh apple butter for the most robust flavor profile.
- Pan Preparation is Key: Thoroughly grease and flour your pan to ensure easy cake release and a perfect presentation.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding any glazes or decorations to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This cake actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld and intensify.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a small bourbon-spiked whipped cream on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 105mg
