Bourbon Pound Cake

📜 Collection: UK2 | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic, rich pound cake with a Southern twist, featuring a full pound of butter and flavored with bourbon, vanilla, and almond extracts. This recipe uses a unique method of folding the batter into beaten egg whites for a surprisingly light texture.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
25 mins1 hour 30 mins20 mins1 10-inch tube cake

🔪 Key Equipment

  • 10-inch tube pan
  • Large bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Separate clean bowl
  • Wire rack
  • Long wooden skewer

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1 lb. (4 sticks)ButterSoftened
3 cupsSugarDivided
8EggsSeparated
3 cupsFlourAll-purpose
2 tspVanillaExtract
2 tspAlmond ExtractLiquid
1/3 cupBourbonLiquid
1/2 cupPecansChopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation and Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously butter and flour a 10-inch tube pan. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup chopped pecans evenly in the bottom of the pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the 1 lb. softened butter and 2 cups of the Sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the 8 egg yolks one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
  4. Combine the 2 tsp vanilla, 2 tsp almond extract, and 1/3 cup bourbon.
  5. Alternately add the 3 cups flour and the bourbon mixture to the creamed batter in thirds, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat on low speed until smooth after each addition until you get a very thick batter.

Step 2: Meringue and Baking

  1. In a separate, clean bowl, beat the 8 egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of Sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form to create a meringue.
  2. Gently fold the thick egg yolk batter into the meringue in three additions until just combined and no white streaks remain.
  3. Turn the batter into the prepared pan over the Pecans.
  4. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a long wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and golden brown.
  5. Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store the cooled cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.


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