Hey there! So, the holidays are right around the corner, and man, I can’t tell you how awesome it feels. There’s this cool vibe everywhere. You can smell cookies and cakes baking, and everyone’s just hanging out and having a good time. And guess what? I’ve got this killer dessert idea for our holiday parties.
We’re talking about a Whiskey Chocolate Christmas Cake – and it’s not your average cake. Picture layers of super moist, chocolatey cake with a kick of whiskey. Then, imagine it all covered in this smooth, creamy ganache. It’s like a snow blanket on a cake! Every bite? It’s like a party in your mouth, with that rich chocolate, a zing of whiskey, and just that sprinkle of holiday cheer.
Think about how cool it’ll be when everyone digs in. Their faces will light up with that first taste. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s like a high-five for your taste buds. It shows how much you rock in the kitchen and how much you care about making these get-togethers special.
Holidays are all about making memories, right? And this cake is going to be the star of the show. Whether we’re throwing a big bash or just chilling with a few friends, this Whiskey Chocolate Christmas Cake is going to be the talk of the town. So, let’s heat up that oven, line up those ingredients, and get our bake on. We’re going to make this holiday one for the books, one delicious slice at a time! 🎄🍫🍰
Can kids have this Whiskey Cake?
Yes of course, they alcohol would cook out. You may leave out the whiskey from ganache though.
Recipe you might like: Healthy Christmas Fruit Cake
What you’ll need…
P.S. For exact measurements refer the recipe card below.
Eggs, white sugar, light brown sugar, sour cream, vegetable oil, water, whiskey, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, bittersweet chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, coconut milk.
What’ll need to do…
P.S. For exact instructions refer the recipe card below.
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray two 8” round cake pans with baking spray. Line each pan with a piece of parchment paper.
Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl of an electric mixer, combine eggs, white sugar, and brown sugar. Mix on low speed until well combined. In another bowl, mix sour cream, vegetable oil, water, whiskey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately fold the dry ingredients and wet ingredients into the sugar mixture, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Chocolate Chunks: Finally, fold in the chunks of bittersweet chocolate into the batter.
Baking the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Place them in the oven and bake for about 33-38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on them.
Cooling: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Making the Ganache: While the cakes are cooling, place the semi-sweet chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat the coconut milk until it boils (either in the microwave or on the stovetop). Remove it from heat and pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until a smooth, glossy ganache forms. Add 2 tablespoons of whiskey and a pinch of salt, continuing to whisk until combined.
Assembling the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a thin layer of ganache in between the layers. Then, frost the rest of the cake with the whiskey ganache.
Final Touches: Sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings, white chocolate, or fresh berries if desired.
Enjoy: Slice, serve, and indulge in this decadent Whiskey Chocolate Christmas Cake!
Recipe you might like: Clementine and Almond Bundt Cake
Tips and Tricks:
Choosing the Right Whiskey: Select a whiskey that you enjoy sipping on its own, as it will infuse its flavor into the cake. Whether it’s a smoky Scotch or a smooth bourbon, the choice is yours!
Sifting the Dry Ingredients: Sifting the cocoa powder and flour is essential to ensure a smooth and lump-free batter. It also helps in aerating the dry ingredients for a lighter texture.
Don’t Over-mix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, remember: less is more. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep that tender crumb.
Parchment Paper Magic: Lining your cake pans with parchment paper ensures easy removal and prevents the cake from sticking. No more cake mishaps!
Testing for Doneness: Use the toothpick test to check if your cake is perfectly baked. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready.
Cooling Time: Allow the cake layers to cool in the pans for 30 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps set the structure and ensures a moist cake.
Recipe you might like: Sugar Free Christmas Cake
Additions and Substitutions:
Nuts Galore: Add a cup of chopped pecans or hazelnuts to the batter for an extra layer of nuttiness and crunch.
Fruit Fusion: Experiment with dried fruits like cherries or raisins, soaked in whiskey, to infuse the cake with fruity goodness.
Non-Alcoholic Twist: For a whiskey-free version, replace whiskey with apple juice or strong coffee in the cake and ganache. It’ll still be indulgently delicious!
Serving Recommendations:
Warm and A La Mode: Serve a slice of this decadent cake slightly warmed, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Coffee Pairing: Pair a slice with a steaming cup of coffee, espresso, or even Irish coffee for a delightful caffeine-infused experience.
Festive Presentation: Garnish your cake with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive and elegant touch.
Holiday Gifting: Wrap slices of this cake in parchment paper and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.
This holiday season, elevate your dessert game with our Whiskey Chocolate Christmas Cake. Its rich, boozy chocolate goodness is the perfect way to spread joy and warmth among your loved ones. So, let the festivities begin and savor the sweet moments with this delightful treat! 🎄🍫🍰
Follow the detailed instructions with exact ingredients measurements mentioned below in the recipe card. Also if you like this recipe, leave a comment and follow us on Pinterest, here.
Whisky Chocolate Christmas Cake
Whiskey + Chocolate = Holiday Bliss! 🥃🍫 Elevate your celebrations with our decadent Christmas cake. Bake it, share it, love it!
Ingredients
For the cake
Ganache
Garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350F and spray two 8" round cake pans with baking spray and line them each with a piece of parchment paper.
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Add eggs, white sugar, and brown sugar to a large bowl of an electric mixer and mix on low speed until combined. In another bowl combine sour cream, vegetable oil, water, whiskey, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.
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In a large bowl shift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
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Alternative folding dry ingredients and wet ingredients into the sugar mixture just until combined, taking care not to over mix the batter.
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Finally, fold in the chunked bittersweet chocolate and pour the batter into the prepared cake pans. Place in the oven and bake until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, around 33-38 minutes depending on your oven.
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Cool in pans for 30 minutes then turn onto a cooling rack until completely cool.
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While cake is cooling, place semi-sweet chocolate in a medium bowl.
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Heat the coconut milk in the microwave or on the stovetop just it boils. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate.
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Allow the mixture to sit for 2 minutes, then stir with a whisk until a smooth and glossy ganache forms. Add 2T whisky and salt. Continue whisking just until combined.
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Once the cake is fully cooled to room temperature, spread a thin layer of ganache in between layers then frost the rest of the cake with the whiskey ganache. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings, white chocolate or berries on top, if desired. Enjoy!
Note
TIP: This cake tastes best prepared one day in advance. You can place a thin layer of jam and fresh fruit between the cake layers as a tasty variation.
