![Bourbon-Chocolate Cake with Browned Buttercream](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/sAQNmvrrKGNboQVIv3BLLeANMh0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2644701_Chocolate_cake_223-2000-a08c5a306ad644f3b5a55bdfcc6e4a01.jpg)
It's safe to say that this fantastic layer cake is a bourbon-lover's dream come true. Our Bourbon-Chocolate Cake With Browned Buttercream Frosting is full of heavenly combinations and perfect pairings. Bourbon, chocolate, and browned butter: How could we ever resist?
A substantial dose of bourbon in both the cake layers and the icing imparts a stunning, oaky flavor to this towering cake. In the cake layers, bourbon and cocoa mingle together to create a sponge that's deeply rich and decadent (here, the bourbon works double-duty to add both flavor and moisture). In the buttercream, nutty brown butter underscores the essence of the bourbon; we'd venture to say that the bourbon-browned buttercream frosting makes this cake truly memorable.
Like many of our favorite boozy desserts, this festive layer cake is meant for year-round celebrations. Paired with our Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls, you've got a very spirited holiday dessert spread. If this is your first time attempting a layer cake, don't fret: We have lots of tips on how to stack and frost a layer cake like a pro.
Serve your finished cake with a cup of coffee or, of course, a glass of Southern bourbon.
Ingredients
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Baking spray with flour
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1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
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1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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2 large eggs
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1 cup whole milk
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½ cup canola oil
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½ cup (4 oz.) bourbon
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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½ cup hot water
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 3 (8-inch) round cake pans with baking spray. Line bottoms of pans with parchment paper; coat paper with baking spray. Whisk together granulated sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together eggs, milk, oil, bourbon, and vanilla in a small bowl; add to flour mixture, and whisk until just combined. Add hot water to batter; whisk until combined.
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Divide batter evenly among prepared pans (about 1 ½ cups each). Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted into centers of cakes comes out clean, 22 to 25 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; cool completely, about 45 minutes.
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Measure ⅓ cup Browned Buttercream Frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star tip; set aside.
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Spread remaining Browned Buttercream Frosting between cake layers and on top and sides of cake. Pipe reserved frosting in piping bag around top edges of cake.