If you’re searching for a dessert that every Southern kitchen swears by, look no further than this Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe. It’s a luscious, rich, and wonderfully moist cake that perfectly balances buttery goodness with the warm, inviting notes of Southern Comfort whiskey. Whether it’s for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just a weekend treat, this recipe promises to deliver nostalgia and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the butter and shortening create a tender crumb, sugar adds sweetness and texture, eggs bring structure, and the mix of flour and baking powder ensures the perfect rise. Then there’s that splash of Southern Comfort, which infuses the cake with that signature, boozy warmth.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and a tender crumb, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening: Adds moisture and helps to achieve a soft, dense cake.
- 3 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its delicate crust.
- 6 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and add structure.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake that supports the rise and texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cake a light lift without compromising its classic density.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1/2 cup Southern Comfort (or whiskey liqueur): Brings the distinctive, aromatic warmth of the South straight into the batter.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a sweet, floral note.
How to Make Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat Oven
To start, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan thoroughly. This step ensures your cake will release easily after baking and keeps the edges perfectly crisp yet tender.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Shortening, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and sugar together. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 4 to 5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, setting the stage for a tender and airy texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Next, add the eggs one by one, making sure to beat well after incorporating each egg. This gradual addition helps maintain the emulsion and prevents the batter from breaking, resulting in a smooth, cohesive mixture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed. This ensures that the leavening is distributed evenly throughout the batter, leading to an even rise and texture.
Step 5: Mix Milk and Southern Comfort
In a measuring cup, stir together the whole milk and Southern Comfort. This mixture adds an intoxicating flavor and helps keep the cake moist.
Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and Southern Comfort mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to keep the batter smooth and even without overmixing, which could toughen the cake.
Step 7: Add Vanilla Extract
Once the dry and wet ingredients are combined, stir in the vanilla extract. This final addition layers in richness and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pour your luscious batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes. Your cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe shines best when garnished simply. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a quick glaze made from Southern Comfort and powdered sugar brushed over the warm cake adds a lovely sheen and extra touch of sweetness. Fresh berries or whipped cream can also complement the whiskey notes without overpowering them.
Side Dishes
Pair your pound cake with fresh fruit like sliced peaches, berries, or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a decadent yet balanced dessert experience. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream works wonders alongside the cake’s warm flavors, especially if you’re serving it on a cozy evening.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve the cake as mini slices atop dessert plates with a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese frosting? Or slice it thick and toast lightly for a brunch treat, offering alongside coffee or a creamy hot toddy. The Southern Comfort Pike Cake Recipe’s versatility lends itself beautifully to both casual and elegant presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to keep it moist. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
This pound cake freezes incredibly well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cake warm, slice a piece and microwave it briefly for about 15–20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat slices in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This brings out the Southern Comfort flavors even more vividly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Southern Comfort with another liquor?
Absolutely! While Southern Comfort adds a unique sweetness and character, you can substitute it with whiskey, bourbon, or even a flavored liqueur. Just be mindful of the alcohol content and flavor profile for the best results.
Is vegetable shortening necessary or can I use all butter?
Using vegetable shortening helps create a tender and moist crumb, but if you prefer, you can replace it with butter for richer flavor. The texture might be slightly different, but the cake will still be delicious.
How long does the Southern Comfort Pound Cake stay fresh?
Stored properly, this pound cake stays fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop and meld beautifully.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but results may vary. Be sure to use a blend that includes a binder like xanthan gum for the best texture.
What pan works best for this Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe?
A 10-inch bundt or tube pan is ideal because it helps the cake bake evenly and develop its classic shape with a moist center and slightly crisp edges.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug from the South. Its richness, the subtle boozy kick, and wonderful moist texture make it a standout dessert for any occasion. I encourage you to give this cake a try—you might just find a new favorite that brings a little Southern charm into your kitchen every time.
Print
Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Comfort Pound Cake is a rich and moist dessert featuring a classic blend of butter and vegetable shortening, enhanced with Southern Comfort whiskey liqueur for a unique depth of flavor. Perfectly baked in a bundt pan, this pound cake offers a tender crumb and a delicate vanilla finish, making it a timeless treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup Southern Comfort (or other whiskey liqueur)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter, Shortening, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes. This aerates the mixture for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation and a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Combine Milk and Southern Comfort: In a measuring cup, mix the whole milk and Southern Comfort to create the liquid component.
- Alternate Adding Dry and Liquid Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk and Southern Comfort mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix gently to combine without overmixing.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined for enhanced aroma and sweetness.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the day after baking, allowing flavors to meld fully.
- For extra flavor and moisture, brush the warm cake with a mixture of Southern Comfort and powdered sugar to create a simple glaze.
