Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe
Hennessy Cake Recipe is a twist on the classic pound cake, incorporating the beloved taste of Hennessy, a premium cognac. This cake is dense, moist, and packed with deep flavors that make it stand out from your typical pound cake. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a boozy dessert with a kick.
Equipment
- 9-inch bundt pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- ¾ cup Hennessy
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract optional
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt or loaf pan to prevent the cake from sticking after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time
- Add 4 large eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 5: Stir in Vanilla and Almond Extracts
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and, if using, 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the batter. Stir until both extracts are well combined with the mixture.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 2 to the butter mixture, alternating with ½ cup of milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 7: Add Hennessy
- Pour in ¾ cup of Hennessy (or your preferred cognac) slowly, mixing until the alcohol is fully incorporated into the batter. This will infuse the cake with its signature rich flavor.
Step 8: Pour the Batter into the Pan
- Carefully pour the prepared batter into the greased bundt or loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 9: Bake the Cake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, be sure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and a dense cake.
- Quality of Hennessy: The quality of the Hennessy you choose will impact the flavor of your cake. While a premium bottle is recommended for an intense flavor, any variety will work well. Experiment with different types of cognac to find your preferred taste.
- Mixing Tips: Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added to the wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Just mix until everything is incorporated, and stop!
- Bake Time Variations: Depending on the type of pan you use (loaf pan vs. bundt pan), the baking time may vary. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Storage: Store your Hennessy Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw on the counter before serving.