Best Bourbon Chocolate Frosting Recipes

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GEORGE CARAMELIN: CHOCOLATE CINNAMON CUPCAKES WITH VANILLA BEAN BOURBON FROSTING, BOURBON CARAMEL SAUCE, AND CANDIED PECANS



George Caramelin: Chocolate Cinnamon Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Bourbon Frosting, Bourbon Caramel Sauce, and Candied Pecans image

Provided by Food Network

Time 2h10m

Yield 18 cupcakes

Number Of Ingredients 26

2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup cocoa
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1/2 cup brewed and cooled coffee
2/3 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons vinegar
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
2/3 cup bourbon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons non-hydrogenated vegan margarine (recommended: Earth Balance)
1 cup pecans
1 tablespoon non-hydrogenated vegan margarine, melted (recommended: Earth Balance)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
14 ounces non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening (recommended: Earth Balance)
4 ounces non-hydrogenated vegan margarine (recommended: Earth Balance)
1 pound 12 ounces powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1/3 cup bourbon

Steps:

  • For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line standard cupcake pans with 18 cupcake liners.
  • Sift the sugar, flour, cocoa, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl. Set the bowl aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, coffee, oil, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just incorporated. Add vinegar and incorporate. Do not over mix the batter.
  • Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake until a toothpick inserted into each cupcake comes out clean, 19 minutes. Cool the cupcakes completely.
  • For the sauce: In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir together the sugar and water. Cover and bring to a boil. Let boil until the mixture starts to turn brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir with a whisk. Add the bourbon and salt and continue stirring. Once the bubbling stops, add the margarine and whisk until melted and distributed. Let cool completely and pour into a clean squirt bottle.
  • For the pecans: In a large bowl, toss the pecans with the melted margarine until all the pecans are coated. In a separate bowl, mix the cinnamon, sugar, and sea salt. Toss into the pecan mixture and coat evenly. Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure the pecans are not overlapping. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Let cool completely.
  • For the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the shortening and margarine until completely combined. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to ensure that all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. On low speed, slowly add the sugar a little at a time. Once the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla paste and bourbon and mix on low until the liquids are incorporated. Scrape the bottom of the bowl and mix on medium-high speed until all the ingredients are combined and the frosting is fluffy, about 2 minutes. Put the frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.
  • To assemble: With a plastic drinking straw or a small paring knife, make holes in the center of each cupcake. Squeeze the bourbon caramel sauce into the center of the cupcake until filled but not overflowing, about 1 tablespoon per cupcake. Pipe a dollop of vanilla bean bourbon frosting onto of each cupcake. Drizzle the top with more bourbon caramel sauce and sprinkle with candied pecans to garnish.

CHOCOLATE BOURBON CAKE WITH CARAMEL WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING



CHOCOLATE BOURBON CAKE WITH CARAMEL WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING image

Categories     Chocolate

Yield 10+ servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

FROSTING
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
4 c. whipping cream
CAKE
3 oz. unsweetened chocolate chips
2 1/4 c. sifted cake flour
2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 1/2 c. golden brown sugar, firmly packed
4 large eggs
3/4 c. sour cream
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. boiling water
9 Tbsp. bourbon

Steps:

  • for frosting: Stir sugar and water in heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar disolves. Increase heat to high and boil without stirring until syrup turns a deep amber color, occasionally brushing down sides of pot with wet pastry brush (about 12 minutes). Add 2 c. whipping cream (mixture will bubble up). Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 c. cream and stir until all caramel bits are melted and mixture is smooth, about 4 minutes. Pour into large bowl and refrigerate overnight (can be made 2 days ahead). for cake: Preheat oven to 350. Butter two 9-inch cake pans with 2-inch high sides. Add parchement paper to bottoms and butter them. Dust with cocoa. -Melt unsweetened chocolate chips slowly on low power in microwave. Set aside to cool. -Sift cake flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda and salt into medium bowl. -Beat unsalted butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add brown sugar and beat until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix in melted chocolate and vanilla. Mix in 1 c. boiling water and blend well. Divide between cake pans. Bake about 35 minutes, or until tester comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Turn out onto rack and cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (can be made 2 days ahead). Beat frosting to stiff peaks. Add 1 Tbsp. bourbon. Cut each cake layer in half horizontally, creating 4 layers. Place one layer on cake plate. Brush with 2 Tbsp. bourbon and then frost. Repeat process with remaining layers and then frost outside. Can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Refrigerate.

BOURBON CHOCOLATE FROSTING



Bourbon Chocolate Frosting image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 15m

Yield 5 cups frosting

Number Of Ingredients 6

12 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
1-ounce mayonnaise
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1 pound powdered sugar
2 tablespoons bourbon
Pinch kosher salt

Steps:

  • Beat the butter and mayonnaise in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on high until light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the melted chocolate. Continue mixing on low speed until all of the chocolate is incorporated, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Turn off the mixer and add 1 cup of the sugar. Mix on low to combine. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Repeat until all of the sugar has been incorporated. Add the bourbon and salt and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and lightens slightly in color, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 hours or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before using chilled frosting.

BOURBON-CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH PRALINE FROSTING



Bourbon-Chocolate Cake With Praline Frosting image

Make and share this Bourbon-Chocolate Cake With Praline Frosting recipe from Food.com.

Provided by scarley

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h45m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 24

1 cup butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup Bourbon

Steps:

  • 1. Grease bottoms of 3 (8-inch) round cake pans; line with wax paper. Grease and flour wax paper and sides of pans; set pans aside.
  • 2. Cook first 3 ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until butter melts and mixture is smooth; remove from heat, and let cool.
  • 3. Beat buttermilk and next 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add butter mixture to buttermilk mixture, beating until blended. Combine sugar, flour, and salt; gradually add to buttermilk mixture, beating until blended. (Batter will be thin.) Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
  • 4. Bake at 350° for 25 to 28 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. (Cake layers will appear thin.).
  • 5. Spread about 1/2 cup Chocolate Ganache between each cake layer; spread remaining Chocolate Ganache on sides of cake. (Do not frost top of cake.) Chill cake 30 minutes. Pour warm Praline Frosting slowly over top of cake, spreading to edges. (Cover and let stand up to 24 hours, if desired.).
  • 6. Pierce about 25 holes in top of cake using a wooden or metal skewer. Pour warm Bourbon Glaze over cake.
  • Chocolate Ganache:.
  • 1. Microwave chocolate morsels and cream in a glass bowl on MEDIUM (50% power) 2 to 3 minutes or until morsels are melted, stirring after 1 1/2 minutes; whisk until smooth. Gradually add butter, whisking until smooth. Cool about 35 minutes or until spreading consistency, whisking every 10 minutes.
  • Praline Frosting:.
  • 1. Bake pecans on a baking sheet at 350° for 15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once.
  • 2. Bring butter, brown sugar, and cream to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan over medium heat, stirring often; boil, stirring often, 1 minute. Remove from heat, and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add toasted pecans; stir gently 3 minutes or until frosting begins to cool and thicken slightly.
  • Bourbon Glaze:.
  • 1. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; stir in sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Remove skillet from heat, and stir in bourbon. Carefully ignite the fumes just above liquid mixture with a long match or long multipurpose lighter. Let stand until flames disappear.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 817.1, Fat 43.4, SaturatedFat 24.9, Cholesterol 117.1, Sodium 413.1, Carbohydrate 99.3, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 76.7, Protein 6.5

BOURBON-CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH PRALINE FROSTING RECIPE - (3.5/5)



Bourbon-Chocolate Cake With Praline Frosting Recipe - (3.5/5) image

Provided by jeknudson

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Ganache
Praline Frosting
Bourbon Glaze

Steps:

  • Preparation 1. Grease bottoms of 3 (8-inch) round cake pans; line with wax paper. Grease and flour wax paper and sides of pans; set pans aside. 2. Cook first 3 ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until butter melts and mixture is smooth; remove from heat, and let cool. 3. Beat buttermilk and next 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add butter mixture to buttermilk mixture, beating until blended. Combine sugar, flour, and salt; gradually add to buttermilk mixture, beating until blended. (Batter will be thin.) Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. 4. Bake at 350° for 25 to 28 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. (Cake layers will appear thin.) 5. Spread about 1/2 cup Chocolate Ganache between each cake layer; spread remaining Chocolate Ganache on sides of cake. (Do not frost top of cake.) Chill cake 30 minutes. Pour warm Praline Frosting slowly over top of cake, spreading to edges. (Cover and let stand up to 24 hours, if desired.) 6. Pierce about 25 holes in top of cake using a wooden or metal skewer. Pour warm Bourbon Glaze over cake. *Chocolate Ganache* Ingredients 2 cups (12 oz.) semisweet chocolate morsels 1/3 cup whipping cream 1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces Preparation 1. Microwave chocolate morsels and cream in a glass bowl on MEDIUM (50% power) 2 to 3 minutes or until morsels are melted, stirring after 1 1/2 minutes; whisk until smooth. Gradually add butter, whisking until smooth. Cool about 35 minutes or until spreading consistency, whisking every 10 minutes. *Praline Frosting* Ingredients 1/2 cup chopped pecans 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 3 tablespoons whipping cream 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Preparation 1. Bake pecans on a baking sheet at 350° for 15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once. 2. Bring butter, brown sugar, and cream to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan over medium heat, stirring often; boil, stirring often, 1 minute. Remove from heat, and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add toasted pecans; stir gently 3 minutes or until frosting begins to cool and thicken slightly. *Bourbon Glaze* Ingredients 4 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/3 cup bourbon Preparation 1. Melt 4 Tbsp. butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; stir in sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Remove skillet from heat, and stir in bourbon. Carefully ignite the fumes just above liquid mixture with a long match or long multipurpose lighter. Let stand until flames disappear.

CHOCOLATE CAKE W/ PRALINE FROSTING & BOURBON GLAZE



Chocolate Cake w/ Praline Frosting & Bourbon Glaze image

Similar to a German Chocolate Cake without the coconut. A little labor intensive but worth making for all the oohs and ahhs.

Provided by Marsha Gardner

Categories     Chocolate

Number Of Ingredients 27

1 c butter
1/4 c cocoa, unsweetened
1 c water
1/2 c buttermilk
2 large egg
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 c sugar
2 c all purpose flour
1/2 tsp kosher salt
CHOCOLATE GANACHE
2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 c whipping cream
1/4 c butter, unsalted
PRALINE FROSTING
1/2 c pecans, chopped
2 Tbsp butter, unsalted
1/2 c brown sugar, firmly packed
3 Tbsp whipping cream
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 c powdered sugar
BOURBON GLAZE
4 Tbsp butter, unsalted
1/4 c brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 c sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/3 c bourbon

Steps:

  • 1. Grease bottoms of 3 (8-inch) round cake pans; line with wax paper. Grease and flour wax paper and sides of pans; set pans aside. Cook first 3 ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until butter melts and mixture is smooth; remove from heat, and let cool. Beat buttermilk and next 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add butter mixture to buttermilk mixture, beating until blended. Combine sugar, flour, and salt; gradually add to buttermilk mixture, beating until blended. (Batter will be thin.) Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 25 to 28 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. (Cake layers will appear thin.) Spread about 1/2 cup Chocolate Ganache between each cake layer; spread remaining Chocolate Ganache on sides of cake. (Do not frost top of cake.) Chill cake 30 minutes. Pour warm Praline Frosting slowly over top of cake, spreading to edges. (Cover and let stand up to 24 hours, if desired.) Pierce about 25 holes in top of cake using a wooden or metal skewer. Pour warm Bourbon Glaze over cake.
  • 2. CHOCOLATE GANACHE: Microwave chocolate morsels and cream in a glass bowl on MEDIUM (50% power) 2 to 3 minutes or until morsels are melted, stirring after 1 1/2 minutes; whisk until smooth. Gradually add butter, whisking until smooth. Cool about 35 minutes or until spreading consistency, whisking every 10 minutes.
  • 3. PRALINE FROSTING: Roast pecans on a baking sheet at 350° for 15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once. Bring butter, brown sugar, and cream to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan over medium heat, stirring often; boil, stirring often, 1 minute. Remove from heat, and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add toasted pecans; stir gently 3 minutes or until frosting begins to cool and thicken slightly.
  • 4. BOURBON GLAZE: Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; stir in sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Remove skillet from heat, and stir in bourbon. Carefully ignite the fumes just above liquid mixture with a long match or long multipurpose lighter. Let stand until flames disappear.

BOURBON-CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH PRALINE FROSTING



Bourbon-Chocolate Cake With Praline Frosting image

A friend of mine was talking about how awesome this cake was - so I asked her where she got the recipe. This is from Southern Living magazine (Sept '06). Recipe #270666 and Recipe #270668 are also needed, and posted separately.

Provided by knitaholic

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h3m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Grease bottoms of 3 8-inch round cake pans; line with wax paper. Grease and flour wax paper and sides of pans; set aside.
  • Cook first 3 ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until butter melts and mixture is smooth; remove from heat, and let cool.
  • Beat buttermilk and next 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add butter mixture to buttermilk mixture, beating until blended. Combine sugar, flour, and salt; gradually add to buttermilk mixture, beating until blended. (Batter will be thin). Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
  • Bake at 350°F for 25 to 28 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. (Cakes will appear thin).
  • Spread about 1/2 cup Chocolate Ganache between each cake layer; spread remaining Chocolate Ganache on sides of cake. (Do not frost top of cake). Chill cake 30 minutes. Pour warm Praline Frosting slowly over top of cake, spreading to edges. (Cover and let stand up to 24 hours, if desired).
  • Pierce about 25 holes in top of cake using a wooden or metal skewer. Pour warm Bourbon Glaze over cake.

CHOCOLATE BOURBON BROWNIES WITH DOUBLE FROSTING



Chocolate Bourbon Brownies With Double Frosting image

When I made these for my husband, he called them "the single best thing you've ever made for me." It doesn't get much better than that! These are fairly involved to make, but they are worth the effort. The white frosting layer reminds me of the filling for Oreos. This came from a Southern Living Magazine cookbook.

Provided by Vino Girl

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup shortening
2 tablespoons water
1 (6 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips (About 1 cup)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
3/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
4 tablespoons Bourbon
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (6 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips (About 1 cup)
1 tablespoon shortening

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°F Grease the bottom of a 9-inch square pan.
  • Combine sugar, shortening and water in a saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar melts.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Mix chocolate chips and vanilla together until smooth.
  • Beat in eggs.
  • Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add the nuts.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until shiny and firm on top.
  • Remove from oven and pour bourbon over the top of the brownies.
  • Cool completely.
  • To make the first (white) frosting, beat the butter and vanilla together until creamy.
  • Gradually add the sugar until smooth.
  • Spread evenly on top of the cooled brownies.
  • Chill until firm.
  • To make the chocolate glaze, melt and stir together the chocolate chips and shortening in double boiler until melted and smooth.
  • Spread glaze on top of the white frosting.
  • Chill until the frostings are firm, and cut into squares.
  • Store any uneaten brownies in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 523.8, Fat 33.7, SaturatedFat 12.7, Cholesterol 55.6, Sodium 144.4, Carbohydrate 54.1, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 44.1, Protein 4.4

BOURBON SOUR CREAM CHOCOLATE FROSTING



Bourbon Sour Cream Chocolate Frosting image

This is a to die for frosting! The flavor of chocolate buttercream with the light and fluffy consistency of a whipped cream frosting. Beating the butter an extended amount of time achieves this effect. This is not a really sweet frosting. If you require more sweetness you may add more sugar and adjust cream accordingly. I...

Provided by Cindy Smith Bryson

Categories     Chocolate

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 c (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 c sour cream
4 c dark or bitersweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly. i use ghiradelli 60% cacao bittersweet chips
2-3 c confectioners' sugar
1/4 c bourbon
1/4 c heavy cream

Steps:

  • 1. Melt chocolate baking chips in microwave or double boiler until just melted. Set aside to cool.
  • 2. In the bowl of a stand mixer beat the softened butter on high until creamy, about 3 minutes. Now continue to beat on high until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  • 3. Add sour cream, mix well until fully incorporated.
  • 4. Slowly pour melted chocolate into the mixer, beating well until incorporated into butter.
  • 5. Add the confectioner's sugar and slowly building up speed, beat on high until well combined. Add more sugar if more sweetness is desired and repeat as above.
  • 6. A few tablespoons at a time add the bourbon and the cream, allowing to fully incorporate before adding more. May need to add small amount of additional cream if additional sugar was added. Adjust accordingly to desired consistency. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are well incorporated.

CHILE CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH BOURBON CHOCOLATE FROSTING



Chile Chocolate Cake with Bourbon Chocolate Frosting image

This is a recipe for Chile Chocolate Cake. A beautifully flavored chocolate cake topped with a rich decadent chocolate frosting spiked with bourbon.

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 to 2 tablespoons New Mexico medium ground red chile powder (Chimayo or Dixon is the best, to taste)
2 cups water
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour (not self-rising)
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsweetened non alkalized cocoa powder (ch as Hershey, Nestlé, or Ghirardelli (do not use Dutch process))
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces and softened
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs (at room temperature)
Ingredients for The Frosting
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup unsweetened nonalkalized cocoa powder
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
4 to 5 cups confectioners' sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons bourbon
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans (lightly toasted (optional))

Steps:

  • For the Cake:
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F, and place a rack in the center of the oven.
  • Butter two 9-inch round cake pans. Lightly dust the sides of the pans with flour, tapping out the excess and line the bottom with circles of parchment or waxed paper.
  • In a medium saucepan, cook the chile powder in 1 cup of the water over medium heat until simmering. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the vanilla, and set aside.
  • Using a mixer with a wire whip attachment for best results, combine the flours, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa and beat on low speed until well mixed. Add the softened butter to the dry mixture and beat thoroughly on medium-low speed. The mixture should be a uniform, grainy texture.
  • Raise the speed to medium and gradually add the remaining 1 cup of water and the buttermilk. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Slowly add the hot water/chile mixture and continue to beat just until well combined; be sure not to overbeat. Pour the mixture equally into the pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of each layer comes out clean.
  • To cool, set the pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then turn the cakes out onto the rack, remove the paper from the bottom, and immediately invert so that the risen tops don't flatten. Let the layers cool completely before frosting.
  • For the Frosting:
  • Combine the butter and cocoa in a large saucepan and melt over medium heat. Stir in the buttermilk. Add the confectioners' sugar, a little at a time, stirring with a wire whisk between additions.
  • Stir in the bourbon and vanilla and continue to whisk until the frosting is smooth and glossy. The frosting should stiffen as it cools. (In warm weather you may need to refrigerate it.) When it is still warm, but has reached a spreadable consistency, you can assemble the cake.
  • Final Assembly
  • If necessary, trim the tops of the cakes so that they are level. Place one of the cake layers on a 9-inch round cardboard cake circle. Spread 1 cup of the frosting over the layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of the chopped walnuts, if using, evenly over the frosting. Place the second layer of cake on the frosted base.
  • Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Finish the top of the cake by holding the spatula at a slight angle and making several strokes to smooth the top. To decorate the cake, press the remaining walnuts onto the lower half of the sides and on top of the cake.
  • This cake is best when made 1 to 2 days before serving as it gives the flavors time to blend.

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