Okay, let’s be real – coffee and whiskey? Absolute dream team. Now, imagine those two teaming up in a cake. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds. This Coffee Whiskey Cake is rich, bold, and totally indulgent. It’s the kind of dessert that’ll make you want to raise a glass (of whiskey, obviously) in celebration. The coffee gives it that deep, dark, mysterious vibe, while the whiskey adds a little kick. Together? A match made in dessert heaven. You won’t just eat this cake – you’ll savor every bite like it’s your last.
A close friend of mine had her birthday on International Women’s Day last week. For the last 2 years, I have been baking her a cake.
Last year I made her a special no-bake Mousse Cake for her birthday, but my camera died on me and I couldn’t shoot it, then I recreated the same cake for my birthday later in the year. It was truly one of the best cakes I ever made.
She is very fond of food, especially desserts. Chocolate and coffee are my favorite flavors and they pair very well for a coffee cake. And slowly she is acquiring a taste for liquor thanks to me. :D :D
Baking has always been my way of sharing joy with friends and family. There’s something truly special about pulling a freshly baked cake out of the oven, especially when it’s as indulgent and aromatic as this Eggless Coffee Whiskey Cake. The combination of bold coffee and smooth whiskey creates a symphony of flavors that’s impossible to resist.
This cake is a rich, moist dessert with just the right hint of coffee’s bitterness and whiskey’s warmth. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a whiskey enthusiast, or both, this recipe will become your go-to for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Tips for Choosing the Right Whiskey for Coffee Whiskey Cake
The whiskey you choose plays a big role in the flavor profile of your cake. Here are a few tips to make the right pick:
- Mild and Smooth Whiskeys: A smooth bourbon or Irish whiskey works wonderfully for a balanced taste.
- Smoky and Bold Whiskeys: For a more intense flavor, opt for a smoky Scotch.
- Non-Alcoholic Substitutes: If you’re skipping the alcohol, strong brewed coffee or a coffee-flavored syrup makes an excellent replacement.
Eggless Coffee Whiskey Cake Variations to Try
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix.
- Layered Coffee Whiskey Cake: Slice the cake into layers and add a rich coffee buttercream or whiskey-infused frosting.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the coffee and whiskey.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅛ cup + 1 tsp cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda, heaped
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup +1 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp instant coffee granules
- ⅔ cup hot water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bake the Chocolate Cake Base:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Do not use a mixer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together water, oil, vanilla extract, and instant coffee.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. A few lumps are fine.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan. Invert it on the rack. Leave it upside down to cool, it helps in flattening any dome shape.
- I baked three layers by baking this recipe thrice separately. And then froze the layers wrapped in cling film.
Decorating Ideas for Eggless Coffee Whiskey Cake
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a soft contrast.
- Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle dark chocolate ganache over the top for a glossy finish.
- Caramel Drizzle: Swirl caramel sauce across the cake for added sweetness.
- Edible Flowers or Cocoa Dust: Dust the top with cocoa powder or adorn it with edible flowers for a chic look.
Baking Tips for Eggless Coffee Whiskey Cake Success
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter gently to maintain a light texture.
- Check Your Coffee: Use cooled brewed coffee to prevent curdling when mixed with other ingredients.
- Prevent Dryness: Don’t overbake! Check the cake a few minutes before the suggested time.
Serving Suggestions for Coffee Whiskey Cake
- Pairings: Serve with a cup of hot coffee, a glass of whiskey on the rocks, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Special Occasions: This cake is perfect for dinner parties, birthdays, or cozy celebrations at home.
This Eggless Coffee Whiskey Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. The rich coffee flavor and subtle whiskey warmth make each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re baking it for loved ones or treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. So, preheat that oven and let’s create something delicious together! Happy baking!
I ended up infusing whiskey in the soaking syrup as well as the buttercream. I also added crushed butterscotch chips over the filling. Every mouthful of whiskey cake was decadent and boozy.
The coffee cake is my go-to cake recipe for all who need chocolate. In sugar syrup, I added 1 tablespoon of whiskey after the syrup was boiled. I also made coffee & chocolate buttercream. I also added 2 tablespoons of whiskey to the cream after soft peaks were reached.
For a light cozy feel, this was perfect, but if you want a stronger flavor, then I suggest adding more whiskey (up to 2-3 tablespoons) in the syrup.
A delicious and light boozy coffee whiskey cake for all occasions and if you want to convert friends to booze lovers, do not look beyond. You can thank me later!
How to make Coffee Whiskey Cake in simple steps?
Coffee Whiskey Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup +1 tbsp sugar granulated
- ⅛ cup + 1 tsp cocoa powder unsweetened
- ¼ tsp baking soda heaped
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅔ cup hot water
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp instant coffee granules
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 180 °C. Line the bottom of one 8 inch pan.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda & salt in a large mixing bowl. Do not use mixer. Combine water, oil, vinegar, instant coffee & vanilla in a separate bowl.
- Add to the dry ingredients & whisk till just combined. A few lumps are fine. Pour batter into the prepared pan & bake for 20-25 mins till tooth pick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan on the rack for 15 minutes, then invert it on the rack. Leave it upside down to cool, it helps in flattening any dome shape. I baked three layers by baking this recipe thrice separately. And then froze the layers wrapped in cling film. Continue with assembling and frosting the cake.
Notes
- This cake is perfect as moist base for frosting and layering.
- Using coffee is optional.
- In sugar syrup, I added 1 tablespoon of whiskey after syrup was boiled. I also made coffee & chocolate buttercream. I also added 2 tablespoons of whiskey to the cream after soft peaks were reached.
- For a light coozy feel this was perfect, but if you want stronger flavor, then I suggest adding more whiskey (upto 2-3 tablespoons) in the syrup.
Coffee Flavored Syrup
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup sugar granulated
- 1 cup water
- 3 tbsp instant coffee powder
Instructions
- Boil water, coffee & sugar together. Once it boils, lower the flame & allow it to heat for another 1 minute. Remove from heat & cool completely. It can be made in advance & stored in refrigerator.
- Use ⅓ cup of syrup to soak one layer of cake.
Notes
How to Assemble a Cake
Equipment
- piping bag, nozzles & levelling knife for decorating and finishing
- parchment paper or strips
Materials
- sugar syrup or chocolate syrup for soaking
- whipped cream or chocolate ganache or buttercream to fill & frost
- fruits, sprinkles, chocolate chips, etc for topping or filling
Instructions
- Move the frozen layers to refrigerator few hours before assembling. Place the first layer on a platter or cake stand.
- Make some holes into the bottom layer using a form. Soak the bottom layer in sugar syrup. Then lightly spread the filling of your choice like whipped cream or butter cream or chocolate ganache over it. Place the second layer on top of the bottom layer & repeat the process of soaking & spreading filling. Finally place the top layer & again soak it. Lightly spread the filling on top & sides of the cake making a crumb coat. Refrigerate the cake for 1 hour.
- Top it generously with chocolate ganache or any glaze or whipped cream or butter cream. Pipe design as you would like. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight for flavors to set in. Serve chilled.
Notes
- You can whip the ganache before spreading as filling.
- The consistency of ganache for topping and filling is different. For filling, you need thick consistency (which you get by leaving the ganache at room temperature for few hours) and for pouring as topping, you need the ganache to be pouring consistency. You can re-heat/ warm up the ganache to adjust the consistency.
- I use soy-based ready-to-whip cream which is available in market. Transfer a small portion of cream in a large bowl or your stand mixer and beat till stiff peaks are achieved. Fill and frost as per your choice.