From the comfort of boozy chocolate brownies to the elegance of a succulent spiced whiskey cake, these culinary creations are more than just treats—they’re an experience. Imagine the warm, nutty caramels and toasted apples of whiskey merging seamlessly with the sweetness of traditional desserts. And what is the beauty of it all? You only need a splash of whiskey, leaving plenty for you to enjoy the traditional way.
Chocolate Mousse with Whiskey and Orange Zest
Mary Berry, the queen of baking, presents a foolproof recipe for chocolate mousse that’s bound to be the crown jewel of your dinner party. Serving 6 to 8 guests, this mousse is a decadent blend of double cream, dark chocolate, and a hint of whiskey, with a zesty twist from half an orange’s zest. The secret to its perfection lies in the gentle folding of ingredients to maintain its airy texture. A sprinkle of cocoa powder finishes off this masterpiece, making it a sight to behold and a delight to taste.
Ingredients
- 300 ml double cream
- 150g dark chocolate, crumbled (Bournville recommended)
- 25g sugar
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon whiskey
- Zest of half an orange, finely grated
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- In a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt the chocolate, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Once melted, let it cool slightly.
- Whip the double cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to over-whip.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white with sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate. Then, carefully fold in the egg whites, whiskey, and orange zest until just combined, preserving the mousse’s airy texture.
- Divide the mixture into serving dishes and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Before serving, dust with cocoa powder for a professional finish.
Warm Spiced Whiskey Cake
Snuggle up on cold winter days with a cake that feels like a warm hug. This whiskey-infused cake is a treasure trove of comforting spices, rich cocoa, and, of course, a generous pour of whiskey. Designed to serve about 20, it’s a perfect centerpiece for gatherings, promising warmth and joy with every slice. A tart lemon icing with added whiskey for extra kick complements the cake’s moist texture and rich flavors. Follow the aroma of baking spices and let this cake be your guide to winter bliss.
Ingredients
- 185g gluten-free flour
- 120g almond flour or meal
- 165g cocoa powder
- 150g melted butter
- 125ml honey
- 3 lightly whisked eggs
- 120g sour cream
- Juice and zest of one lemon
- 60ml whiskey
- 1/2 tsp mixed spice
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- Icing sugar (for dusting)
- Extra whiskey and lemon juice for the syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a cake tin.
- Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- For the syrup, simmer whiskey, honey, lemon juice, a cinnamon stick, and cloves in a pan for 10 minutes. Drizzle over the warm cake.
- Once cooled, dust with icing sugar and serve.
Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
Transform a classic bread and butter pudding into a sublime dessert with the addition of bourbon sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. This recipe turns a simple loaf of French bread into a custardy, raisin-studded delight, enriched with vanilla and spices and soaked in milk and eggs. The bourbon sauce, silky and rich, is the perfect accompaniment, draping the pudding in a boozy embrace. It’s a dish that promises warmth, comfort, and a touch of indulgence, making it a must-try for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed
- 4 cups milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup bourbon (for pudding)
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 to 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional: soaked in bourbon)
Bourbon Sauce Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup bourbon
Instructions
- Soak the bread cubes and raisins in the milk for 30 minutes. Beat eggs, sugar, vanilla, spices, and bourbon together and pour over the bread mixture.
- Pour into a greased baking dish, drizzle with melted butter, and bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes.
- For the sauce, whisk together butter, sugar, and egg in a saucepan over low heat. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in bourbon. Pour over the warm pudding before serving.
The Cranachan
Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is a testament to the simple elegance of Scottish cuisine. The balance of textures and flavors, from the crunch of toasted oats to the tartness of the berries, all brought together with the rich cream, creates a harmonious blend that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Add whiskey to taste, and enjoy a dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 75g oats
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2.5 tbsp whiskey
- 250ml double cream
- 150ml raspberries
Instructions
- Toast the oats in a dry pan until golden.
- Whip the double cream until it forms soft peaks, then fold in the whiskey, honey, and most of the raspberries, saving some for garnish.
- Layer the cream mixture with toasted oats in serving glasses, finishing with a layer of raspberries.
- Chill before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Toffee Bourbon Brownies
For those who can’t resist the lure of chocolate, these toffee bourbon brownies are a dream come true. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they combine the deep flavors of chocolate and bourbon with the sweet, sticky goodness of toffee. Ready in just 30 minutes, these brownies are perfect for impromptu gatherings or as a treat to yourself. Serve them warm with a dollop of double cream for an extra layer of decadence, and watch as they disappear before your eyes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup light dark brown sugar
- 2.5 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Salted caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Thick double cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a brownie pan.
- Whisk together the sugar, melted butter, bourbon, and eggs until smooth. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding gently to combine.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool slightly, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
- Serve warm with a dollop of thick double cream for an extra luxurious touch.
Whether it’s the velvety smoothness of a chocolate mousse enhanced with a hint of orange and whiskey, the comforting warmth of a spiced cake on a cold winter’s night, the nostalgic embrace of bread pudding draped in bourbon sauce, the refreshing elegance of Cranachan, or the indulgent delight of toffee bourbon brownies, these creations are a testament to the magic that happens when baking meets barrel-aged brilliance. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to dazzle your taste buds and guests alike with these whiskey-infused desserts.