Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

14 Oct, 2023

Experience a boozy twist on the classic pound cake with our Hennessy-infused recipe - perfect for special occasions or a tasty treat any day!

Hennessy Pound Cake

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: American
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 470 calories

About this recipe

Hennessy pound cake is a delicious variation of traditional pound cake that incorporates Hennessy cognac into the batter. This gives the cake a unique, rich flavor and aroma that pairs well with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream or fresh berries.

The recipe typically calls for ingredients such as all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, Hennessy cognac, milk, and vanilla extract. These ingredients are mixed together and baked in a tube pan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

The result is a dense, moist cake with a golden brown crust that is perfect for any occasion. Hennessy pound cake is often served as a dessert or as a special treat for brunch or afternoon tea.

One of the great things about this recipe is that it can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of Hennessy cognac used to make the cake more or less boozy, and you can experiment with different toppings to find your perfect combination.

Origin of Hennessy Pound Cake

The exact origin of the Hennessy pound cake recipe is unclear, but it is likely a modern twist on traditional pound cake, which dates back to the 1700s. Pound cake got its name from the original recipe, which called for a pound each of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs.

Over time, pound cake has evolved and been adapted to include various flavorings and ingredients, including alc-hol like Hennessy cognac. The use of cognac in baked goods is not uncommon, as it adds a rich, complex flavor to desserts.

Hennessy is a popular brand of cognac that originated in France in the late 1700s. Today, it is one of the most well-known and widely consumed brands of cognac in the world. It is likely that the use of Hennessy cognac in pound cake recipes was popularized in the United States, where the brand has a strong presence.

In recent years, Hennessy pound cake has gained popularity as a decadent and sophisticated dessert option for special occasions or as a unique twist on a classic dessert.

Why make this recipe?

Unique and delicious flavor: The Hennessy cognac adds a unique and delicious flavor to the cake, with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. This flavor profile sets it apart from traditional pound cake and makes it a special treat that you won't find anywhere else.
Perfect for special occasions: Hennessy pound cake is a sophisticated and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or dinner parties. It is sure to impress your guests and make any occasion feel extra special.
Easy to make: While the cake may seem complex and fancy, the recipe is actually quite easy to make, with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. Even novice bakers can successfully make this cake.
Versatile: Hennessy pound cake pairs well with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can also adjust the amount of Hennessy cognac used to make the cake more or less boozy to suit your taste preferences.
Impressive presentation: The cake has a beautiful golden brown crust and a dense, moist interior, making it a visually stunning dessert that will impress anyone who sees it.

What does Hennessy Pound Cake taste like?

Hennessy pound cake has a rich, complex flavor that is both sweet and slightly boozy. The cake itself is dense and moist, with a golden brown crust that provides a satisfying crunch.

The Hennessy cognac adds a distinct flavor to the cake, with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. The alcohol also helps to deepen the flavor of the cake and make it more complex. However, the alcohol content in the cake is not overpowering and blends well with the other ingredients.

Overall, the Hennessy pound cake taste is indulgent and sophisticated, with a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional pound cake. It pairs well with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream or fresh berries, and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

What would you need for this recipe?

All-purpose flour: This is the main dry ingredient in the cake and provides structure and texture.
Granulated sugar: This sweetens the cake and also helps to create a moist texture.
Butter: This provides flavor and moisture to the cake.
Eggs: These help to bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
Hennessy cognac: This adds a unique and delicious flavor to the cake.
Milk: This adds moisture to the cake and helps to create a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: This enhances the flavor of the cake and complements the other ingredients.
Baking powder: This helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.
Salt: This helps to balance the sweetness of the cake and enhance the other flavors.

Equipments needed

A large mixing bowl: This is where you will mix all of the ingredients together.
A hand or stand mixer: This is optional but can make it easier to cream the butter and sugar together.
A spatula: This is useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and ensuring all the ingredients are well incorporated.
A loaf pan or bundt pan: This is where you will bake the cake.
Parchment paper: This can be used to line the loaf or bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Oven: You will need an oven to bake the cake.

How to make Hennessy Pound Cake

Indulge in the deliciously moist and flavorful Hennessy pound cake! This easy-to-follow recipe is sure to impress any dessert lover.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
6 large eggs
1/2 cup Hennessy cognac
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 10-inch (25-cm) tube pan with butter and dust with flour. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the Hennessy cognac, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Invert the cake onto a wire rack and let it cool completely.
Serve the Hennessy pound cake with whipped cream or fresh berries, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Hennessy pound cake!

How do you serve Hennessy Pound Cake recipe?

Let the cake cool: Once the cake is finished baking, allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.
Remove the cake from the pan: Carefully run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the pan. If you used parchment paper, gently lift the paper to remove the cake. If you didn't use parchment paper, invert the pan onto a wire rack or plate and tap the bottom of the pan to release the cake.
Slice the cake: Use a sharp knife to slice the cake into even slices. You can slice the cake as thin or as thick as you like.
Add toppings: Hennessy pound cake can be served plain or with a variety of toppings. Some popular options include whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Serve and enjoy: Arrange the cake slices on a plate or platter and add the desired toppings. Serve the cake immediately and enjoy!

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 541 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Hennessy Pound Cake, Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe, Recipe, Hennessy Cake, Top rated

What to serve with?

Hennessy pound cake is a delicious dessert that can be served on its own or with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Hennessy pound cake:

Whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of a slice of Hennessy pound cake is a classic and delicious pairing.
Fresh berries: Top your Hennessy pound cake with fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the cake and adds a pop of color.
Caramel sauce: A drizzle of rich and creamy caramel sauce over a slice of Hennessy pound cake is a decadent treat.
Ice cream: Serve your Hennessy pound cake with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Coffee or tea: Pair your Hennessy pound cake with a cup of coffee or tea to balance out the sweetness of the cake.

My recommendations and tips

Measure your ingredients accurately: It's important to measure your ingredients carefully, especially the flour and sugar, to ensure that your cake turns out correctly. Use measuring cups and spoons and level off the ingredients for accuracy.
Bring ingredients to room temperature: Make sure your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature before you start baking. This will help the ingredients mix together more easily and create a smoother batter.
Use a good quality Hennessy cognac: The Hennessy cognac is the star of this recipe, so make sure to use a good quality cognac for the best flavor.
Don't overmix the batter: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a tough and dense cake.
Use parchment paper: To ensure that your cake doesn't stick to the pan, line it with parchment paper before pouring in the batter. This will make it easier to remove the cake from the pan and ensure that it comes out cleanly.
Let the cake cool completely: After you remove the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it. Then let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This will help the cake set and prevent it from falling apart when you slice it.

Potential ingredients substitutes

Hennessy cognac substitute: If you don't have Hennessy cognac, you can use another type of cognac or brandy. You can also use rum or whiskey for a different flavor.
All-purpose flour substitute: If you don't have all-purpose flour, you can use cake flour, which will give the cake a lighter texture. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend if you need to make the cake gluten-free.
Butter substitute: You can use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute instead of butter. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cake may be slightly different.
Sugar substitute: If you want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, you can use a sugar substitute such as stevia or erythritol. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cake may be slightly different.
Milk substitute: If you want to make the cake dairy-free, you can use a plant-based milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cake may be slightly different.
Lemon juice substitute: If you don't have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice or white vinegar as a substitute.

What more?

Storage: Store your Hennessy pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Slicing: When slicing your cake, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices to prevent sticking. You can also dust the knife with flour or powdered sugar to help it slide through the cake.
Variations: You can experiment with different variations of Hennessy pound cake by adding different flavors or ingredients to the batter. For example, you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Presentation: To make your Hennessy pound cake look even more impressive, you can dust it with powdered sugar or cocoa powder, or drizzle it with a glaze or frosting. You can also decorate it with fresh berries or whipped cream.

Remarks

Enjoy every boozy and delicious bite of this amazing Hennessy pound cake! It's sure to become a new favorite dessert for any occasion. Don't forget to share with family and friends!