There’s something almost magical about the first slice of Southern Comfort Pound Cake: the tender crumb is rich and buttery, the Southern Comfort adds irresistible warmth, and the simple glaze gives it a little extra sparkle. This is a cake that whispers of Southern hospitality and begs for a gathering with your favorite people. Whether for a celebration, a holiday, or simply a cozy afternoon, there’s no mistaking the special touch this classic cake brings to any table.

Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Southern Comfort Pound Cake is a lesson in delicious simplicity. Each item plays an important role, creating a cake with memorable flavor, decadent texture, and a beautiful golden hue. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why.

Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich foundation and delicate crumb—make sure it’s properly softened for easy mixing.
Vegetable shortening: Shortening keeps the texture especially moist and tender without making the cake heavy.
Granulated sugar: Not only sweetens, but also helps cream the fats to create structure and lightness in each bite.
Large eggs: More than just binding, eggs lend richness and that classic yellow pound cake color.
All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure while keeping the crumb soft and pleasant.
Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift, so your cake isn’t too dense.
Salt: Just a bit balances all that sweetness and heightens the other flavors.
Whole milk: Ensures a tender interior and a hint of dairy silkiness.
Southern Comfort (or bourbon/whiskey): The soul of this cake; imparts warmth and a uniquely Southern, caramel-spice undertone.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the aroma and brings everything together.

For the glaze: A mix of powdered sugar, a splash more Southern Comfort, and vanilla to crown your cake with a sweet, boozy finish.

How to Make Southern Comfort Pound Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and let it preheat while you grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan. Don’t rush this step! Proper greasing prevents the cake from sticking, so you get perfect, golden sides every time.

Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale. This will take 4 to 5 minutes, and it’s worth every second—the air you beat in now ensures your Southern Comfort Pound Cake is luxuriously light.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual addition helps each egg fully incorporate, making your batter smooth and glossy with that irresistible yellow hue.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step keeps everything combined and removes any lumps, creating a uniform texture in the final cake.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

Pour the milk, Southern Comfort, and vanilla into a measuring cup or small bowl and stir gently. Smell that mellow warmth? That’s the secret behind the cake’s unmistakable flavor.

Step 6: Combine, Alternate Wet and Dry

Now, add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk mixture—beginning and ending with the dry. Mix on low speed just until combined. Overmixing can lead to toughness, so fold gently!

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Pour that luscious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy how your kitchen fills with the sweet, buttery aroma of Southern Comfort Pound Cake.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, Southern Comfort, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake for a stunning and flavorful finish.

How to Serve Southern Comfort Pound Cake

Garnishes

A generous drizzle of that Southern Comfort glaze is always a hit, but you can elevate each slice with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or candied pecans for a Southern-style crunch. For an even richer taste, add a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—each bite will be even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

A slice of Southern Comfort Pound Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of dark coffee or robust black tea. For a brunch setting, serve alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a bowl of stewed peaches. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a small glass of bourbon or a sweet dessert wine can make the whole experience feel especially celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your pound cake into the centerpiece of a dessert table! Try serving it as individual shortcakes topped with macerated strawberries and cream. Or, cube leftovers and layer with pudding and berries in a trifle. For a fun Southern twist, grill thick slices for a few seconds per side, then top with peaches and glaze. Southern Comfort Pound Cake is endlessly adaptable for any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, your Southern Comfort Pound Cake will stay moist and delicious for up to four days.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice and wrap individual pieces (or the whole cake) in two layers of plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to three months. To thaw, leave slices at room temperature for about an hour, or thaw the whole cake overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For fresh-from-the-oven flavor, lightly warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or reheat wrapped slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This refreshes the crumb and revives that cozy, just-baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While Southern Comfort adds a subtle fruit and spice note, any quality bourbon or whiskey will work. Try your favorite and see how the flavor profile changes.

How do I know when the pound cake is baked through?

Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The top should feel firm and spring back lightly when pressed.

Why does my pound cake sometimes stick to the pan?

Thoroughly greasing and flouring your pan is essential—don’t neglect those nooks and crannies! Also, letting the cake cool for 15 minutes before inverting helps it release more easily.

Can I make Southern Comfort Pound Cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavor deepens as it rests. Bake it a day ahead, let it cool, and store tightly wrapped at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving for the freshest finish.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cake?

While the distinct flavor comes from Southern Comfort or bourbon, you can substitute with apple juice and a splash of vanilla for a kid-friendly version—it won’t have quite the same depth, but will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Southern Comfort Pound Cake is beloved through generations—it’s welcoming, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, share it with family and friends, and let this sweet tradition make your next gathering just a little more memorable.

Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, moist goodness of this Southern Comfort Pound Cake. Infused with a hint of bourbon and topped with a sweet glaze, this dessert is a true Southern delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup vegetable shortening
3 cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
¼ cup Southern Comfort (or other bourbon/whiskey)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons Southern Comfort
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan thoroughly.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Dry Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the milk, Southern Comfort, and vanilla.
Combine Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk mixture, mixing just until combined. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes.
Cool and Glaze: Let the cake cool in the pan before inverting onto a wire rack. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, Southern Comfort, and vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Notes

For a stronger bourbon flavor, brush the warm cake with an additional tablespoon of Southern Comfort.
This cake stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American