By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on September 26, 2023 | Last Updated on September 26, 2023
Whether you’re trying to impress your guests or just looking for something unique, making a Hennessy Pound Cake will certainly do the trick.
The history of Hennessy Cognac dates all the way back to 1765 when it was founded by Richard Hennessy, a French trader. Today, Hennessy is one of the top producers of cognac in France and their spirit has become a staple in many homes.
The unique flavor of the cognac, combined with the right ingredients, creates a cake that is sure to please the palate.
With our step-by-step guide, you can learn how to make this decadent dessert in no time. You’ll be able to craft an indulgent pound cake that everyone will love! So let’s get started and learn how to make this delicious dessert.
What is Hennessy Pound Cake?
Hennessy Pound Cake is a classic dessert that has been given an extra twist with the addition of Hennessy Cognac. This cake is rich and buttery, with a deep flavor from the cognac that sets it apart from other traditional pound cakes.
The cake is made with a combination of eggs, butter, milk, sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. The moist texture comes from the addition of Hennessy Cognac which gives the cake its unforgettable taste. This decadent dessert is perfect for any occasion.
What does it taste like?
This cake is truly unique and tastes awesome. The cognac gives the cake a subtle sweetness and slightly boozy taste, while notes of butter and vanilla give it an indulgent flavor. It has a rich texture with just enough moisture.
The cake also has a hint of vanilla which adds to its complexity. The cake has a light and fluffy texture with a moist crumb which makes it perfect.
How did I first get introduced to the Hennessy Pound Cake?
I was recently tasked with making a dessert for an upcoming family gathering and I had no idea where to start. So, I decided to go online and do some research. I looked through dozens of recipes until one caught my eye – a Hennessy Pound Cake!
I had never heard of such a thing before but it sounded delicious! After looking at the ingredients list, I noticed that the recipe called for Hennessy Cognac. So, I decided to take a trip down to my local liquor store and pick some up.
Once I had all of the ingredients, it was time to get cooking! The procedure was surprisingly easy to follow and before long, my kitchen smelled amazing as the cake was baking in the oven.
Once it was ready, I served it up and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it. The cake was moist and delicious with just a hint of cognac flavor. It quickly became one of my go-to desserts for any special occasion.
Since then, I’ve been making Hennessy Pound Cake for friends and family. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and I’m constantly getting requests to make it again! Plus, it’s so easy to put together that anyone can do it.
I highly recommend giving this dessert a try if you’re ever looking for a unique and decadent treat. You won’t be disappointed!
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How to make Hennessy Pound Cake?
Making Hennessy Pound Cake is actually quite easy, and with the help of our step-by-step instructions, you can be sure that you’ll create a cake to remember.
Ingredients
- Eggs: Eggs add structure and texture to the cake, as well as richness.
- Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter adds moisture to the batter and helps create a light crumb.
- Hennessy Cognac: Hennessy cognac is what gives this pound cake its unique flavor and makes it stand out from traditional pound cakes.
- Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create a light texture.
- Milk: Milk helps to add moisture to the batter, creating a moist cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract gives this pound cake a traditional flavor and aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is used as the base of the pound cake batter.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder helps to create a light and fluffy texture in the cake.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients and brings out the sweetness of the sugar.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Combine the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together 6 eggs, 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened), and ½ cup Hennessy cognac until light and fluffy. Then add in 2 ½ cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
Step 2
Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Once combined, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches until everything is well combined and a thick batter has been formed.
Step 3
Bake the pound cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, then pour in the batter. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4
Let the pound cake cool
Once the pound cake has finished baking, let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes then serve.
Tips
- If you don’t have Hennessy cognac on hand, any other type of brandy can be substituted.
- For an added layer of flavor, sprinkle the top of the cake with turbinado sugar before baking.
- Instead of traditional frosting, try a glaze made with confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and cognac. This will add a bit of sweetness to the cake without overpowering it.
- If you’re looking for an even richness to the cake, try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with almond or hazelnut flour.
- Try adding some spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice to the batter.
- Sprinkle some chopped almonds or hazelnuts on top before baking for an added crunch.
- For a more decadent cake, try adding chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to the batter.
- Top with fresh seasonal fruits such as raspberries or blueberries.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream to each slice for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Hennessy Pound Cake?
Here are some great pairings to serve alongside Hennessy Pound Cake:
- Ice cream or whipped cream.
- Vanilla custard or panna cotta.
- Fresh seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- A light and refreshing sorbet or granita.
- Homemade honeycomb or salted caramel sauce.
- A creamy fruit dip like yogurt, cream cheese, or ricotta.
- Freshly brewed coffee or tea.
- Your favorite dessert wine or port.
- Decadent chocolate truffles for a sweet and indulgent finish.
How to store leftover Hennessy Pound Cake?
Any leftover Hennessy Pound Cake should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and kept at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you would like to freeze the cake, it can be stored in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before serving. To ensure the cake stays moist and delicious, try not to cut it until right before serving.
If you do need to slice the cake beforehand, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. This will help keep the flavor intact and prevent the cake from drying out.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Hennessy Pound Cake. However, it is important to note that alcohol is a key ingredient in the cake.
Women who are pregnant should avoid consuming any alcoholic beverages as even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful to the baby’s development.
For pregnant women who still want to enjoy a slice of this delicious cake, there are ways to make it without the alcohol.
All you need to do is replace the Hennessy cognac with an equal amount of apple juice or orange juice. This will give the cake the same flavor and texture without any of the alcohol content.
Pregnant women should also be aware that some of the ingredients in this cake may contain allergens. Before making or consuming the cake, check all the ingredients to make sure there are no allergens present that may harm you or your baby.
If you have any doubts about what to include in your Hennessy Pound Cake, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and consult with a healthcare professional before making it.
With some simple substitutes and precautions, you can still enjoy a delicious slice of Hennessy Pound Cake without any risks.
Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe
Equipment
- bowls
- loaf pan
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 8 tbsp softened butter unsalted
- 4 tbsp Hennessy cognac
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar or white granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Cream the eggs, butter, and cognac in a bowl until light and fluffy. Then, stir in sugar, milk, & vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder & salt before gradually combining with wet ingredients.
- Grease & flour 9×5-inch loaf pan. Pour in cake batter & bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If you don’t have Hennessy cognac on hand, any other type of brandy can be substituted.
- For an added layer of flavor, sprinkle the top of the cake with turbinado sugar before baking.
- Instead of traditional frosting, try a glaze made with confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and cognac. This will add a bit of sweetness to the cake without overpowering it.
- If you’re looking for an even richness to the cake, try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with almond or hazelnut flour.
- Try adding some spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice to the batter.
- Sprinkle some chopped almonds or hazelnuts on top before baking for an added crunch.
- For a more decadent cake, try adding chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to the batter.
- Top with fresh seasonal fruits such as raspberries or blueberries.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream to each slice for an extra indulgent treat.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with something else?
Yes, you can use a different type of flour, such as almond or hazelnut flour. However, this will affect the texture and flavor of the cake slightly.
Can I make this cake vegan?
Yes, you can make this cake vegan by substituting the butter and eggs for vegan alternatives such as coconut oil and flaxseed eggs. You can also switch out the milk for non-dairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk. However, please note that these substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake.
Can I omit the alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the Hennessy cognac if desired. Simply replace it with an equal amount of apple juice or orange juice to give the cake the same flavor and texture without any of the alcohol content.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading our guide to making Hennessy Pound Cake. We hope you found it useful and that the tips we shared help make your baking experience easier.
Please share this article with your friends and family so they can enjoy this delicious dessert too! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
