Bourbon Chocolate Cake

Step 1

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Using a baking spray with flour, generously coat the bottom and sides of 2 8-inch round baking pans; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

Step 2

In a small microwave-safe bowl combine unsweetened chocolate and sweet chocolate and microwave on HIGH power for 30 seconds; stir. Repeat microwave heating and stir after each 30 second interval until smooth, about 1 ½ minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

Step 3

In a small bowl, stir coffee (or espresso) and boiling water until coffee completely dissolves. Increase water to measure a total coffee-mixture of 1 ½ cups. Stir in ½ cup bourbon.

Step 4

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium to high speed, beat butter and sugar for 30 seconds or until light and fluffy. Add in eggs and continue beating for another minute. Add in cooled melted chocolate and vanilla and beat until chocolate is thoroughly mixed.

Step 5

On low speed, beat in alternating portions of flour mixture and coffee mixture until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pans; spread evenly.

Step 6

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center of each cake comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans over a wire rack for 15 minutes.

Step 7

Remove cakes from pans. Brush the top and sides of both cakes with 2 tablespoons bourbon and allow to further cool on wire racks before frosting.

Step 8

In a small saucepan combine caramel topping and 2 tablespoons bourbon. Cook and stir over medium heat until warm. Remove from heat; set aside.

Step 9

In a large bowl using an electric mixer on low to medium speed, beat cream cheese and butter until thoroughly combined. Beat in bourbon and powdered sugar one cup at a time.

Step 10

Frost the top of the bottom layer of the cake. Stack the second layer and frost the top and sides of cake. Before frosting dries, lightly press chopped pecans onto the sides.

Step 11

Using a piping bag with a fitted 2D tip, pipe swirls on top. If desired, place a pecan onto each swirl and drizzle bourbon-caramel sauce on top. ENJOY!