Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that oozes Southern charm and comfort, look no further than Southern Comfort Pound Cake. This cake is moist, rich, and infused with the warm, caramel notes of Southern Comfort liqueur, making every bite a true celebration. The golden crust gives way to a tender crumb, and whether you finish it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze, it’s bound to become a favorite at your table. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness, this cake is as welcoming as a big Southern hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Comfort Pound Cake relies on a handful of pantry staples and a splash of liqueur to create a dessert that’s both simple and unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the cake’s signature texture, flavor, and beautiful golden color.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The backbone of classic pound cake, butter gives the cake its rich flavor and moist, tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar (2 ½ cups): Sweetens the cake and helps create a light, fluffy texture during creaming.
- Large Eggs (5, room temperature): Eggs bind the ingredients and add richness for a dense-yet-soft cake.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): The structure provider; make sure to measure carefully for the perfect crumb.
- Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Just enough to give a little lift without losing that classic pound cake density.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Southern Comfort Liqueur (¾ cup): The star ingredient, it brings warmth, depth, and a hint of caramel spice.
- Whole Milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and keeps the crumb soft and lush.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the flavors with classic, aromatic sweetness.
- Ground Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Lends a gentle, cozy spice that’s just right for a Southern treat.
- Powdered Sugar or Simple Glaze (optional): For a beautiful finish and just a touch more sweetness.
How to Make Southern Comfort Pound Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan, making sure every nook is covered. This will help your Southern Comfort Pound Cake release perfectly and retain its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes and is key for achieving that perfect pound cake texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual process ensures your batter is silky smooth and well-emulsified, setting the stage for a rich, cohesive cake.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Mixing dry ingredients beforehand means everything gets evenly distributed, so your cake rises just right and the warm spice is in every bite.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl or a large measuring cup, combine the Southern Comfort liqueur, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract. This flavorful blend is what gives the cake its signature taste and aroma.
Step 6: Alternate Dry and Wet Additions
Add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the wet ingredients. Begin and end with the dry mixture, mixing just until combined after each addition. This step ensures your Southern Comfort Pound Cake batter stays fluffy and doesn’t get overworked.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen will let you know you’re in for something special!
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then gently invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple Southern Comfort glaze for a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Southern Comfort Pound Cake

Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also whisk up a quick glaze using Southern Comfort and powdered sugar for an extra punch of flavor. Fresh berries or candied nuts make lovely, colorful additions that complement the cake’s boozy warmth.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a more decadent dessert, try serving it alongside a fruit compote or a spoonful of caramel sauce—the rich flavors play off each other in pure harmony.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Southern Comfort Pound Cake into eye-catching dessert plates by slicing, toasting lightly, and topping with grilled peaches or a drizzle of honey. You can also cut the cake into cubes for a trifle layered with custard and berries, or serve mini slices as part of an elegant dessert board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Southern Comfort Pound Cake actually gets moister and more flavorful after a day, making it a wonderful make-ahead dessert. It will stay fresh for up to four days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled cake (whole or sliced) securely in plastic wrap and then in foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to three months, so you can always have a taste of Southern comfort on hand.
Reheating
To reheat individual slices, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or warm in a low oven until just heated through. If you’ve frozen the cake, let it thaw at room temperature while it’s still wrapped to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different liqueur instead of Southern Comfort?
Absolutely! While the Southern Comfort liqueur gives this pound cake its unique warmth and caramel notes, you can experiment with bourbon, whiskey, or even amaretto for a fun twist—just know the flavor profile will change slightly.
What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
No worries! You can bake the cake in two standard loaf pans or even a tube pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary depending on your pan choice.
Can I make Southern Comfort Pound Cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The cake might be a touch more delicate, but it will still have plenty of flavor and charm.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cake?
If you’d like to skip the alcohol, substitute the Southern Comfort with a mix of apple juice and a bit of caramel extract. The flavor won’t be the same, but you’ll still get a moist and tasty pound cake.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your Southern Comfort Pound Cake is ready to come out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Southern Comfort Pound Cake enough—it’s one of those recipes that brings people together and sparks endless compliments. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, you’re in for a real treat. Give it a try and let the comforting, Southern flavors win you over!
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Southern Comfort Pound Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist Southern Comfort Pound Cake featuring a perfect balance of buttery sweetness enhanced by the warm flavors of Southern Comfort liqueur and nutmeg. This classic American bundt cake is perfect for holidays or any special occasion, delivering a tender crumb and delightful aroma that improves with resting.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup Southern Comfort liqueur
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting or a simple glaze
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases cleanly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs Gradually: Add the five eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and well emulsified.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg to ensure even distribution of leavening and spice.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl or a large measuring cup, combine the Southern Comfort liqueur, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract for the flavorful liquid component.
- Alternate Adding Dry and Wet: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing and toughening the cake.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, ensuring the cake is fully cooked but still moist.
- Cool Properly: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes so it firms up slightly, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely to prevent moisture buildup.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, Southern Comfort, and milk for added sweetness and shine.
Notes
- For a simple glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of Southern Comfort and a splash of milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
- This cake tastes even better after resting for a day, making it perfect for make-ahead desserts.
- Store the cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain its freshness and moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg