76 Boozy Desserts That Add a Splash of Spirit to Your Party
Plenty of Southern recipes use a dash of bourbon, and options on the dessert table are not excluded. In fact, we have dozens of boozy desserts that implement a hint of bourbon, whiskey, brandy, rum, and several types of liqueurs. We even made a margarita cake recipe with a bit of tequila that’s perfect for Cinco de Mayo. From stunning layer cakes to simple bread puddings, these alcoholic desserts are just what your celebration needs. There are plenty of boozy desserts on this list made especially for the holiday season, like our Spiked Eggnog Bundt Cake or our Gingerbread with Stout Buttercream for Christmas and our Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie or Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread Pudding with Apple Brandy-Caramel Sauce for Thanksgiving. It wouldn’t be a Derby party without bourbon, so serve up our Mint Julep Cupcakes or Kentucky Bourbon Pie for a fun finale. Of course, we have plenty of options for bourbon balls (plus, a rum balls recipe), which make the cutest treats for neighbors and hostesses. Whatever the occasion, why not add a little spirit to your dessert table? These boozy desserts are the ticket to sending your guests home full and happy.
White Cake with Bourbon Buttercream and Seven-Minute Frosting
Recipe: White Cake with Bourbon Buttercream and Seven-Minute Frosting
This classic white cake has boozy layers and a fluffy frosting on top for your prettiest Christmas dessert yet.
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Pecan Pie Brownies
Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies
A splash of bourbon is optional in this dessert mashup recipe, but we think it adds some welcome spirit.
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Spiked Eggnog Bundt Cake
Recipe: Spiked Eggnog Bundt Cake
Nothing says, “happy holidays” like a boozy eggnog cake.
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Cornbread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel
Recipe: Cornbread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel
This super-Southern version of bread pudding uses cornbread as a base.
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Mama’s Rum Cake
Recipe: Mama’s Rum Cake
Mildred “Mama Dip” Council, of Mama Dip’s Kitchen in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, shared her legendary rum cake recipe with us.
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Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie
Recipe: Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie
A splash of bourbon and a bit of orange zest balance out the sweetest of this Southern Thanksgiving favorite.
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Bourbon Balls
Recipe: Bourbon Balls
This Southern favorite makes an adorable gift during the holidays.
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Peach-Bourbon Upside-Down Bundt Cake
Recipe: Peach-Bourbon Upside-Down Bundt Cake
Fresh summer peaches are the star of this showstopping dessert.
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Whiskey Pie with Tipsy Berries
Recipe: Whiskey Pie with Tipsy Berries
This boozy pie is the prettiest finale for your 4th of July bash.
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Brennan’s Bananas Foster
Recipe: Brennan’s Bananas Foster
Famed New Orleans restaurant Brennan’s created this iconic dessert, and we were lucky enough to get the recipe.
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Creole Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
Recipe: Creole Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
New Orleans chef Leah Chase puts a Creole spin on bread pudding with this boozy recipe that’ll put a kick in your Christmas.
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Eggnog Spice Cake with Bourbon Custard Filling and Eggnog Buttercream
Recipe: Eggnog Spice Cake with Bourbon Custard Filling and Eggnog Buttercream
This impressive layer cake is a perfect holiday baking project for an afternoon off work and school.
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Brown Sugar-Rum Cake
Recipe: Brown Sugar-Rum Cake
There’s nothing better than a classic sheet cake to serve a crowd.
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Strawberry Cream Pie
Recipe: Strawberry Cream Pie
Red currant jelly spiked with orange liqueur is an elegant touch atop fresh strawberries on this fluffy pie.
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Cassandra’s “Light” Fruitcake
Recipe: Cassandra’s “Light” Fruitcake
This fruitcake will ensure every Christmas guest has a good time.
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Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Butter Bourbon Sauce
Recipe: Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Butter Bourbon Sauce
As if you needed a reason to love Krispy Kreme more, here you go.
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Mini Bourbon-and-Cola Bundt Cakes
Recipe: Mini Bourbon-and-Cola Bundt Cakes
We took the classic cocktail pairing and made it into a fun mini dessert that’s perfect for a tailgate or cookout.
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Bourbon Chocolate Truffles
Recipe: Bourbon Chocolate Truffles
These no-bake truffles are the ultimate savior for a busy hostess (or your friend who isn’t quite the best baker).
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Pecan Spice Cake with Caramel-Rum Glaze
Recipe: Pecan Spice Cake with Caramel-Rum Glaze
Welcome fall with a beautiful spice cake that guests will rave about.
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Apple Cranberry Pie
Recipe: Apple Cranberry Pie
This seasonal pie is just the thing to make with your haul from the apple orchard.
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Bourbon Ice Cream Float
Recipe: Bourbon Ice Cream Float
There’s something nostalgic about a classic ice cream float, and a splash of bourbon makes it even more fun for your summer party.
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Lane Cupcakes
Recipe: Lane Cupcakes
Serve a cute cupcake full of vintage recipe nostalgia with this recipe.
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Butterscotch Pie with Whiskey Caramel Sauce
Recipe: Butterscotch Pie with Whiskey Caramel Sauce
This dreamy caramel sauce can be made up to one month in advance, and it makes a delicious topping for ice cream.
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Strawberry-Lemon Crêpe Cake
Recipe: Strawberry-Lemon Crêpe Cake
This delicate crêpe cake is topped with Macerated Strawberries that are mixed with limoncello.
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Kentucky Bourbon Pie
Recipe: Kentucky Bourbon Pie
It wouldn’t be Derby Day without a derby pie! You’ll be everyone’s favorite hostess with this recipe.
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Bourbon-Chocolate Cake With Praline Frosting
Recipe: Bourbon-Chocolate Cake With Praline Frosting
Bourbon, chocolate, and praline frosting? There’s so much to love about this decadent recipe.
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Ginger Bourbon Balls
Recipe: Ginger Bourbon Balls
Update your bourbon ball recipe for the holidays with a fun ginger twist.
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Utterly Deadly Pecan Pie
Recipe: Utterly Deadly Pecan Pie
Making your pecan pie in a cast-iron skillet yields a perfectly crispy crust and soft filling.
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Caramel Apple Cake
Recipe: Caramel Apple Cake
This beautiful fall cake is topped with our Apple-Brandy Caramel Sauce that you’ll want to pour over ice cream and pancakes all season long.
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Peach Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel
Recipe: Peach Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel
Fresh preaches add a summery twist to classic bread pudding.