Hennessy pound cake recipe – Bex’s Kitchen

By Bex Smith | Published on January 16, 2024

Hennessy Pound Cake is a classic and delicious dessert that has been a favorite of home cooks for many years. This pound cake is made from a combination of Hennessy Cognac, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. 

It has a unique flavor that sets it apart from other pound cakes. The rich flavors of the cognac, combined with the sweetness of the sugar, create a cake that is sure to please any palate.

Best Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe

What is Hennessy Pound Cake?

Jas Hennessy & Cie., often referred to simply as Hennessy, is a French cognac producer with its headquarters situated in Cognac, France.

One of their most popular items is the Hennessy Pound Cake which is a classic dessert recipe that has been made for generations. It is a rich and flavorful cake. 

The combination of these ingredients creates a cake that is moist on the inside and has a crisp, golden brown crust on the outside. The cognac gives the cake a unique and sophisticated flavor that sets it apart from other pound cakes.

Why You’ll Love this Hennessy Pound Cake? 

This Hennessy Pound Cake recipe is a great choice for special occasions or for a cozy night in. The cake is moist and flavorful, with a unique taste that comes from the Hennessy Cognac. 

The rich flavor of the cognac is balanced by the sweetness of the sugar, creating a cake that is sure to please any palate. This recipe is also easy to make and can be prepared in just a few steps.

You will also like the following Dessert recipes!

How Does It Taste Like?

Hennessy Pound Cake has a unique and sophisticated flavor that comes from the combination of Hennessy Cognac, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. 

The cognac gives the cake a rich and complex flavor, while the sugar provides sweetness and balance. The result is a moist and flavorful cake with a crisp, golden brown crust.

Ingredients

  • 6 Cups of finely sifted all-purpose flour, ensuring a delicate and velvety texture: Finely sifted all-purpose flour is used to create a delicate and velvety texture in the pound cake. Sifting the flour helps to aerate it, resulting in a lighter and more tender crumb.
  • 5 Cups of pure and crystallized granulated sugar, for a sweet and satisfying base: Granulated sugar serves as the sweet foundation of the pound cake, providing sweetness and contributing to the cake’s structure and moisture retention.
  • 1 Teaspoon of hand-harvested sea salt, adding a touch of mineral goodness: Sea salt enhances the overall flavor profile of the pound cake by balancing the sweetness and adding a subtle touch of mineral goodness. It helps elevate the other flavors in the recipe.
  • 1 Teaspoon of high-quality baking powder, for a perfect rise: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the pound cake rise and achieve a light and airy texture. It contributes to the perfect rise of the cake.
  • 2 Cups of luscious unsalted butter, softened to perfection: Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the pound cake. Softening the butter ensures easy incorporation into the batter, resulting in a moist and buttery cake.
  • 12 Large eggs, freshly gathered for a rich and indulgent crumb: Large eggs provide structure, moisture, and richness to the pound cake. They contribute to a luxurious and indulgent crumb texture.
  • 1 Cup of Hennessy cognac, for a sophisticated and aromatic nuance: Hennessy cognac adds a sophisticated and aromatic nuance to the pound cake. The alcohol content evaporates during baking, leaving behind a rich and complex flavor that enhances the overall taste.
  • 1 Cup of creamy milk, selected for its wholesome richness: Creamy milk adds moisture and richness to the pound cake, contributing to its tender crumb. The choice of creamy milk enhances the overall texture and flavor.
  • 2 Teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, capturing the essence of Madagascar’s finest vanilla beans: Pure vanilla extract provides a fragrant and sweet aroma, capturing the essence of Madagascar’s finest vanilla beans. It adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the pound cake, complementing the other ingredients.

Step by Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or tube pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together finely sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, hand-harvested sea salt, and baking powder. Ensure the dry ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter

In another large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. This can be done with a hand mixer or a stand mixer.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add the eggs to the creamed butter one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 5: Add Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the Hennessy cognac, creamy milk, and pure vanilla extract. Mix the ingredients until well combined. The batter may appear slightly curdled due to the addition of liquid; this is normal.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to the greased and floured Bundt pan or tube pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cooling

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once the Hennessy Pound Cake has cooled, slice it into portions and serve. The rich and aromatic flavors are sure to delight your taste buds.

Optional: Step 10 – Glaze (If Desired)

For an extra touch, you can drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar, Hennessy cognac, and a splash of milk over the cooled cake.

Tips

• Make sure the butter is melted before adding it to the batter.
• Use a good quality Hennessy Cognac for the best flavor.
• Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the batter.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter.
• Let the cake cool completely before serving.
• Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Easy Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 490
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 31 g
Protein: 4 g

How to Store Hennessy Pound Cake? 

Hennessy Pound Cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

What other substitute can I use in Hennessy Pound Cake?

  • If you don’t have Hennessy Cognac, you can use brandy, rum, or whiskey in this recipe. 
  • You can also use orange or lemon juice for a different flavor. 
  • If you don’t have whole milk, you can use skim milk or almond milk. Instead of butter, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil.
Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe

Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe

Hennessy Pound Cake is a classic and delicious dessert that has been a favorite of home cooks for many years. This pound cake is made from a combination of Hennessy Cognac, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. 
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe
Servings: 24 slices
Calories: 490kcal
Author: Bex Smith

Ingredients

  • 6 Cups of finely sifted all-purpose flour ensuring a delicate and velvety texture
  • 12 Large eggs freshly gathered for a rich and indulgent crumb
  • 1 Teaspoon of hand-harvested sea salt adding a touch of mineral goodness
  • 1 Cup of Hennessy cognac for a sophisticated and aromatic nuance
  • 1 Teaspoon of high-quality baking powder for a perfect rise
  • 5 Cups of pure and crystallized granulated sugar for a sweet and satisfying base
  • 1 Cup of creamy milk selected for its wholesome richness
  • 2 Teaspoons of pure vanilla extract capturing the essence of Madagascar’s finest vanilla beans
  • 2 Cups of luscious unsalted butter softened to perfection

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or tube pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the finely sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, hand-harvested sea salt, and baking powder. Ensure the dry ingredients are well combined.

Cream Butter:

  • In another large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. This can be done with a hand mixer or a stand mixer.

Incorporate Eggs:

  • Add the eggs to the creamed butter one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Add Liquid Ingredients:

  • Pour in the Hennessy cognac, creamy milk, and pure vanilla extract. Mix the ingredients until well combined. The batter may appear slightly curdled due to the addition of liquid; this is normal.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  • Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Bake to Perfection:

  • Transfer the batter to the greased and floured Bundt pan or tube pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cooling:

  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Once the Hennessy Pound Cake has cooled, slice it into portions and serve. The rich and aromatic flavors are sure to delight your taste buds.

Optional Glaze (If Desired):

  • For an extra touch, you can drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar, Hennessy cognac, and a splash of milk over the cooled cake.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is melted before adding it to the batter.
• Use a good quality Hennessy Cognac for the best flavor.
• Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the batter.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter.
• Let the cake cool completely before serving.
• Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 490kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe easy to make?

Yes, Hennessy Pound Cake is a relatively easy recipe to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and flavorful cake that is sure to please any palate.

Q2. How long does Hennessy Pound Cake last?

Hennessy Pound Cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q3. What is the difference between a pound cake and a regular cake?

Pound cake is typically denser than a regular cake. Pound cake also has a higher ratio of butter to flour, which gives it a richer flavor and a more dense texture.

Q4. Can I use other types of alcohol in Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of alcohol in this recipe. You can use brandy, rum, or whiskey in place of Hennessy Cognac. You can also use orange or lemon juice for a different flavor.

Q5. Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of milk in this recipe. If you don’t have whole milk, you can use skim milk or almond milk.

Q6. Can I use a different type of fat in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of fat in this recipe. Instead of butter, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil.

Q7. Is Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free. It contains all-purpose flour, which contains gluten.

Conclusion

Hennessy Pound Cake is a classic and delicious dessert that is sure to please any palate. This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in just a few steps. 

The combination of Hennessy Cognac, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour creates a moist and flavorful cake with a unique and sophisticated flavor. Try this recipe for your next special occasion or for a cozy night in. You won’t be disappointed!

You’ll also like these latest recipes!

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating