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Best Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Pound Cake Recipe with Easy Bourbon Glaze

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A moist and flavorful mint julep pound cake infused with fresh mint and bourbon, topped with a sticky-sweet bourbon glaze. Perfect for Kentucky Derby celebrations or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon (plus more for the glaze)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter and dust with flour, tapping out excess.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in chopped fresh mint, vanilla extract, and bourbon until evenly combined.
  6. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
  7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil after 40 minutes if browning too fast.
  9. Let cake rest in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  10. Whisk together powdered sugar, bourbon, melted butter, and lemon juice until smooth to make the glaze.
  11. When cake is warm to the touch but not hot, drizzle bourbon glaze evenly over the top and let it soak in.

Notes

Use room temperature butter for best texture. Fresh mint is essential for flavor. If cake browns too fast, lower oven temperature by 10 degrees and extend baking time. Let cake cool before glazing to ensure glaze absorbs properly. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kentucky Derby, mint julep, pound cake, bourbon glaze, Southern dessert, mint cake, bourbon cake

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/best-kentucky-derby-mint-julep-pound-cake-recipe-with-easy-bourbon-glaze/