If you’ve never had a slice of Hennessy Pound Cake, you’re in for something truly special. This is the kind of cake that brings all the warmth and richness of a classic Southern pound cake — but with a smooth, grown-up twist.
The Cognac flavor adds depth without overpowering the buttery vanilla notes, and the texture? Dense, moist, and absolutely perfect.
I first made this as a holiday dessert, and it quickly became the most-requested cake at every family gathering. It’s a little nostalgic, a little indulgent, and every bit as satisfying as it sounds.
Whether you serve it plain, glazed, or topped with berries and whipped cream, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is buttery, tender, and loaded with rich vanilla and caramel flavor — with just enough Hennessy to warm things up. It’s sophisticated without being fussy, and each bite melts in your mouth with a subtle, boozy kick.
And the best part? It gets even better the next day. The Hennessy glaze seeps into the crumb, giving it that moist texture we all crave in a pound cake. It’s the perfect centerpiece for celebrations, dinner parties, or Sunday supper.
What You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup Hennessy Cognac
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp Hennessy (to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pro Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter.
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added — it keeps the crumb soft.
- Grease your pan generously and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Cool completely before glazing so the icing doesn’t slide off.
- Let it sit overnight — the flavors deepen and the texture improves.
Tools You’ll Need
- Stand or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 10–12 cup bundt pan
- Wire cooling rack
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer (for glaze)
Substitutions & Variations
- No Hennessy? Use another Cognac or dark rum (like Brandy or Bourbon).
- No milk? Buttermilk or half-and-half works just as well.
- Non-alcoholic version: Swap Hennessy with brewed tea or apple juice and a splash of vanilla extract.
- Add-ins: Mix in 1 cup chopped pecans or swirl with a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Make Ahead Tips
This cake can be baked 1–2 days ahead and kept covered at room temperature. The flavor gets even better as it rests. You can also freeze the unglazed cake for up to 2 months — just thaw and glaze before serving.
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a bundt pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray, then dust lightly with flour.
2. Cream Butter, Oil & Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the butter, oil, and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Alternate Dry & Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet mixture alternately with milk and Hennessy, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
5. Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool 15 minutes in pan, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar with Hennessy and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over cooled cake.
7. Serve
Let the glaze set for 10–15 minutes. Slice and serve as-is or with whipped cream or berries.
Leftovers & Storage
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic or foil and store at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Refrigerate if your kitchen is warm. You can also freeze slices individually for up to 2 months — just thaw and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
1. Does the alcohol bake off?
Yes — most of the alcohol in the batter evaporates during baking. The glaze, however, still contains alcohol, so use with care if serving to kids.
2. Can I use boxed pound cake mix?
For a shortcut, yes! Just add 2–3 tablespoons of Hennessy to the batter and prepare a homemade glaze.
3. Can I double the glaze?
Absolutely! If you love a lot of glaze, feel free to double the recipe and drizzle in layers.
4. Can I make this in loaf pans?
Yes — divide the batter between two greased 9×5 loaf pans and reduce bake time to about 50–55 minutes.
The Final Slice
This Hennessy Pound Cake brings buttery Southern tradition and a touch of grown-up flair to your dessert table. Whether you serve it for the holidays, a birthday, or just a night in, it’s a showstopper that feels both cozy and elevated.
Give it a try and let me know in the comments who you shared it with — and who came back for seconds!