Gin-Laced Chocolate Cake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich chocolate cake with a subtle gin flavor and a boozy frosting. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 105 minutes layers Gin, Dark chocolate (70% cocoa), Butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (8 ratings) Prep: 60 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt 8 oz butter and 8 oz dark chocolate together. Let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk 4 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup flour, 3 tbsp cocoa powder, and 1 tsp baking powder until smooth. Fold in melted chocolate mixture.
  3. Step 3: Pour into a greased cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.
  4. Step 4: For frosting, whip 8 oz cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 tbsp gin. Spread over cooled cake.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Gin-Laced Chocolate Cake take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (60 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Gin-Laced Chocolate Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gin-Laced Chocolate Cake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gin-Laced Chocolate Cake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Gin-Laced Chocolate Cake?

French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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