This easy Kahlua cake is a decadent treat for any occasion. It starts with a cake mix so it’s easy to make and is finished with a Kahlua glaze for an extra kick of flavor. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream and watch your cake be devoured!
This post was originally published in May of 2017. I’ve updated this post to include more information about the Kahlua cake but the recipe remains the same.
Can we agree that boozy desserts make an acceptable breakfast in 2020?
Because if not, I’m in trouble. I’ve been indulging in a slice of this Kahlua cake with my coffee every morning for days now.
It’s soft and fluffy, rich and just a little chocolatey, and too good to pass up no matter the time of day. Add to all that: this cake is EASY to make! This is a winning recipe if ever there was one!
Why you’ll love this Kahlua cake:
- This recipe starts with a box of cake mix, which means it’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for beginning bakers
- I use white cake mix and chocolate pudding mix for my cake but you can use different flavors of either (or both) depending on what you have in your pantry or what you can find in the store
- The addition of a box of instant pudding mix means your cake turns out perfectly moist every time
How to make your cake
This cake is so simple I almost feel silly posting step by step photos. But here you go!
- Combine cake mix, pudding mix, and a couple other ingredients in a bowl, then beat until smooth
- Add coffee, Kahlua, and a couple other ingredients and beat until smooth
- Pour into a bundt pan and bake for about 45 minutes
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert cake onto a serving platter and make your glaze.
- Combine powdered sugar and Kahlua in a small bowl
- Whisk until smooth
- Spoon over the cake while it’s still warm
Then serve and enjoy!
Notes for making your cake
- As stated above, you can use other cake mix flavors (yellow and chocolate are both good options)
- You can also use other flavors of instant pudding. Both vanilla and French vanilla would be delicious choices
- I use Baker’s Joy cooking spray when I make bundt cakes; see below for more information about it
- Be sure you spray your bundt pans inner tube! If you miss it your cake will stick
- Your cake batter will be very thin—that’s normal so don’t panic!
- When making your glaze, I recommend sifting the powdered sugar first if it’s at all lumpy; it’s hard to get lumps out with whisking alone.
- I like to dust my cake with powdered sugar and serve it with whipped cream, but it’s also delicious served with ice cream
How to store your cake
Uneaten cake can be stored, covered, at room temperature for 3 or 4 days. Cool your cake completely before covering it or the cake could sweat!
You can also store your cake covered, in the fridge, for 3 or 4 days.
Individual slices can be frozen, tightly wrapped, for about 2 months. Defrost slices (either in the microwave for a few seconds or in the fridge overnight) before serving.
What is Kahlua?
Kahlua is a coffee liqueur. It’s made with rum, sugar, and (of course) coffee.
Kahlua is sometimes consumed on its own, but often included in cocktails or baked goods. It lends a really nice flavor to desserts, especially if you’re a coffee-lover.
How do I keep bundt cakes from sticking?
If you have issues with bundt cakes sticking to the pan (been there) then I have two words for you: Baker’s Joy. (No, this post isn’t sponsored. It’s just a great product.)
Baker’s Joy is a cooking spray that has flour added. I’ve tried using cooking spray and sprinkling my pan with flour but that never works as well for me; I think it’s hard to get the flour to coat the pan evenly.
Baker’s Joy is available at most grocery stores right next to the cooking spray. It’s SO helpful, whether you’re making a Kahlua bundt cake or any other bundt.
A few more desserts you might enjoy
Fireball Cake
Oreo Cookie Cake
Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
Chocolate Cherry Cake
Did you make this Kahlua cake? AWESOME! Let me know what you think with a comment and a rating below. And post a pic on Instagram too! Tag @theitsybitsykitchen so I can see!
This Kahlua cake is an incredibly easy dessert that everyone will enjoy. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream and it's hard to beat!
- 1 16.25-ounce box white cake mix*
- 1 3.9-ounce box instant chocolate pudding**
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup brewed coffee cooled to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup Kahlua
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup Kahlua
- whipped cream and additional powdered sugar for serving (if desired)
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Generously spray a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray (don’t forget to spray the inner tube). Set pan aside.
- Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, and oil in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the coffee, sugar, Kahlua, and vodka, and mix well. The batter will be thin.
- Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert cake onto a serving platter and make the glaze.
- Combine the powdered sugar and Kahlua in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until completely smooth. Spoon over the warm cake, then let stand until cool.
- Dust cake with powdered sugar and serve with a healthy dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
- *I used Pillsbury Moist Supreme white cake. You can substitute yellow or chocolate cake mix if that’s what you have on hand.
- **I used jello instant chocolate pudding but you can substitute other flavors of pudding (vanilla would be a good choice) as long as your pudding mix is instant. Don’t use cook and serve!
- I recommend sifting the powdered sugar you use in the glaze to eliminate any lumps; it’s hard to get lumps out with whisking alone.
- Rather than regular cooking spray, I always spray my bundt pans with Baker’s Joy, which has flour added. See the body of this post for details about Baker’s Joy.
- Uneaten cake can be stored, covered, at room temperature for 3 or 4 days. (Cool cake completely before covering it.)
- Cake can also be stored covered, in the fridge, for 3 or 4 days.
- Individual slices can be frozen, tightly wrapped, for about a month. Defrost (either in the microwave for a few seconds or in the fridge overnight) before serving.
Maria Doss says
Though it sounds daunting, I’m sure a sunny and bright kitchen will make it all worth it. Good luck! I’m in love with this cake – the flavors, simplicity….this is so happening this weekend:)
Kelsie says
Thank you Maria! I really can’t wait to bake in a kitchen with so much natural light. My kitchen now has none :(.
Allie R Taylor says
Kelsie – you have so made me chuckle today. No salmonella cake mix batter, ‘cuz you’re healthy like that. Hee hee. Too funny. Guess what? I’m moving too. And packing. Crazy, huh? Our house is on the market but we had two signed contracts that both fell through in the last two weeks for various reasons. ARRGGHHH. Needing a slice (or three) of this boozy cake ASAP to get me through the for sale by owner blues…Keep persevering and using that packing tape. Hopefully it will all be over soon for both of us, I’m not a fan of packing up the house one Itsy-Bitsy Bit! XO
Kelsie says
OMG two contracts that fell through? That’s rough! I’m thinking of you guys. . .We’ll have to commiserate together on the whole move thing once we’re both through it–and we WILL get through it :). I would gladly send you a few slices if I thought it could last in the mail! Have a wonderful week, dear friend!
Kim @ The Baking ChocolaTess says
Wow! Moving out of the itsy-bitsy kitchen?! Eating this boozy cake in between packing, I’m guessing there’s no cake left? 🙂 You’ll be back in the swing of things in no time! Excited for you Kelsie! <3
Kelsie says
Thank you so much Kim! I thought I might be sad to leave my little kitchen but I’m not at all. I can’t WAIT to have more space :). Have a great week!
Cindy Thompson says
Oh my, you had me at Kaluha and cake mix! So excited for your move, new adventures await, we’ll almost be neighbors for part of the year. Sunshine and fun await you hope to see you soon and help unpack???? ?
Kelsie says
Haha! I’m excited too, Cindy! And hoping you guys would like to be taste-testers :). My mom will be coming down to help with the move so you should definitely stop by!
Marcie Bidou says
Moving is exciting and daunting at the same time. I hate packing and unpacking but once you get organized isn’t it nice? And Phoenix is so great! This cake sounds amazing with the chocolate and kahlua too — I would love a big slice!
Kelsie says
The only thing (besides cake) getting me through this move is picturing everything beautifully organized when I’m done! I love Phoenix and I can’t wait to get there and explore some more. I hope your birthday has been fabulous; have a great week, Marcie!
pglooney says
This looks so good! I always put pudding with boxed mix, I think it makes such a difference! Good luck with the move.
Kelsie says
Thank you Patrick! I almost never think to include pudding but I’m definitely going to start! Have a great week 🙂
Lindsay | With Salt and Pepper says
Ha!! ‘I just can’t deal so I baked a cake’…should be a t-shirt. That’s like the story of my life. There’s too much to clean and I can’t deal…so I made a bigger mess in the kitchen 😉 Good luck with the boxes…sending good vibes your way! XO
Kelsie says
Thank you Lindsay! YES! I totally do the I’m-avoiding-the-mess-by-making-a-bigger-one thing. The best part of blogging is learning that so many people share my eccentricities :).
evolvewithmary says
I grew up eating tons of bundt cakes Kelsie, but neverr have I had a boozy Kahlua bundt cake, sounds a little too good to be true. Congratulations on the move! Moving is very daunting but it’s also exciting and exhilarating especially when you are moving to a bigger space. Have a great week… good luck with packing lol 🙂
Kelsie says
Thank you Mary! I think too good to be true might be the right way to put it :). All that chocolate and Kahlua. . .I swoon. You have a great week too!
Kelly says
So exciting! Good luck with packing and moving! Sending lots of good vibes your way that everything goes smoothly! This boozy cake is definitely in order!
Kelsie says
Thank you so much Kelly! I’ll need extra booze in my boozy cake when the move is finally over 🙂
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
Packing is the worst, Im just like you. First boxes good and organized, then I start dumping drawers into boxes telling myself I’ll organize it in the new place. Good luck! At least you have the fabulously moist and most importantly boozy cake to get you started, Im drooling! Take care.
Kelsie says
Haha! I’m so glad I’m not the only one. Cake is basically the only thing getting me through the last few days :). Have a great week Stacey!
heather (delicious not gorgeous) says
good luck on your move!! it sounds like a lot of work, but the prospect of a not so itsy bitsy kitchen is exciting (: this cake brings back so many good memories! my extended family used to make this a lot, but with only kahlua, and they chocolate-ified it with chocolate cake mix and plenty of chocolate chips. i’m moving all my things home after june because i’m not renewing my current lease, and i’m definitely trying to get rid of/use up as many things as possible (read: i can identify with how accomplished you felt when you used up that box of cake mix lol).
Kelsie says
Thank you Heather! I can’t wait to have more space to spread out :). I’m definitely going to add chocolate chips next time I make this. I can’t believe it didn’t occur to me to pack more chocolate inside! Have a great week Heather!
Milena | Craft Beering says
Wow Kelsie! This cake is a winner! Do you have any vodka and Kahlua left? To mix a cocktail with and pair it with your next slice while packing? Packing is not so fun, but as long as everything you need gets to your new place:) Books are what scares me the most – always the heaviest and the most numerous item… Safe travels to you! Some awesome craft breweries in Phoenix btw:)
Kelsie says
Thank you, Milena! I still have a bit of each left. I probably won’t by the time I’m through moving though, haha. Packing is the WORST! And yep, agree with you on the book thing. I’m a book hoarder, too. I never have enough boxes to fit them all :).
Kelly @ Kelly Lynn's Sweets and Treats says
Mmmmm. You had me at Kahlua!! Yum! I always procrastinate doing things I should, and go bake instead too. Hehehehe. But I don’t think anyone likes moving. Ughhh. I totally feel for you! But it will be exciting to move to a new place and a bigger kitchen! Yay!! Xoxo
Kelsie says
Thank you Kelly! Why can’t everything be as fun as baking is? I’d accomplish so much more in a day if that were the case :). Have a great week!
eastofedencook says
I agree, moving is a lot of work! Once you begin settling in the discoveries of your new place will outweigh all the stress. Meanwhile, don’t hide that Bundt pan for too long, this is a cake to make again!
Kelsie says
I know! I have no idea where half my baking equipment is at this point. Clearly I’m not the best planner that ever there was :). Have a great week, Deb!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Wooohoooo! Congratulations!! Stressful? Yes! Exciting? YES!! This cake is a perfect way to savor the moment! I will definitely be making this beauty! Good luck with everything, my friend!
Kelsie says
Thank you Annie! I’m trying to focus on the excitement rather than the stress and at times it works 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Moving is so exciting! We are actually moving in a couple months, but not to a new state. We did that two years ago and it IS stressful!! I’ll be sending ALL the positive vibes your way, girlfriend! And when I start to pack boxes next month, I’ll DEFINITELY be thinking of you! 😉 I’d say a boozy bundt cake is totally in order for today! And holy moly did you deliver! This looks amazing, girl! LOVE the kahlua in here! This looks dangerously delicious! Cheers, lady!
Kelsie says
Awwww thank you Cheyanne! I’ll send you my boxes once they’re unpacked, haha! I’m glad to know you made through the other side of a big move. . .Have a great week, girl!
David | Spiced says
Oh man, a slice of this boozy cake is totally how I want…no, need…to start my day today! I am so not enthused about the fact that it’s Monday morning right now. But I bet I would forget about that if I had a slice of Kahlua cake in front of me. This cake sounds amazing! Also, moving, eh? I hear you 100% on moving. I wouldn’t mind a move myself, but the thought of tackling the boxes and then getting the next place set up like I want is just too much. But hey, Phoenix is closer than San Diego…so that means I won’t have to drive as far to get a slice of this cake. 🙂 Good luck with the move, my friend!
Kelsie says
Every time I move I say NEVER AGAIN! But whatevs. Once it’s over it’ll be worth it. I’ll save you a couple of slices of cake–after that drive you’ll need extra! Kahlua cake makes allllll the Monday issues just go away. Have a great week David!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
That’s so exciting!! Moving (well, packing) definitely sucks big time. I remember when we moved last time, it was like you described – the first few boxes were so neat and tidy. By the time we were part way through, everything went every which way and into bags and everything. And when we moved it was sooooooo cold that pretty much all of our houseplants didn’t make it. Once you get settled in, it will be worth the torment, I’m sure. Plus, packing gives you an opportunity to go through your stuff and get rid of things you don’t use or need anymore – see, positive thinking 🙂 Monday definitely requires cake (and so does moving – hey, you need the energy 😉 ). Love this boozed up version and I bet the Kahlua works lovely with the chocolate! Cheers to a great week and good luck packing!
Kelsie says
Thank you Dawn! I need to start thinking positively right about now. I’m actually considering donating all my possessions to Goodwill so I can stop packing and start fresh :). Ugh that sucks about your houseplants. I’m thinking mine might overheat as it’s like 1000 degrees in Phoenix and I’m a terrible plant-tender to begin with. Have a great week!
lynne hoareau says
Aww this is such a fun post Kelsie 🙂 Kahlua is my FAVOURITE LOVE LOVE LOVE !!!! So I definitely will be making this.
Wow, so you are moving…that is quite a big move ! You know what, for me the packing of the boxes isn’t all bad, but the unpacking is the worst !!! Trying to decide where goes what, and then having a re-shift of ideas blah blah blah. So, trust me….I will be thinking of you. Word of advise, go and buy extra thick tape, nothing is worse than really getting into the packing flow of things and then the tape runs out !
Thinking of you 🙂 and thanks for a great Monday Blues recipe 🙂 x
Kelsie says
Thank you so much! I hadn’t even thought about the unpacking yet, but I think you’re right. It will probably take me until next year to get everything where I want it :). I’m definitely going to have to get more tape today! Have a great week, dear Lynne!