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You are here: Home / Cakes and Cupcakes / Kahlua Cake (easy recipe!)

Kahlua Cake (easy recipe!)

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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!

sliced cake on a cake plate with one slice pulled out a little to show the texture

 

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!
how to make Kahlua cake step by step

  • 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.
how to make Kahlua glaze for cake

  • 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
slice of cake on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream and a fork

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!

5 from 7 votes
slice of cake on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream and a fork
Print
Kahlua Cake
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
 

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!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Author: Kelsie
Ingredients
Cake
  • 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
Glaze
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup Kahlua
  • whipped cream and additional powdered sugar for serving (if desired)
Instructions
Cake
  1. 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.
  2. Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, and oil in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
  3. Add the coffee, sugar, Kahlua, and vodka, and mix well. The batter will be thin.
  4. 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.
  5. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert cake onto a serving platter and make the glaze.
Glaze
  1. 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.
  2. Dust cake with powdered sugar and serve with a healthy dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Recipe Notes
  • *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.

Related

Comments

  1. Teesh Osita says

    April 30, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    I haven’t moved anywhere yet (yes, I’m 25 and still living at my parents’ house but they don’t live here anymore so I guess it’s okay?) – but the thought stresses me out. And I guess if there’s an occasion that being intoxicated with cake is totally okay, it would be for packing and moving! Good luck with moving and congrats on your bigger kitchen! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      May 1, 2017 at 6:59 am

      I think you’re smart for not moving. It’s seriously such a hassle! Thank you Teesh! Happy Monday!

      Reply
  2. Carlee says

    April 24, 2017 at 8:07 pm

    You gave me a belly laugh about the salmonella and the eggs. I think we might be long lost twins or something 😉 Congrats on the big move and the bigger kitchen!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 24, 2017 at 8:18 pm

      Thank you Carlee! We just might be–I mean, we’re both awesome and we both love food. Betcha we’re related somehow!

      Reply
  3. Liz | Bubble Tea For Dinner says

    April 21, 2017 at 10:23 am

    Congratulations on a newer, bigger kitchen. It sounds like you’re moving towards a great phase of life! Don’t let the packing get you down; after just a short time, everything will be outside the boxes again, and you can set things up at your own speed. I also procrastinate with baking. Cheers. ^^

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 21, 2017 at 1:45 pm

      Thank you Liz! I’m so excited to have more space and I’m trying REALLY hard to focus on that instead of the stress of moving :). Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!

      Reply
  4. Miriam @londonkitchendiaries says

    April 20, 2017 at 12:55 am

    What a fantastic grown up cake – love Kahlua and it looks so beautifully light and moist! Good luck moving – how exciting!

    Miriam x
    http://www.londonkitchendiaries.com

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 20, 2017 at 7:32 am

      Thank you Miriam! It’s so incredibly moist I’m still thinking about it :). Have a great weekend!

      Reply
  5. wearenotmartha says

    April 19, 2017 at 12:00 pm

    omg yesss this looks absolutely awesome!! And I am the SAME way with moving. We moved into our house about 3 years ago and STILL have some boxes in our basement that haven’t been unpacked. I just found them and it’s clear they were the “ahhh the movers are coming in an hours, throw everything in boxes!” boxes. We should have just thrown everything out at the time; clearly I haven’t missed it!! Congrats on the move and GOOD LUCK!! 🙂

    Sues

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 19, 2017 at 4:50 pm

      Thank you Sues! I know I’m going to have a bunch of those boxes at the end of this; I wish I had the guts to just throw everything away right now!

      Reply
  6. kitchenriffs says

    April 19, 2017 at 9:32 am

    Congrats on the move! Always a pain (as you know only too well at the moment!) but always fun once you get settled in. Anyway, terrific cake — love any and all bundt cakes, and this one looks exceptional. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 19, 2017 at 4:49 pm

      Thank you! Bundt cakes are always sooooo delicious and fun!

      Reply
  7. Kankana says

    April 19, 2017 at 9:27 am

    oh the moving! Always gives me mixed feelings. Ever since I moved out of my parents house, I probably moved like 12 times LOL, 5 times in the last 6 years itself. Crazy!! But a bigger kitchen is always motivating 🙂

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 19, 2017 at 4:48 pm

      I just keep telling myself the move is worth it because I’ll finally be able to spread out in my kitchen! I seem to move every few years and I don’t know why 🙂

      Reply
  8. thebakingskillet says

    April 19, 2017 at 8:19 am

    Moving is such a total pain Kelsie! I still unpacked boxes in the basement from our move last year!! Lol. At such times, whatever comes to the rescue in delicious form, you take it. whether it is cake mix, or lots of boooze or a mixture of both right?? Digging that kahlua and vodka booziness in this. All the best with your packing and move!
    PS – don’t be tooo grown up. Its no fun 🙂

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 19, 2017 at 8:29 am

      Thank you so much Jenny! I still have a few unpacked boxes from the last time I moved, too. My goal is to get everything unpacked in the new place. . .we’ll see :). Haha! Being a grownup really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be is it? Have a great rest of your week!

      Reply
  9. sprint2thetable says

    April 18, 2017 at 10:17 pm

    I think a box-based bundt is totally acceptable. One of my favorite cakes my mom made was a chocolate chip rum bundt that had a couple box mixes in it. I am a huge Kahula fan… must try this!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 19, 2017 at 8:28 am

      Thank you! Let me know what you think of it if you try! That chocolate chip cake sounds divine :).

      Reply
  10. dawnyucuiscooking says

    April 18, 2017 at 6:40 pm

    I think your cake looks wonderful. There is nothing wrong with using a cake mix when it turns out as lovely as this one did. I hope your move goes smoothly and you are happy in your new home.

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 18, 2017 at 7:07 pm

      Thank you! I agree; if you can make a great cake with a mix then why not do it? Have a great evening!

      Reply
  11. Julie is Hostess At Heart says

    April 18, 2017 at 6:27 pm

    This is one gorgeous recipe! I’m a kahlua fan and in cake? Sign me up!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 18, 2017 at 7:03 pm

      Thank you Julie! Have a great evening!

      Reply
  12. thatskinnychickcanbake says

    April 18, 2017 at 6:14 pm

    Good luck with your move!!! We’re going to be remodeling soon and I, too, will end up throwing stuff in boxes after tiring of the process! My family loves kahlua cake–my version is a bit different, but I just may shake things up a bit and try yours!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 18, 2017 at 7:02 pm

      Thank you Liz! I hope you’ll post pics of the remodel. I love ogling other bloggers’ kitchens, haha! Kahlua cake is seriously sooo good; I’m sorry I’m just now discovering it!

      Reply
  13. karrie @ Tasty Ever After says

    April 18, 2017 at 5:56 pm

    How exciting it is that you are moving! YAY!!! I love moving (because get to experience a new place) but I hate packing/unpacking. Your idea of baking a boozed up chocolate cake is so much better than packing stupid boxes. I’m going to the store to buy some boxed cake mix and pudding mix and making this ASAP…and I’ll serve it with a big mug of kahlua spiked coffee 😉

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 18, 2017 at 7:02 pm

      Moving is great! The logistics of moving, not so much :). Kahlua spiked coffee is probably the best thing on earth right now, especially alongside some chocolate cake. Have a great evening Karrie!

      Reply
  14. Lorraine @Not Quite Nigella says

    April 18, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    Congratulations on the move! So what is your new kitchen going to be like? It’s such an important room in the house! 😀

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 18, 2017 at 4:32 pm

      Thank you! The kitchen is AMAZING Lorraine, and it was the primary reason I ended up in this particular house. There’s tons of natural light and lovely new granite countertops and the cutest little breakfast nook.

      Reply
  15. Leo Tat says

    April 18, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    Love the ingredients, vodka and coffee too. I’m wondering if it would go well with ice cream.

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 18, 2017 at 4:33 pm

      I think it would be fantastic with ice cream; I’d probably go for vanilla or coffee and maybe some hot fudge on top. But I think it would be great with any flavor!

      Reply
  16. Alyssa @ A Bite of Inspiration says

    April 18, 2017 at 12:46 pm

    This gorgeous cake would definitely cure my Monday blues! It looks so good and moist! I’ll have to make this soon! Instant pudding mix is a great way to make a really decadent, delicious cake without a lot of effort– perfect for weekdays when you’re craving cake, but don’t want to make anything super complicated. Good luck with the move!! I’m sure this cake will soften the blow of all that packing. 😉

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 18, 2017 at 4:36 pm

      It’s the moistest! For real, it’s practically oozing booze :). I haven’t added pudding to many cakes but I’m going to start because the texture was sooo good! Thank you Alyssa! Cake’s all that’s getting me through the packing right now!

      Reply
  17. Megan says

    April 18, 2017 at 11:34 am

    Moving is SUCH A PAIN!! I feel for you!! And this cake looks so good, per usual – your recipes are amazing!

    Megan
    http://www.lifeonshadylane.com

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 18, 2017 at 4:35 pm

      Thank you Megan! Moving sucksssssss. I’m reading your blog obsessively for decorating ideas in my new place though 🙂

      Reply
  18. Georgie @ The Home Cook's Kitchen says

    April 18, 2017 at 9:45 am

    yas! love the sound of this! booze and chocolate? cannot lose!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 18, 2017 at 4:34 pm

      Thank you Georgie! Two of my favorite things 🙂

      Reply
  19. Marie @ Yay! For Food says

    April 18, 2017 at 9:12 am

    I’m excited for you! I hope the move goes smoothly! Packing is no fun at all; when I moved, I found stuff that I completely forgot that I had. At least it lets you prioritize what you really want to keep! 🙂 A boozy cake is definitely the perfect break from all the packing!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 18, 2017 at 4:34 pm

      Thank you Marie! Packing is the worst. I’ve already taken a huge load of stuff to Goodwill and am working on a second load right now :). Someday I’ll stop accumulating things!

      Reply
  20. Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen says

    April 17, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    When you don’t know what to do/doubtful about something, there’s a simple rule – bake a cake. Cake always is a good solution. Especially, when it’s a chocolate cake with a Kahlua flavor:)

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      April 17, 2017 at 7:43 pm

      I agree! Baking a cake solves most problems I encounter :). Thank you, Ben!

      Reply
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photo of Kelsie Roehl     Hey there! I’m Kelsie and this is where I share my buttery, sugary, and all-around delicious recipes. I LOVE to bake and I want you to love baking too, so all of my recipes are totally do-able for the home baker.  If you need a little dessert in your life, consider this your one-stop shop for anything sweet! Need a little more info? Here you go!

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