Italian Hangover Cake is a simple citrus cake soaked in a sweet liquor glaze. It is soft, rich, and easy to make. The cake uses basic ingredients like eggs, sugar, oil, orange juice, and cake mix. After baking, it is covered with a warm glaze made from butter, sugar, and liquor.
People often serve this cake as a dessert or a morning treat after a celebration. The flavor is bold but balanced. The texture is moist and dense.
In this recipe, you will find clear steps, exact measurements, and useful tips. You will also see options for ingredient swaps and serving ideas. This guide will help you make Italian Hangover Cake at home with ease.
Italian Hangover Cake
The Italian Hangover Cake is a decadent dessert that has gained popularity after being featured in a review by Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports. It received a high score of 9.4 from Portnoy, known for his “One Bite” food reviews.
The cake is a family recipe served at DeFazio’s Pizzeria in Troy, New York. It has become a sought-after treat for its rich flavor and alcohol-infused glaze. The recipe combines eggs, oil, orange juice, and boxed cake mix, topped with a buttery glaze made with citrus liqueur.
It has also gained attention on social media, becoming a popular choice for those who enjoy indulgent desserts with a strong flavor. Many people serve it as a morning-after treat or a dessert for celebrations.
Hangover Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of dark rum
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of brewed coffee (optional)
Step by Step Instructions To Make Italian Hangover Cake
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This will ensure that your cake is baked evenly and comes out perfectly.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step 3: In a separate mixing bowl, beat 4 eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until they are light and fluffy. Add the melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of dark rum, and 1 cup of brewed coffee (if using) to the egg and sugar mixture. Beat these ingredients together until they are well combined.
How to make italian hangover cake
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix the batter, as this can cause the cake to become tough.
Step 5: Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 6: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan. After that, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe FAQ
Can the Italian Hangover Cake be made without rum?
Yes, if you don’t want to use rum, you can substitute it with another type of alcohol or with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
Can the Italian Hangover Cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free.
Can I add other flavors to the Italian Hangover Cake?
Yes, you can add other flavors such as cocoa powder, lemon zest, or cinnamon to the cake.
Tips For The Best Italian Hangover Cake
Use high-quality dark rum: This cake relies on the rum’s flavor. This ensures a rich, tasty cake.
Avoid overmixing the batter, which might toughen the cake.
Use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee in cakes. This gives the cake a richer taste.
Let the cake sit in the pan for 10-15 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool fully. This will keep the cake together.
Top your Italian Hangover Cake creatively. Powdered sugar, whipped cream, or rum glaze work.
These ideas will help you make the ultimate Italian Hangover Cake. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process!
Whether you’re baking it for a celebration, sharing it with friends, or just enjoying a slice the next day, this cake delivers a satisfying mix of sweetness and spirit. Its moist texture, bright flavor, and boozy finish make it more than just a cake, it’s an experience worth repeating. Try this recipe once, and it’s likely to become a regular in your kitchen.