This Kahlua Cake is an easy, delicious doctored-up cake mix recipe- made in a bundt pan.
I was born on this day… a long time ago. Yep, it’s my birthday. And it’s a big one. I have some wonderful friends coming into town this weekend to help me celebrate. It’s nice to have friends. It’s nice to have GOOD FRIENDS. And it’s nice to have birthdays.
Some people get kind of freaked out about birthdays in the later years. I’m probably going to be one of those people. This big birthday hasn’t quite hit me yet. I’m sure it will. And then I’ll be freaked out… like those people.
I’m so caught up in “birthdays” that we haven’t even discussed the cake at hand today. It’s a super-easy-to-make Kahlua Cake. If you’re the sort of person who scoffs at cake mixes, then you may be disappointed with this recipe I’m sharing today. But if you like a short-cut now and then… and you don’t mind starting with a boxed mix… well then this cake might be for you.
I make plenty of homemade cakes, but I did grow up on boxed cake mixes… so I don’t mind using them once in a while. This cake has a generous dose of Kahlua added to it. That boozes things up a bit. If you’re a lover of Kahlua, I’d say this cake might please your taste-buds. A brief shower of powdered sugar coats the cake.
Commonly asked question: Can I leave out the Kahlua and use something else?
I’m just going to go ahead and say, “No” on that one. It’s a Kahlua cake. If you just want a chocolate cake, then you should just look for a recipe for chocolate cake. In fact, I have an Easy Chocolate Cake recipe for you to try. And my Chocolate Pound Cake is pretty delicious too.
Another commonly asked question: Can I make this cake homemade– without a cake mix?
I’m going to give you another, “No” on that one. If you’d like to make a totally homemade chocolate cake without any kind of cake mix involved, I have a couple recipes for you to try. My Chocolate Sheet Cake is wonderful and super easy to make. And Hershey’s Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate Cake is a delicious layer cake that turns out perfect every time.
Since it’s my birthday and all, I must say that I’m pretty happy with this Kahlua Cake. Happy birthday to me- and to everyone else who has a birthday today!
Thank you to Miranda from the CookieDoughAndOvenMitt.com blog for shooting beautiful photos of this cake for me. I think Miranda captured how delicious it is!
Here are a few more recipes using Kahlua that you might enjoy:
- Kahlua Peppermint Patties
- Kahlua Brownies
- Tiramisu Italiano
- Kahlua Chocolate Cheesecake
- Kahlua Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies
Kahlua Cake
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 1 15.25-ounce box chocolate cake mix
- 1 3-ounce box instant vanilla pudding
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 3/4 cup Kahlua
- 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- Mix together the cake mix, pudding, sour cream, Kahlua, oil, and eggs. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Pour into the prepared bundt pan, and bake 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool. Turn out onto a decorative plate and dust the top with powdered sugar.
can I make in a spring form pan
Probably!
Hi. I’m loving the sound of this recipe. Just wondering if I could cut the chocolate chips in half? I’m a big chocolate person, but hate the actual chips. Suggestions??
Yes, I think that would be fine.
This was a big hit! Absolutely delicious. Can this be altered to make it vegan friendly? If yes what do you substitute the sour cream and eggs. I think the cake mix and pudding is vegan but will check.
I’m not sure!
Made this cake for my son’s Super Bowl party a few days ago, and it was perfect, moist, and delicious!! Took a photo of this bundt cake, but can’t figure out how to put it here.
Made this recently for a party & it was a huge hit! Moist & delicious!
My first Kahlua Cake which I made for my in-laws (her favorite). Super easy and incredibly moist and delicious. Highly recommend and while I do alot of cooking it was my first bundt cake and 2nd cake period.
Hi. I have made this in a large bundt pan and was wondering if I can make it in a small bundt pan (5 cup) and make 2 of them. Please let me know. I plan on making it shortly!!!
I would think so!
I’m going to try the recipe, but I was wondering if I could use a yellow cake mix instead of the chocolate?
I haven’t tried that, but it’s worth a shot!
I have been making this exact recipe for over 20 years and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. My only comment is that I have made adjustments to it by substituting the chocolate cake for yellow, the Kahlua for Grand Marnier, and the chocolate chips for either white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks. It’s just as delicious, just lighter and a different flavor profile. I’ve also thought about trying it with Chambord in place of the Kahlua – because, who doesn’t love chocolate and raspberry together? Hint: a little chocolate drizzle or ganache on top is a nice finishing touch to this cake, as well!
Can I substitute Irish cream for Kahlua?
Sure!
Forgot to add sour cream cake looks ok?
How did it turn out?
So moist and delicious!!! <3 this easy to make cake
Question: Is 16 oz. of sour cream correct. Seems like a lot…..
That’s correct!
Delicious cake, easy baking!
Can I make individual Bundt cakes, gifted a 6 Bundt cake pan. How long would you bake them?
I think that would probably work. I’d probably google a recipe for 6-inch bundt cakes and see what they recommend for bake time 🙂
Easy recipe and tasted great but my cake caved in while cooling. Should I have let it cook longer? Tooth pick came out clean.
Seems like it must have not been cooked through… that’s what usually happens when things are not quite set.
Can this cake be frozen?
I think it probably can be frozen! Wrap well!
Have you tried making this with a gluten free cake mix? I was wondering if I would get the same result.
I have not…
Is this right 16 oz / 2 cups sour cream?
Yes, that’s right- 2 cups = 16 ounces.
This cake is amazing- so delicious. I’ve never been a big cake fan . Yet this I absolutely love! So do all my friends in family ! You can also layer it with coffee or vanilla bean ice cream. For summer parties.
Can this cake be made as a sheet cake?
Might be a little dense? I haven’t tried it.
This cake is so yummy and super easy!! Thanks.
this is a favorite dessert! sure love this one. thanks for sharing such an easy and delicious recipe
Made this for the family and it was a hit!
I made this cake for a Hannukah Party. Absolutely fabulousll! Everyone said they were too full for dessert, until they tasted it! People came back for seconds. It was delicious and quite a few people requested the recipe. I used a devil’s food cake mix, french vanilla pudding and special dark chocolate chips. I was hoping to have some leftover. I’m going to have to make another one for New Year’s Eve! Thank you!
I have made this cake forever in my bundt pan. But lately it has fallen! I have checked the oven temperature, made sure to check if the cake is done with a cake tester,. Am I over mixing or under mixing? I have mixed both ways and by hand! Do I need a new bundt pan? It’s like the cake raises but when cooling it falls. It still tastes good but not so pretty. This cake was my go to cake. Any help out there.
I am not sure!
Such a moist and delicious cake. Delish!
What a great recipe to cure my sweet tooth! Easy and delicious too! Yum!
This looks perfectly decadent! Can’t wait to try it!
I am excited to try this!! This cake looks so spongy & chocolatey, both which I love!
Yum! What a great combo of kahlua and chocolate cake! I made this for a dinner party and it was a hit!
This recipe is one I can’t wait to try. Can I make cupcakes instead of a bundt cake?
Happy birthday!
I haven’t tried cupcakes with this recipe, but you could try.
Could Bailey’s Irish Cream be substituted for the Kahlua?
Probably!
Happy Birthday to another November baby! Wishing you a marvelous day and an extraordinary year ahead… Thanks for the Kahlua cake recipe – and I find myself in the same situation as does Kelly – can one substitute coffee for the alcohol? Thanks – and again, Happy Birthday with buttercream and sprinkles on top!
Thank you 🙂 I have not tried subbing coffee for the Kahlua. Let me know if you try it!
Happy Birthday. Your cake looks delicious. And, yes, it is nice to have birthdays. My mom used to always tell me she never complained about getting older. Many are denied the privilege. Enjoy!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ….I do not know what age you are t turning but you look wonderful in your pictures! Healthy and pretty!
I would love to make to bring into work …is it possible to replace the Kahlua with coffee? I am just concerned about the alcohol. I know alcohol typically burns off but not sure in a baked good …suggestion?
Thanks!