These Alcohol-Infused Desserts Will Leave Everyone in Good Spirits

Pop a bottle and prepare to put a boozy twist on the classic poke cake. After baking, this party-perfect layer cake recipe calls for soaking the cake layers in a cup of Prosecco. Next comes a peach and Prosecco filling between each level, and lastly, a homemade whipped cream frosting crowns the centerpiece dessert. Peaches and cream have never tasted better than in this “drunk” cake idea.

This is definitely our new favorite way to eat fresh watermelon. Just freeze watermelon slices in a mixture of orange zest, tequila, and orange juice, and voilà—a no-sweat liquor dessert. During steamy summer days, margarita ice pops might just be better than the real thing.

What could make gooey, warm, comforting bread pudding any better? If you ask us and present the theme of “alcohol-infused desserts,” our number one answer is definitely Irish whiskey. Soaking the raisins in whiskey gives them a little extra punch. A splash of extra whiskey in the buttery sauce makes this dessert extra rich and just spirited enough.

Buy It: Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey ($30, Target)

Two semi-homemade shortcuts (store-bought chocolate sandwich cookies and vanilla instant pudding mix), one pan, and zero baking time; this Irish dessert recipe with alcohol looks elegant but is oh-so easy to make. Those crunchy cookies pair beautifully with the rich and luscious Irish cream filling. A layer of chocolate tops things off to complete this no-bake bar cookie recipe that can chill in the fridge for 2 hours or up to 3 days.

Related: These Make-Ahead Pies, Cakes, and Tarts Are an Entertainer's Dream

One of the biggest frozen dessert trends of the 21st century (so far): Frosé! It’s tough to resist the grown-up slushie vibes of the popular alcohol dessert. But we took that concept and added a couple more en vogue elements by way of fresh raspberries for natural sweetness, berry-hibiscus tea for a flavor- and antioxidant-boost, plus bubbly, perky, Prosecco in place of the rosé. Use a blender to combine all of the above, minus the Prosecco, then stir in the bubbly and freeze until firm and ready to scoop.

Calling all brown spirit fans. Added up, this chocolate cake with its booze-infused sauce has a full cup of bourbon. (Don’t worry, this cake recipe with alcohol in it is not too tipsy; that works out to a reasonable ⅔ ounce per person.) One BH&G home baker raves, “this cake is delicious! I will be making this often for sure. My mom says this is the best tipsy cake she's had.”

Alcohol desserts don't get much easier than this wine-spiked cake. Start with a white box cake mix, replacing the water called for with rosé wine. For a showy presentation, serve with fresh berries on top—and a glass of sparkling wine on the side, naturally.

Ever since our Test Kitchen developed this recipe nearly a decade ago, we simply must say “yes way” to this alcohol-infused dessert at least once every plum season. The cobbler's intoxicating edge comes from adding rosé wine to the deliciously sweet plum filling. Golden brown biscuits are just the cherry on top of this mouthwatering dessert.

Traditional affogato features a scoop of vanilla gelato, custard, or ice cream topped with a shot of espresso. In this chocolate dessert with alcohol, instead of espresso, we swap in equal parts coffee liqueur and Irish cream liqueur for a boozy and buzzy garnish. For even more decadence, layer the mason jar dessert with brownie bites and chocolate syrup, too.

If you live by the motto “go big or go home,” this might just be the liquor dessert for you. Rum-soaked fruit, rum-infused ice cream, and cake brushed with rum—we’re not skimping on the spirits or the eye appeal. The beautiful brûlée is actually a cinch to DIY: simply coat the frozen cake with a layer of fluffy meringue, then broil just 2 to 4 minutes.

Next time you’re hosting a group of vino devotees, turn to this alcohol dessert. Not two tablespoons, not two cups, but two bottles of red wine give this trifle dessert its intoxicating qualities. In addition to the spirited pears, this pretty potluck-perfect parfait features a fluffy hazelnut cream, a sweet and crunchy streusel layer, and classically elegant vanilla cake.

Buy It: Royalty Art Trifle Bowl with Pedestal ($30, Amazon)

If regular ice cream floats seem too heavy, this grown-up float is the perfect solution. Just pour sparkling rosé over blueberry granita and coconut gelato, then grab a straw and prepare to feel (practically) swept away to a beach vacation. This alcohol-infused dessert is crisp, light, and fruity—and requires just six ingredients for its no-sweat process.

Were cherry cordials among your top picks from the box of chocolates or at those nostalgic chocolate store candy counters? Because one bite is good, but several are better, we’ve taken similar flavors and transformed it into a larger-format plated chocolate dessert with alcohol. Brandy-simmered cherries make an intoxicating topper for a classic brownie recipe. Chocolate, cherries, brandy...what's not to love?

Cue “Let it Snow,” light the fireplace or a cozy scented candle, and whip up this gingerbread that will put everyone in good spirits. To make one of the best cake recipes with alcohol in them for the holidays, grab your bundt pan, a few warm spices and baking staples, molasses, and not one but two boozy additions. Beer in the batter and citrus liqueur in the sauce feel festive and taste totally holiday-appropriate.

Start by simmering nectarines in sweet Moscato wine, but pretty please don’t dump that cooking liquid! Simmer it a bit longer until it makes a thick syrup to drizzle over the fruit and ice cream. Can’t find honey ice cream, our preferred base for this alcohol dessert? It’s a breeze to DIY: simply mix 2 tablespoons into a quart of softened vanilla ice cream, then refreeze for 3 hours before scooping for the sundaes.

Buy It: OXO Ice Cream Scoop ($14, Bed Bath & Beyond)

No need to break things off with red wine during the summer months. Freeze it into a refreshing, icy, alcohol-infused dessert full of Zinfandel and bright citrus flavors. (By the way, this same strategy would also be delicious with any dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Merlot, Shiraz/Syrah, or Pinot Noir.)

Searching for the ultimate alcohol dessert when summer farmers markets are in full swing? Consider this sangria-inspired stone fruit sundae. Wine, brandy, and Cointreau combine with peaches to create a tipsy topper perfect for ice cream, cake, shortbread, or even eating with a spoon straight out of the saucepan.

Inspired by one of the most refreshing drinks of summer, you have options with these sweet-tart treats. Opt for milk in the batter for a family-friendly version, or try our tasty upgrade for a cupcake recipe with alcohol in them, which calls for a splash of raspberry liqueur instead. Either way, don’t skip the fluffy buttercream frosting—which can also be infused with a little extra booze if you like. (We do!)