15 Alcohol-Infused Desserts to Create a Buzz at Your Next Party

Bread and Butter Pudding with Salted Caramel Whiskey Butter Sauce
Photo: Andy Lyons

These alcohol-infused recipes roll an after-dinner drink and dessert into one. Our ideas range from cake recipes to tipsy floats, pudding, and much more. These boozy sweets will definitely give guests something to buzz about. Prosecco, stout, bourbon, and Irish whiskey star in our all-time favorite desserts.

01 of 15

Peaches and Cream Prosecco Cake

Peaches & Cream Prosecco Cake
Andy Lyons

Pop open 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 layers in a cup of Prosecco. Next comes a peach and Prosecco filling between the layers, and lastly, a homemade whipped cream frosting crowns the cake. Peaches and cream have never tasted better than in this "drunk" cake.

02 of 15

Watermelon Margarita Pops

Watermelon Margarita Pops
Andy Lyons

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.

03 of 15

Bread and Butter Pudding with Salted Caramel Whiskey Butter Sauce

Bread and Butter Pudding with Salted Caramel Whiskey Butter Sauce
Andy Lyons

What could make warm, comforting bread pudding any better? If you ask us, 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.

04 of 15

No-Bake Irish Cream Pudding Bars

No-Bake Irish Cream Cookie Bars

Using two semi-homemade shortcuts (store-bought chocolate sandwich cookies and vanilla instant pudding mix), one pan, and zero baking time makes this Irish dessert with alcohol look elegant, but it's oh-so-easy to make. The crunchy bar cookies pair beautifully with the rich and luscious Irish cream filling and layer of chocolate. They can chill in the fridge for two hours or up to three days.

05 of 15

Raspberry Hibiscus "Frosecco"

Stone Fruit Granita
Blaine Moats

One of the biggest frozen dessert trends of the 21st century (so far) is Frosé. It's tough to resist the grownup slushie feel of the popular dessert. But we took that concept and added a few more elements, by way of fresh raspberries for natural sweetness, berry-hibiscus tea for a boost in both flavor and antioxidants, 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.

06 of 15

Bourbon-Chocolate Tipsy Cake

Bourbon-Chocolate Tipsy Cake
Kritsada Panichgul

Calling all bourbon fans. Added up, this chocolate cake and its booze-infused sauce have a full cup of bourbon. (Don't worry, 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."

07 of 15

Honey-Rose Plum Cobbler

Honey-Rose Plum Cobbler
Andy Lyons

Ever since our Test Kitchen developed this recipe, nearly a decade ago, we simply must say yes 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.

08 of 15

Boozy Affogato Trifles

Boozy Affogato Trifles
Hannah Bigot

Traditional affogato features a scoop of vanilla gelato, custard, or ice cream topped with a shot of espresso. In this chocolate version, instead of espresso, we add 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.

09 of 15

Baked Alaska with Rum Pudding Ice Cream

Baked Alaska Rum Pudding Ice Cream Cake
Kritsada Panichgul

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 make: simply coat the frozen cake with a layer of fluffy meringue, then broil just two to four minutes.

10 of 15

Wine-Poached Pear Trifle

Wine-Poached Pear Trifle
Andy Lyons

Next time you're hosting a group of wine devotees, turn to this dessert. Not two tablespoons, not two cups, but two bottles of red wine give this trifle 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 ($34, Amazon)

11 of 15

Sparkling Rosé Blueberry Floats

Sparkling Rose Blueberry Floats
Andy Lyons

If regular ice cream floats seem too heavy, this grownup 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.

12 of 15

Brownies with Brandied Cherries

Brownies with Brandied Cherries
Jason Donnelly

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

13 of 15

Stout Gingerbread with Lemony Hard Sauce

Stout Gingerbread with Lemony Hard Sauce
Blaine Moats

Cue "Let it Snow," light the fireplace or a scented candle, and make this gingerbread guaranteed to put everyone in good spirits. 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 feels festive and tastes totally holiday-appropriate.

14 of 15

Spiced Zinfandel Granita with Grapes and Cream

Spiced Zinfandel Granita with Grapes and Cream
Jason Donnelly

No need to break up with red wine during the summer months. Freeze it for 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.)

15 of 15

Spiked Raspberry-Lemonade Cupcakes

Spiked Raspberry-Lemonade Cupcakes
Jason Donnelly

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

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