The first time I had bourbon hard sauce was in London and it was served alongside a slice of sticky toffee pudding. It was blissful. I could not stop thinking about it our entire time in London which meant we enjoyed not once but twice. After coming home I got into the kitchen and created a recipe for our pleasure.
Curious as to what hard sauce is? It is a butter-based decadent topping that also is made with sugar and booze. I have tried making it with rum as well as brandy and every time I come back to bourbon. I find the bourbon has more depth and flavor. This recipe for bourbon hard sauce takes a simple dessert from simple to fancy in no time. It always impresses everyone that takes a bit. Super easy and not fussy to make.
I usually make a couple of batches during the holidays and serve alongside warm slices of gingerbread, or with pumpkin pie. It is even fantastic served with a warm slice of apple pie and bread pudding. Really the possibilities are endless. Though I do enjoy most when it is served with something warm and comforting.
Bourbon Hard Sauce
This easy to make bourbon hard sauce is great to serve alongside holiday puddings as well as snack cakes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/8 cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
Instructions
In a mixing bowl on medium speed, cream the butter until fluffy.
Add the powdered sugar, beat for 3 minutes.
Add the bourbon, 1 tablespoon at a time, along with the vanilla, mixing continually until well combined, about 3 - 5 minutes.
Scoop the hard sauce into a bowl.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the flavors mingle.
Bring to room temperature 20 minutes before serving.
Will keep for 1 week.
Serve.
Eat.
Notes
Be sure to take the bourbon hard sauce out of the refridgerator about 20 minutes before serving to soften a bit.