This cake has a special place in my heart. I dedicated this recipe to an old co-worker of mine, Phillip O'Neil he inspired this recipe. Phillip knew about my baking and heard great things about it, so we constantly talked about food experiences and experiments we wanted to try. Phil asked me if I ever baked with alcoholic beverages and at the time (2 years ago) I hadn't. Once he learned that I was waiting on my schedule to free up to start my experiments ventures with baking he surprised me one day with a small bottle of Jack Daniel's with a cut vanilla bean in it. I thought it was the sweetest thing ever. I couldn't wait to make this cake for him so he could finally try some of my baked goods. Sadly, and shortly after Phil was ran over by a car while bicycling to a friend's house and died on the scene of the accident. Not only does this cake remind me of Phillip it also reminds me that tomorrow is not promised. Phil was only 23 and had a promising future. I wish so badly that I had the time to make this cake before his accident so I could hear his reaction to the first bite. I know he would have loved it.
I'm proud of this cake for two reasons; first its a major hit with my repeated clients, secondly and most important it has a great story behind the making/baking. To describe this cake is nothing like tasting it. First, the chocolate cake is so rich and moist with one of the best cocoa powder then you get the Jack Daniel's whiskey taste on the sides of your tongue and then, the Drunken cream cheese frosting mellows out the strong chocolate and whiskey taste. This cake will definitely give you a slight buzz!
I included some pictures of my process making this delectable cake. I hope you enjoyed the back story and pictures of this cake!
