Jack Daniels Chocolate (birthday) Cake

I've had this recipe written in my personal recipe book for so long that I can't even begin to imagine it's source...but it's GOOD. This is a dense cake, so make sure to serve it with a light, complimentary side like fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 1⁄2 cup  Jack Daniels Whiskey
• 1  tablespoon instant coffee powder
• 1 1⁄4 cups sweet butter
• 1  cup cocoa powder
• 2  cups sugar
• 2  eggs
• 2  cups flour
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 1  cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 2  tablespoons  Jack Daniels Whiskey

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325.
2. In a very large saucepan, heat and stir the water, Jack Daniels whiskey, coffee powder, butter and cocoa until the butter melts.
3. Remove from the heat and beat in the sugar.
4. Cool slightly and whisk in the eggs, blending thoroughly.
5. In a bowl, stir together the flour and baking powder.
6. Beat into the chocolate mixture until incorporated.
7. Stir in the pecans.
8. Turn the batter into a greased and floured 9 inch tube or bundt pan.
9. Smooth top with a spatula.
10. Bake in a 325 oven for 60-75 minutes (until a toothpick comes out clean).
11. Immediately sprinking with the 2 Tbsp of Jack Daniels whiskey.
12. Let cake cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then remove from cake pan.
13. Serve with gobs of fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.