(2023) Best Italian Hangover Cake Recipe You'll Need

Today I’m sharing my Italian hangover cake defazio recipe, which we’ve been making with pride for at least 20 years.

If you’ve never experienced the sheer joy of a defazio’s Italian hangover cake recipe, you’re in for a treat. This delightful dessert, made famous by NY-based DeFazio’s Pizzeria, combines the richness of a traditional Italian bundt cake with boozy caramel, sliced bananas, and a perfectly moist cake base. In just an hour, you can whip up a homemade masterpiece that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also doubles up as the ultimate defazios hangover cake.

For classic Italian dessert, check out this Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake.

What is Italian Hangover Cake?

Italian hangover cake recipe

The Italian hangover cake, a classic creation born at DeFazio’s Pizzeria, has become popular for good reason. This delightful cake is a boozy twist on the traditional Italian Ciambellone, known for its simple ingredients and classic flavor.

She is proud of her variety of flavors, from sweet and sour cake to brown sugar caramel sauce and banana slices. Solo cake is a wonder of taste and texture, and when it is decorated with caramel drizzle, it becomes a timeless dream.

As for the name, it might suggest you’ll either end up with a hangover after enjoying it or that it’s perfect for curing one after a wild night.

but my other elvis presley sheet cake with a few ingredients is also very delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Italian Hangover Cake Recipe Defazio

traditional Italian hangover cake

For the Caramel Rum Sauce

3 tbsp. Unsalted Butter
¼ cup Brown Sugar
2 tbsp. Rum

For the Cake

¾ cup All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
2 tsp. Ground Ginger
½ tsp. Salt
4 tbsp. Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
½ cup Sugar
1 Eg, lightly beaten
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
¼ cup Greek Yogurt
3 Bananas

Ingredient Substitutions

The beauty of this Italian hangover cake recipe lies in its adaptability. For a creamier caramel sauce, consider adding a splash of milk. To increase the richness of the cake, use 1 tablespoon of orange juice and Grand Marnier in the batter, reducing the Greek yogurt slightly. These subtle ways can take your traditional Italian hangover cake to new heights.

How to Make the Best Italian Hangover Cake Recipe

instruction Italian hangover cake

Step 1: Prep Work

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180ºC) and grease a bundt pan with baking spray.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, stirring until combined.
Remove from heat and stir in rum.
Pour the caramel sauce into the prepared bundt pan.

Step 3: Make the Batter

Italian hangover cake easy

Combine flour, baking powder, ginger, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add egg, vanilla, and Greek yogurt; mix until combined.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Slice bananas and arrange them on top of the caramel in the pan.
Pour batter over bananas.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let it cool for a few minutes before turning it onto a wire rack.

Step 5: Serve

Italian hangover cake

Slice into 8 delicious pieces and enjoy.

Tips for the Perfect Italian Hangover Cake Recipe

Opposite Temperatures for Cake and Syrup: To ensure the cake absorbs the syrup well, one should be warm while the other is cold. This temperature contrast is key, so plan accordingly. (You might start with the syrup, refrigerating it until the cake is ready.)
Room Temperature Ingredients: Always make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This helps the cake mix evenly and bake properly.
Customizing Alcohol Flavor: The alcohol flavor in the cake mainly comes from the syrup, especially if using Vodka. Adjust the amount to suit your preference. For an alcohol-free version, simply skip the alcohol and replace it with orange juice or milk.
Finishing Touches: Enhance your cake with a variety of finishing touches. You can dust it with powdered sugar, drizzle it with orange glaze, or top it with chocolate ganache.

Timetable

PREP TIME: 25 minutes

COOK TIME: 50 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1 Hour and 15 minutes

Storage Tips

Allow the easy Italian Hangover Cake recipe to sit at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours, or cover and store it in a cool, dry place in your kitchen.

This Italian Hangover Cake keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds to enjoy it as fresh.

FAQs about the Italian Hangover Cake recipe

What is the Italian Hangover Cake recipe made of?

It’s a combination of classic cake ingredients with the addition of bananas and a rich rum caramel sauce.

Does this cake cure a hangover?

While not scientifically proven, the sugar and calorie content, along with a touch of alcohol, might offer relief.

Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?

Yes, a regular 8-inch or 9-inch springform cake pan works well.

Can I use a different type of rum in this recipe instead of DeFazio rum?

Yes, you can use any dark rum you prefer. DeFazio rum is recommended for its rich flavor, but feel free to substitute with your favorite brand.

How long does the DeFazio rum cake stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the DeFazio rum cake should stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for longer shelf life, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition Facts

I can’t wait to hear how your Italian Hangover Cake recipe turns out! If you are a fan of chocolate rum cakes like me, you will love these. This recipe takes my personal expertise to a whole new level with delicious holiday flavors. Although it can be difficult to bite into such a perfect cake, I really encourage you to give it a try.