caribbean festival rum cake recipe
Indulge in this Caribbean Festival Rum Cake Recipe a moist, buttery, and rum-soaked delight with warm spices, perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients: The Foundation of the Cake
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Provides structure while keeping the cake light.
1 cup granulated sugar
- Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
½ cup brown sugar
- Enhances depth with a rich molasses-like flavor.
2 teaspoons baking powder
- Helps the cake rise beautifully.
½ teaspoon salt
- Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Adds warmth and a touch of spice.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- A classic Caribbean spice that deepens the aroma.
Wet Ingredients: Bringing Moisture & Flavor
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- The key to a rich and tender crumb.
4 large eggs
- Helps bind the ingredients and create a soft texture.
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Adds depth and rounds out the flavors.
½ cup whole milk
- Keeps the cake moist and balances the richness.
½ cup dark rum
- The star ingredient! Infuses the cake with its signature Caribbean flavor.
Optional Add-Ins: Customize Your Cake
½ cup golden raisins
- Soaked in rum for extra moisture and sweetness.
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Adds crunch and nutty goodness.
¼ cup shredded coconut
- Brings in a tropical twist.
Zest of 1 orange
- A fresh citrusy note that brightens the flavors.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Essentials
- Before you start mixing, let’s get everything ready:
- ✔ Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) – This ensures even baking and prevents the cake from drying out.
- ✔ Grease a bundt pan generously with butter and dust it with flour – This helps the cake release easily once baked. You can also use a non-stick baking spray.
- ✔ If using raisins, soak them in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of rum – This softens them and enhances their flavor.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- The secret to a perfectly fluffy and tender rum cake lies in the mixing process. Follow these steps for a foolproof batter:
- 1️⃣ Cream the butter and sugars – In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step helps create a soft, moist texture.
- 2️⃣ Incorporate the eggs – Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps create a smooth and airy batter.
- 3️⃣ Add the vanilla and rum – Stir in vanilla extract and dark rum, blending well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- 4️⃣ Combine the dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- 5️⃣ Alternate dry and wet ingredients – Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, stirring gently after each addition. This keeps the batter light and prevents over-mixing.
- 6️⃣ Fold in optional add-ins – If using rum-soaked raisins, chopped pecans, or shredded coconut, gently fold them into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- 1️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- 2️⃣ Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- 3️⃣ Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 4️⃣ Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Rum Glaze
- While the cake cools, let’s make the rich, buttery rum glaze that takes this cake to the next level.
- 1️⃣ Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- 2️⃣ Stir in water and sugar, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
- 3️⃣ Remove from heat and stir in the rum and vanilla extract.
- ✔ For a stronger rum flavor, add an extra tablespoon of rum after removing the glaze from heat.
- ✔ For a milder version, reduce the rum and add a splash of orange juice.
Step 5: Soak the Cake in the Glaze
- 1️⃣ Poke small holes all over the cake using a skewer or fork – This allows the glaze to seep in for extra moisture and flavor.
- 2️⃣ Slowly drizzle the warm glaze over the cake, letting it soak in gradually. You can do this in layers, allowing each layer to absorb before adding more.
- 3️⃣ Let the cake sit for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Step 6: Time to Serve & Enjoy!
- Once the cake has absorbed the glaze, it’s time to slice and indulge. Serve it as is, or elevate it with:
- 🍨 A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- 🥥 Toasted coconut flakes for extra tropical vibes.
- 🍯 A drizzle of caramel sauce for added richness.
- ☕ A hot cup of coffee or spiced tea for the perfect pairing.
Notes
🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 62g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 38g
- Protein: 5g