When it comes to Caribbean desserts, one treat stands out at every festival, celebration, and family gathering—the Caribbean Rum Cake! 🥮 This cake is a rich, buttery, and moist delight, soaked in spiced rum syrup to give it a signature boozy kick.
Known for its soft texture and deep flavor, this cake is a staple across Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, and other Caribbean islands. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, a wedding, or just indulging in a tropical treat, this rum-infused cake will transport you to a warm island breeze. 🌊
Let’s dive into the authentic Caribbean Festival Rum Cake recipe that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious! 🍰✨
🛒 Ingredients: Everything You Need for the Perfect Rum Cake
For the Cake:
✔️ 2 cups all-purpose flour
✔️ 1 cup granulated sugar
✔️ 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
✔️ 4 large eggs 🥚
✔️ 1 cup dark spiced rum 🍹
✔️ 1/2 cup whole milk
✔️ 1 tbsp vanilla extract
✔️ 1 tsp baking powder
✔️ 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
✔️ 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
✔️ 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
✔️ 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) 🌰
For the Rum Syrup:
✔️ 1/2 cup unsalted butter
✔️ 1/2 cup granulated sugar
✔️ 1/4 cup dark spiced rum 🍹
✔️ 1/4 cup water 💧
✔️ 1 tsp vanilla extract
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Caribbean Rum Cake
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a Bundt pan thoroughly with butter and lightly dust it with flour. For an added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts at the bottom.
2️⃣ Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft texture.
3️⃣ Add the Eggs & Flavor
Add one egg at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and half of the spiced rum for that signature Caribbean taste. 🍹
4️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth, but do not overmix.
6️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Prepare the Rum Syrup
While the cake is baking, make the rum syrup by melting butter and sugar in a saucepan. Add water, vanilla, and the remaining rum, stirring until fully dissolved.
8️⃣ Soak the Cake
Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over with a skewer and slowly pour the warm rum syrup over it, letting it soak in.
9️⃣ Let It Rest & Serve
Allow the cake to sit for a few hours or overnight before serving. This enhances the flavors and creates a moist, rum-soaked delight! 🍰✨
🎉 Tips & Variations for the Best Caribbean Rum Cake
✅ Use High-Quality Rum: Dark, aged spiced rum works best for a deep, caramelized flavor.
✅ Let the Cake Soak: For an extra boozy kick, let the cake soak in the rum syrup overnight before serving.
✅ Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
✅ Make It Extra Moist: Add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a richer texture.
✅ Nut-Free Version: Skip the nuts for an allergy-friendly version.
✅ Rum Substitutes: If making it alcohol-free, use pineapple juice or apple cider instead of rum.
📌 Why You’ll Love This Caribbean Rum Cake
🌟 Authentic & Traditional: A true taste of the Caribbean in every bite.
🌟 Perfectly Moist & Buttery: The rum syrup makes it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
🌟 Festive & Fun: Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.
🌟 Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions for a no-fail cake.
🌟 Customizable: Adjust the rum level, add nuts, or make it alcohol-free!
🍹 What to Serve with Caribbean Rum Cake
This cake pairs beautifully with:
✔️ A scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨
✔️ A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce 🍫
✔️ A hot cup of coffee or tea ☕
✔️ A side of fresh tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapple 🍍
✔️ A glass of aged Caribbean rum for the true island experience 🍹
📢 Final Thoughts: Make This Caribbean Classic Today!
If you love rich, buttery, and boozy desserts, this Caribbean Festival Rum Cake is a must-try! 🥮 Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something tropical and indulgent, this cake is guaranteed to impress. 🎉
Try this recipe, and let us know how it turns out! Tag us with your delicious creations. 🍰👇
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