If you’re a fan of rich, moist desserts with a warming touch of spice and a boozy twist, this Spiced Rum Cake Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine a tender cake soaked generously in a luscious rum glaze, where every bite carries hints of vanilla, spice, and that unmistakable rum depth that makes celebrations feel even more special. This is not just any cake; it’s a showstopper that feels both comforting and indulgent, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a slice of pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Spiced Rum Cake Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that beautiful golden-brown color. From the richness of butter to the zing of buttermilk and the aromatic punch of spiced rum, these components come together to craft a cake that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that lends structure and softness to your cake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping it brown beautifully.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake a lovely, light rise that keeps it fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Adds extra moistness without weighing down the cake.
- Buttermilk: Offers a subtle tang while contributing to a soft texture.
- Large eggs: Help bind everything together and add richness.
- Spiced rum: The star ingredient that infuses the cake with warmth and depth.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (for glaze): Creates a silky base for the rum glaze.
- Granulated sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and thickens the glaze beautifully.
- Water: Balances the glaze and helps dissolve the sugar.
- Dark rum (for glaze): Intensifies the rum flavor and gives the glaze a rich aroma.
How to Make Spiced Rum Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
Start by preheating your oven and greasing your cake pan to ensure your cake releases perfectly. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt so they’re evenly distributed. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy and creamy, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Alternate folding in the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the spiced rum and vanilla extract gently, making sure everything is blended into a smooth batter that’s ready for baking.
Step 2: Baking to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Pop it into the oven and let the warmth do its magic for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This slow bake ensures the cake develops a moist texture while forming that gorgeous golden crust on top.
Step 3: Making the Rum Glaze
While your cake bakes, you can prepare the rum glaze that will elevate the dessert to a whole new level. Combine butter, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the dark rum to create a luscious syrup that’s irresistibly fragrant and sweet.
Step 4: Glazing and Cooling
Once your cake is out of the oven but still warm, poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the rum glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak deeply. This step is what makes your cake incredibly moist and flavorful—don’t rush it! Let your cake cool completely, giving the glaze time to set into a shiny, sticky crown that signals pure deliciousness.
How to Serve Spiced Rum Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Spiced Rum Cake Recipe even more irresistible, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or slivered almonds for a crunchy contrast. Freshly whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream on the side can add a creamy balance that complements the warm spices and rum flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with fruits that can cut through the richness, such as tangy fresh berries, citrus segments, or even a compote made from pineapple or mango to echo the tropical notes in the spiced rum. A light, refreshing herbal tea or a cup of black coffee also works wonders alongside each slice.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to elevate presentation, slice the cake into elegant mini bundts or serve it as petite squares topped with caramelized pineapple chunks. For a festive touch, drizzle some extra warm rum glaze just before serving and garnish with edible gold leaf or a dusting of powdered sugar to make your guests’ eyes light up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Spiced Rum Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually improve as the cake sits, allowing the rum to soak even further. Just be sure to keep it covered so it stays moist and rich.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy this cake later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to two months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven taste sensation.
Reheating
To revive the cake’s moist texture and rum warmth, warm slices gently in the oven at a low temperature for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds on low power. This step invigorates the glaze and makes the cake feel freshly made each time.
FAQs
Can I use regular rum instead of spiced rum in this recipe?
Absolutely! While spiced rum adds a wonderful depth with its cinnamon, vanilla, and clove notes, regular rum will work too, giving the cake a cleaner rum flavor. You can even experiment with flavored rums for a unique twist.
Is this cake suitable for freezing after glazing?
It’s best to freeze the cake without the glaze, then add the rum glaze after thawing. This prevents the glaze from becoming too runny or sticky during freezing and thawing.
Can I substitute buttermilk with something else?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This simple swap provides the tang and acidity that buttermilk contributes to the cake.
How long does the rum flavor last in the cake?
The rum flavor becomes more pronounced as the cake ages. You’ll find that after a day or two, the cake is even more fragrant and moist – perfect if you can wait to dig in!
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice in place of buttermilk. The texture might be slightly different but it will still taste delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is just something magical about this Spiced Rum Cake Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser, whether it’s for holidays, birthdays, or an ordinary day where you want to feel special. Rich, moist, and bursting with warm spices and rum, this cake invites you to slow down and savor every bite. Trust me, once you try making it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for every occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness and celebration.
Print
Spiced Rum Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Rum Cake recipe combines rich buttery flavors with the warm and aromatic taste of spiced rum to create a moist and tender dessert perfect for celebrations and gatherings. A luscious rum glaze adds a delightful sweetness, making every slice a flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup spiced rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Rum Glaze
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup dark rum
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and spiced rum. Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to form a smooth batter.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly to ensure easy release. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Place in the oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.
- Make the Rum Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the rum glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and water. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar dissolves completely. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the dark rum.
- Glaze the Cake: While the cake is still warm, slowly spoon or brush the rum glaze evenly over the entire cake. Let the cake absorb the glaze for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is warm when applying the glaze for better absorption.
- You can substitute spiced rum with dark or light rum based on preference.
- Room temperature ingredients facilitate better mixing and texture.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- For an extra moist cake, consider brushing with additional rum glaze before serving.
