Are you ready to indulge in a rich and indulgent dessert experience? Look no further than our collection of 18 decadent rum cake recipes that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. From classic Caribbean-inspired treats to creative twists on traditional flavors, these boozy bakes are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey around the world, highlighting the most mouth-watering rum cakes that combine the finest ingredients with the perfect blend of spices and spirits. Whether you’re a rum aficionado or just looking for a new dessert to impress your friends, these recipes are sure to become your new go-to’s.
Stay tuned for our top picks and get ready to rummage through the pantry for the makings of these unforgettable treats!
Classic Caribbean Rum Cake
Classic Caribbean Rum Cake: A moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dark rum (optional)
– 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in dark rum (if using).
5. Fold in chopped nuts (if using).
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pineapple Upside-Down Rum Cake
Impress your friends and family with this classic dessert that combines the sweetness of pineapple, the warmth of rum, and a moist cake texture. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120ml) pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup (30ml) dark rum (optional)
– 1 cup (100g) chopped fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup (60g) cherry halves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 10-inch (25cm) tube pan or Bundt pan.
2. Mix butter, brown sugar, and eggs in a bowl until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix well.
4. Stir in pineapple juice and rum (if using).
5. Arrange pineapple and cherry halves in the prepared pan.
6. Pour cake batter over fruit.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chocolate Rum Bundt Cake
This moist and decadent cake combines the deep flavors of dark chocolate and rum, perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder, milk, eggs, and rum (if using). Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
5. Pour in the melted butter, whisking until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Coconut Rum Pound Cake
A moist and decadent pound cake infused with the sweet flavor of coconut and the warmth of rum, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy evening treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dark rum (such as Myers’s)
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, coconut, and rum; beat until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Banana Rum Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This decadent cake combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the warmth of rum, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, butter, eggs, rum (if using), and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cake cool completely before frosting.
Frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Mix until combined.
3. Spread or drizzle over cooled cake.
Spiced Rum Apple Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the warmth of spiced rum and the sweetness of caramelized apples, perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh apple (such as Granny Smith)
– 1/4 cup spiced rum syrup (see note)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped apple and spiced rum syrup.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Note: To make spiced rum syrup, combine 1/4 cup rum with 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tbsp water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool before using.
Eggnog Rum Cake with Vanilla Glaze
Warm up your holiday season with this rich and indulgent Eggnog Rum Cake, topped with a velvety Vanilla Glaze. The combination of eggnog’s creamy texture, dark rum’s deep flavor, and vanilla’s sweet aroma will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup eggnog
– 2 tablespoons dark rum
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, eggnog, rum, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before drizzling with Vanilla Glaze (mix powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Dark Rum Chocolate Chip Cake
Moist and rich, this decadent cake is perfect for special occasions or just because.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dark rum
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, eggs, dark rum, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Rum Drizzle Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful cake, infused with the warmth of rum and the zestiness of lemon. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions or a simple Tuesday treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, softened butter, lemon juice, and rum (if using).
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; whisk until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before drizzling with a mixture of powdered sugar and rum (if using).
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Tropical Rum Cake with Mango Glaze
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this moist and flavorful rum cake, topped with a sweet and tangy mango glaze. Perfect for a special occasion or a relaxing evening with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– Mango glaze ingredients: 1 ripe mango, diced; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs and rum (if using).
5. Fold in chopped pineapple.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool before glazing: Combine mango, honey, and lime juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
8. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Brown Butter Rum Cake
A rich and decadent cake that combines the deep flavors of brown butter and dark rum, perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until dissolved.
4. Let cool slightly, then whisk in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and salt.
5. Add flour and rum; mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pumpkin Spice Rum Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the warmth of pumpkin spice and the richness of rum, perfect for a cozy evening or a special occasion. With its inviting aroma and tender texture, it’s sure to become a new fall favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup dark rum (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
5. Gradually add flour mixture, beating just until combined.
6. If using rum, stir it in gently.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Almond Rum Coffee Cake
Elevate your morning routine with this moist and flavorful coffee cake infused with the warmth of almond and rum. Perfect for a special occasion or just a cozy Sunday brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, milk, eggs, and almond extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped almonds and rum (if using).
6. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cherry Rum Upside-Down Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to impress your guests. The combination of cherries, rum, and brown sugar creates a delicious caramelized topping that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
– 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs and chopped cherries.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
6. Arrange maraschino cherries on top of the batter, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes.
9. Invert onto serving plate and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vanilla Bean Rum Cake with Caramel Sauce
Elevate your dessert game with this decadent vanilla bean rum cake, paired with a velvety caramel sauce. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons rum extract
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the caramel sauce:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients. Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and rum extracts; mix until smooth.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
5. For caramel sauce, combine sugar, corn syrup, cream, salt, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown (about 10-12 minutes).
6. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rum-Soaked Black Forest Cake
A rich and decadent dessert that combines the flavors of dark chocolate, cherries, and rum for a truly unforgettable treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup rum (dark or spiced)
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
– Fresh cherries, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and rum.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before soaking with cherry preserves and topping with whipped cream and fresh cherries.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Gingerbread Rum Cake
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this moist and flavorful gingerbread rum cake, infused with the warmth of ginger and the richness of dark rum. Perfect for serving at your next festive get-together.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch tube pan or Bundt pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, then stir in rum (if using).
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Orange Rum Cake with Citrus Glaze
Elevate your dessert game with this moist and flavorful orange rum cake, topped with a tangy citrus glaze. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 2 tablespoons rum extract
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh orange zest
– Citrus glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch tube pan or Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs, orange juice, rum extract, and zest.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Citrus Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Summary
Indulge in these 18 decadent rum cake recipes that will leave you weak in the knees! From classic Caribbean Rum Cake to Spiced Rum Apple Cake and beyond, each recipe features rich, boozy flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity like Banana Rum Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting or something chocolatey like Dark Rum Chocolate Chip Cake, there’s a rum cake on this list that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead, get boozy, and let the good times roll!
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