Trinidad Rum Cake
A rich, moist, and intensely flavored cake, a staple at celebrations and holidays in Trinidad and Tobago, generously infused with local rum and dried fruits.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 250 ml Dark rum(plus more for soaking)
- 250 g Butter(softened)
- 250 g Brown sugar(packed)
- 4 large Eggs
- 300 g All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp Ground cloves
- 2 tbsp Molasses
- 50 g Almonds(chopped (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the mixed dried fruit in dark rum for at least 24 hours, or preferably longer, stirring occasionally. Drain before using, reserving the rum.
- 2
Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
- 3
Cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- 5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the molasses and a little of the reserved rum, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 6
Fold in the soaked and drained dried fruit and chopped almonds (if using).
- 7
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and level the top. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 8
Once baked, let the cake cool in the tin for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While still warm, poke holes in the cake with a skewer and brush generously with more dark rum.
- 9
Wrap the cooled cake tightly in parchment paper and then foil. Store in an airtight container, feeding it with more rum every few weeks if desired for longer storage and enhanced flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the fruit for an extended period is crucial for flavor and moisture.
- ✓Using a dark, rich rum is recommended for the best taste.
- ✓Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can result in a tough cake.
- ✓Feeding the cake with rum over time significantly improves its flavor and shelf life.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of Angostura bitters to the batter for extra spice.
- Incorporate candied citrus peel along with the dried fruit.
- For a non-alcoholic version, soak the fruit in fruit juice (like pineapple or orange) and use a rum extract in the batter.