Torta Negra
Venezuelan Black Cake
A rich and dense Venezuelan Christmas fruit cake, traditionally soaked in dark rum for an intensely moist and flavorful dessert. This cake benefits greatly from being made in advance.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1kg (about 2.2 lbs) Mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, candied peel, prunes, cherries, etc.)
- 2 cups (480ml) Dark rum(High-quality dark rum is recommended for best flavor. You can use more if desired.)
- 300g (about 1.5 cups grated or chopped) Papelón (panela or piloncillo)(This is unrefined whole cane sugar. If unavailable, substitute with dark brown sugar.)
- 300g (about 2.5 cups) All-purpose flour
- 200g (about 1 cup or 2 sticks) Unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fruit: In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits with the dark rum. Stir well to ensure all fruits are coated. Cover the bowl tightly and let it soak at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or preferably overnight, stirring occasionally. The fruits will absorb the rum and plump up.
⏱️ Overnight (at least 12 hours) - 2
Make the papelón caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the papelón over medium-low heat. Stir constantly as it melts. Be careful not to burn it. Continue to cook until it turns into a dark, syrupy caramel, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully stir in 1/2 cup (120ml) of water. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 3
Prepare the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and eggs together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the cooled papelón caramel and mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the rum-soaked fruits until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Bake the cake: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan or a loaf pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Cover the top of the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake for 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be dark brown and feel firm to the touch.
⏱️ 2 hours - 2 hours 30 minutes - 6
Cool and mature the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can prick the cake all over with a skewer and brush it with a little extra rum for added moisture and flavor. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for at least a week, or up to several weeks, before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
⏱️ Cooling: 2 hours; Maturing: 1 week+
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an even richer flavor and moister cake, soak the fruits in rum for several days or even weeks in advance.
- ✓The longer this cake matures, the better the flavors will develop. It is often made several weeks before Christmas.
- ✓If you prefer a less intense rum flavor, you can reduce the amount of rum used for soaking slightly, but it is integral to the cake's characteristic moisture and preservation.
- ✓Ensure your oven temperature is accurate, as this dense cake requires a moderate and consistent heat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute some or all of the dark rum with brandy or a dark spiced rum.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture.
- Incorporate other dried or candied fruits like apricots, figs, or ginger.