Last Updated on September 1, 2023
This Jamaican rum raisin cake is a classic Caribbean dessert that will take your taste buds on a tropical adventure.
With its rich, moist texture and unique blend of spices, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Made with just a few simple ingredients and ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion!
Follow the easy steps below to make an authentic Jamaican rum raisin cake. With just a few pantry essentials, you’ll be ready to start baking in no time!
What is Jamaican Rum Raisin Cake?
Jamaican rum raisin cake is a classic Caribbean dessert that’s loved around the world. It has a light, fluffy texture with a rich and decadent flavor. The unique mix of spices and aromatics gives it an unmistakable taste, while the addition of rum adds a touch of warmth and depth.
This easy cake requires just a few pantry staples like eggs, oil, sugar, flour, and baking powder. It’s then topped with raisins soaked in rum for an extra boost of flavor.
The resulting cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. So get ready to whip up this classic Caribbean dessert in your own kitchen!
What does it taste like?
Jamaican rum raisin cake has a light, fluffy texture and is intensely flavorful. The unique mix of spices and aromatics gives it an unmistakable taste, while the addition of rum adds warmth and depth.
The sweet, sticky glaze of raisins soaked in rum pairs perfectly with the moistness of the cake. Together they create a unique flavor that can’t be found in any other dessert.
How did I first get introduced to the Jamaican Rum Raisin Cake?
I first got introduced to Jamaican rum raisin cake during a trip to Jamaica last year. I was instantly drawn to the unique flavor and decided to try it out for myself. After doing some research, I found an easy recipe online and quickly set about gathering the ingredients.
As soon as I began mixing everything together, I could smell the spices and aromatics that were to come. I was eager to try my hand at baking this traditional Caribbean cake, so I quickly poured it into a cake pan and popped it in the oven.
While waiting for the cake to bake, my mouth began to water as I could smell its sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen. As soon as the cake was ready, I couldn’t wait to try it.
The first bite was pure heaven! The soft, moist texture paired with the sweet glaze of rum-soaked raisins made for an intense flavor that I’d never experienced before. Every mouthful was more delicious than the last and I knew this would become a staple in my kitchen.
Since then, I make Jamaican rum raisin cake whenever I’m looking for something special. It never fails to impress and always goes down a treat with my family and friends. Now that you know how easy it is to make this Caribbean classic, why not give it a try yourself? You won’t regret it!
How to make Jamaican Rum Raisin Cake?
Making Jamaican rum raisin cake is simple and only takes about an hour. Here’s what you need to do:
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Ingredients
- Eggs: this gives the cake its rich, moist texture.
- Oil: helps to keep the cake from drying out.
- Sugar: adds sweetness and flavor to the cake.
- Vanilla Essence: for an extra boost of flavor.
- Yogurt or Sour Cream: this is what gives the cake its tangy taste and light texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: this is the main ingredient in cakes and helps to give them a fluffy texture.
- Salt: balances out the sweetness of the cake.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: these two ingredients help to make the cake light and fluffy.
- Raisins: for an extra burst of sweetness and flavor.
- Rum: this is the star ingredient in Jamaican rum raisin cake. It gives it its unique taste and aroma, as well as a hint of alcohol.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Step 2
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla essence until light and creamy. Add in the yogurt or sour cream and mix until combined.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this to the egg mixture, stirring until everything is combined.
Step 4
Fold in the raisins and rum. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and serve warm or at room temperature.
Alternative Ingredients
For the Vegans:
- Substitute eggs with flax eggs
- Use vegan yogurt or sour cream
- Replace the rum with a non-alcoholic option such as orange juice.
For those avoiding Gluten:
- Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Ensure your baking powder and baking soda is gluten-free.
Variations To The Recipe
Spiced Rum Raisin Cake
For a spicier version of the cake, add a teaspoon of your favorite spices such as ground cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg. You can also add in other dried fruits such as cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.
Chocolate Rum Raisin Cake
For a chocolate twist, add a half cup of cocoa powder along with the dry ingredients. You can also top the cake with melted dark or white chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Pineapple Rum Raisin Cake
To make a pineapple-flavored version of this cake, add a cup of chopped fresh or canned pineapple along with the raisins. You can also top it with a few slices of fresh pineapple for an extra tropical touch.
Equipment
- cake pan
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Eggs – 3 large
- ½ cup Oil
- ¾ cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
- ½ cup Yogurt or Sour Cream
- 1 ¼ cup All Purpose Flour
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ¼ tsp Baking Soda
- 1 cup Seedless Raisins
- 6 tsp Rum
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour the cake pan.
- Beat eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla until light & creamy. Add yogurt or sour cream.
- Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, and soda then add to egg mixture stirring until combined.
- Fold in raisins and rum. Pour into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 mins then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioner’s sugar & serve.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Jamaican Rum Raisin Cake?
Here are a few delicious accompaniments that go perfectly with this classic Caribbean cake:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream and berries
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream
- Coconut custard or coconut ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Greek yogurt and honey.
How to store leftover Jamaican Rum Raisin Cake?
Leftover Jamaican rum raisin cake can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in cling wrap and placed in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover cake again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving at room temperature. You can also warm it up in the oven for a few minutes if you prefer.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Jamaican rum raisin cake. As long as the alcohol content is cooked off in the baking process, there’s no need to worry about any health risks or complications for you or your baby.
The rum simply adds a unique flavor and aroma to the cake that can’t be found in any other dessert. However, it’s important to note that the cake still contains a small amount of alcohol.
If you’re pregnant and concerned about this, it might be best to stick with other desserts such as chocolate cake or fruit pies instead.
Additionally, make sure that all ingredients used are fresh and safe for consumption before starting any baking project. This way you’ll ensure that the cake is as safe and delicious as possible.
FAQs
Does this cake contain a lot of sugar?
This recipe only calls for one cup of sugar, which is considerably less than many other cakes. The sweetness from the rum and raisins helps to balance out the flavor and makes it just sweet enough.
Can I add other ingredients to this?
Yes, you can definitely customize this recipe to make it your own. Feel free to add in your favorite spices or other dried fruits such as cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.
Can I use a different alcohol instead of rum?
Yes, you can substitute the rum with any non-alcoholic option such as orange juice or maple syrup. You can also use a different type of alcohol such as whiskey or brandy for a unique flavor profile.
Wrapping Up
Making Jamaican rum raisin cake is surprisingly easy and takes minimal effort. With its sweet, tangy, and boozy flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions carefully, and feel free to tweak it with your favorite ingredients or spices. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious slice of traditional Caribbean flavor anytime!
Thank you for reading this article & please share this article with your friends and family if you found it helpful!
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
