Try this mouthwatering Jamaican cake recipe today!
Indulge in the rich flavors of Jamaica with our Jamaican cake recipe. This delightful dessert, also known as Black Cake or Rum Cake, is a beloved staple of Caribbean cuisine that has made its way into kitchens all around the world. It’s typically served at special occasions like weddings, Christmas celebrations, and Easter celebrations but it’s so good that you’ll want to have it year-round!
This recipe features a combination of juicy crushed pineapple, dried fruit and Jamaican rum that delivers an explosive burst of flavor in every bite. The moist texture and tantalizing aroma of cinnamon and vanilla complement the cake’s bold flavors, making for an unforgettable sensory experience.
Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply treating yourself to something decadent, let this Jamaican cake take center stage on your dessert menu. Once you sample a slice, there won’t be any turning back!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of fruit cakes, you’re going to love the Jamaican Black Cake or Rum Cake. This indulgent cake is perfect for special occasions and holidays. Here’s why you’ll definitely want to try it:
(1) Delightfully Rich and Moist: The Jamaican Black Cake is densely packed with fruits such as raisins, pitted prunes, and dried currants that have been soaked in rum or cherry brandy. These fruits make the cake incredibly rich and moist.
(2) Infused with Spices and Rum: The Jamaican Black Cake is flavored with a range of spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger, which give the cake an irresistible aroma and taste. But wait, there’s more- the cake is further soaked in Jamaican rum to give it a punchy kick!
(3) Perfect for Special Occasions: This cake is so decadent and rich that it’s often served during Christmas, Easter, weddings or other celebrations.
(4) Versatile Recipe: Though this recipe may seem complicated with its long ingredient list and several steps involved, it can be adapted to suit various tastes. You can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer less sweet cakes or add some nuts like pecans if you like some crunch.
Overall, this isn’t your typical fruitcake. This Jamaican Black Cake is an indulgent dessert that’ll take your tastebuds on a rollercoaster ride. If you’re willing to put some extra effort into making this richly flavored cake from scratch – trust me – it will be worth it!
Ingredient List
When it comes to Jamaican Cake, there are a few key ingredients that you’ll need to have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
- A pinch of salt.
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup of margarine.
- 1¾ cups of sugar.
- 4 eggs.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- 1 cup of crushed pineapple (drained).
- ½ cup of pecans (chopped).
Jamaican Black Fruit Mix Ingredients
- 2 lbs. of mixed dried fruits (raisins, pitted prunes, and currants).
- ¾ cup of brown sugar.
- ½ lb. of unsalted butter.
- 1 cup of red label wine or rum.
- ½ cup of cherry brandy.
Icing Ingredients
- ½ lb. of cream cheese (at room temperature).
- ¼ lb. of unsalted butter (at room temperature).
- 2 cups of powdered sugar.
- ½ cup of pecans (chopped).
It’s important to note that the dried fruit mix should be prepared at least a day in advance and should be soaked in the red label wine or Jamaican rum. The longer the fruit soaks, the more flavorful it will be.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to put everything together and make this delicious Jamaican Cake. Don’t worry if you’ve never made a fruit cake before – this recipe is perfect for beginners!
Preheat your Oven and Prepare your Pan
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Then, prepare your baking pan by greasing it generously with margarine. You can use any dish you like or a 10” tube pan or Bundt cake pan.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and the spices you prefer for a personalized touch.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add in 1/2 pound (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and 1 & 1/4 cups of brown sugar. Mix until light and fluffy. One by one, add 4 large eggs, mixing well after each addition. Beat the mixture until it gets very light in color and nearly twice its original size.
Fold in the Fruits and Nuts
Now, fold in the mixed fruits from the recipe (raisins, pitted prunes, and dried currants) along with some crushed pineapple (drained). You can add up to approximately two cups in total combined with pecans or walnuts (chopped).
Add Rum for Authentic Jamaican Flavor
It wouldn’t be an authentic Jamaican Cake without rum! Add a cup of your favorite Jamaican rum which will give this cake its distinctive flavor. Take care not to overdo this rum ingredient.
Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan, smooth out the top with a spatula, and bake for approximately one hour and five minutes. The cake should be moist yet firm to touch when it’s finished. You’ll know it’s ready when an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
After removing it from the oven let it cool completely on a cooling rack before icing.
Optional Icing
For that traditional touch try an icing made up of cream cheese + powered sugar: combine cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth – usually around four ounces of cream cheese with one cup powdered sugar will create enough icing for one cake yielding about eight slices.
Ready to Serve
Your delicious Jamaican Cake is now ready to slice up and serve! Enjoy this special dessert with some coffee or tea as an afternoon treat or bring it out for family celebrations!
Substitutions and Variations
While the traditional Jamaican cake recipe calls for specific ingredients, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try to make it your own.
For the fruit component of the cake, you can use a combination of raisins, pitted prunes, and dried currants or even add some cherries soaked in brandy for an extra boozy twist. If you’re not a fan of the classic rum flavor but still want to keep it Caribbean-inspired, try substituting coconut rum for the Jamaican rum.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour. For a healthier alternative, you can also replace some of the white sugar with honey or maple syrup.
If you want to elevate your Jamaican cake recipe, consider adding some lemon zest or coconut flakes for a tropical twist. Or, replace the pecans with walnuts or macadamia nuts for an unconventional take on this classic dessert.
You can also experiment with different baking pans to create unique shapes and sizes. Divide the batter into muffin cups for mini Jamaican fruit cakes or bake it in a Bundt pan for an elegant presentation.
While these substitutions and variations may alter the taste slightly, they still stay true to the essence of this iconic Caribbean dessert. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Jamaican black cake is a rich, dense, and decadent dessert. It is often served during the holiday season and at special occasions in Jamaica, such as weddings and christenings. When serving Jamaican cake, it is important to pair it with complementary drinks and toppings to fully experience the traditional flavors.
One great pairing for Jamaican black cake is a hot cup of coffee or tea. The bitterness of the coffee or tea balances out the sweetness of the cake, making for a harmonious taste experience.
Another perfect pairing for Jamaican black cake is a glass of red wine. Specifically, Jamaicans often serve their cakes with a type of red wine called “red label wine.” This enhances the flavors, adds depth to the richness and brings out the complexity of the spices in the black cake.
Jamaican black cake is also traditionally topped with cream cheese frosting or icing sugar which gives it a lighter texture and acts as an excellent contrast to the weighty texture of the cake itself. To add even more flavor, toasted pecans are also often sprinkled over the top.
When serving Jamaican black cake, ensure to slice it thinly due to its richness; too big of a slice might be overwhelming.
In conclusion, when serving Jamaican black cake, consider pairing it fresh cream lightly dusted with cinnamon or vanilla powder for added flavor or mashed pineapple contained with crushed pecans on top for fruit lovers. No matter whether you choose to drink wine, coffee or tea with your cake – you’ll find that it’s an amazingly indulgent way to enjoy this dessert’s unique flavor profile!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the fantastic things about this Jamaican cake recipe is that it can be prepared well in advance of your special occasion. Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to fully develop and heighten, only improving the taste experience.
To make this dessert ahead of time, prepare the fruit mixture and bake the cake up to two weeks before serving. After it has been baked, brush it with some more rum and wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in a cool, dark place such as a pantry, for up to two weeks.
If you have any leftover cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving.
When reheating leftover cake slices, you can either microwave them or heat them in an oven. To microwave, cover the slices with a damp paper towel and heat on high for 20-30 seconds until heated through. To reheat in an oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil before heating for around 10 minutes.
Pro Tips: For optimal results when reheating, add a few drops of water over the slices before wrapping them in foil or covering them with a damp towel. This simple step helps prevent any dryness that can occur during reheating.
With these easy storing and reheating tips, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of Jamaican rum cake long after your special occasion has ended!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure a flawless Jamaican Cake Recipe, here are some tips and recommendations:
1. Use high-quality ingredients: Using quality ingredients is important in every recipe, and a Jamaican cake is no exception. If you want to enjoy the perfect texture and taste, make sure that your unsalted butter, eggs, flour, and other ingredients are of high quality.
2. Sift the dry ingredients: When measuring and mixing dry ingredients (such as the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt), be sure to sift them together before adding them to wet ingredients. This will make sure that all the components mix well and enhances even distribution.
3. Don’t overmix: Once you begin adding the flour mixture to the batter, don’t overmix or beat it too much as overbeating can cause loss of volume in your cake.
4. Follow baking instructions carefully: Follow baking instructions with precision would create a tasty result.
5. Allow the cake to cool completely: Once you take out the cake from the oven, allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting slices. Letting it cool properly makes each slice retain its ideal shape while tucking in.
6. Refrigerate before serving: The Jamaican cake tastes better before chilled before serving as this improves on its overall flavor and texture making it firm slightly.
By following these tips and practicing a few times with variations of Jamaica Cake Recipe will guarantee satisfactory results of this typical Caribbean dessert.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Jamaican Cake Recipe is a rich and flavorful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Its unique blend of ingredients and spices make it a favorite among Caribbean households, and you too can join in on the fun! With this recipe, you can indulge in the authentic taste of Jamaica without leaving your kitchen.
Whether you’re craving a slice of rum cake or a black fruit cake, this recipe has got you covered. To ensure perfect results, be sure to follow the tips and recommendations provided in this article. Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations to make this recipe your own.
So why not impress your friends and family with a taste of Jamaica at your next gathering? With its delicious combination of exotic flavors, this cake is sure to please even the most discerning palates. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t regret it!
Jamaican Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple (including juice)
- 2 cups mashed bananas
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
ICING
- 1 lb powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 lb margarine
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- Mix all cake ingredients in a large bowl. Bake in a greased tube pan for 1 hour and 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Let cool 3-4 hours.
- Prepare icing by creaming margarine with cream cheese; then add remaining ingredients.
- Apply icing once cake is cooled.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.