Caribbean‑Style Rum Vanilla Cake Recipe

This rum vanilla cake recipe is a celebration of deep flavor, rich tradition, and my passion for discovering new things because that’s what I truly love to do.

I created this rum vanilla cake recipe to bring a warm, indulgent dessert to those who appreciate classic recipes with a bold twist.

The main purpose is to blend comforting vanilla with the bold, warming notes of rum, creating a cake that feels festive and timeless.

This style of cake has roots in Caribbean and holiday baking, where rum was often used for preservation and flavor. Now, I’m sharing how to make it easily at home.

Taste Of Rum Vanilla Cake Recipe

The rum vanilla cake recipe offers a rich, buttery taste with a deep warmth from the dark rum that lingers in every bite. The vanilla adds a smooth, sweet note that balances the boldness of the rum beautifully.

Its texture is moist, dense yet tender, thanks to the rum syrup soaked into the cake after baking. Hints of caramel and spice come through subtly, especially when using spiced rum.

It’s indulgent without being overly sweet, making each slice flavorful and comforting, with a lingering finish that leaves you wanting more.

How To Prepare Rum Vanilla Cake Recipe?

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Caribbean-American fusion

Yield: 14 slices

Kitchen Utensils

• Bundt pan (greased and floured)
• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan (for syrup)
• Cooling rack
• Cake skewer or toothpick
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) dark or golden rum
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or buttermilk, room temperature

For the Rum Syrup:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) dark rum
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How To Make Rum Vanilla Cake Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven + Prep the Pan

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it heats up, grab a bundt pan (10 or 12-cup size works). Grease it really well either with butter and a light dusting of flour, or use a baking spray that includes flour. Make sure to get in all the grooves so nothing sticks.

2. Whisk the Dry Stuff

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set that aside for now.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3–4 minutes. You’re looking for a light and fluffy texture don’t rush this step, it makes a difference.

4. Add Eggs + Vanilla

Crack in the eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each one so everything gets nice and incorporated. Once they’re all in, stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Mix It All Together

Now start combining the dry mix and the milk into the butter mixture. Do this in batches add some dry, then some milk, repeat starting and ending with the dry mix. Slowly pour in the rum and mix until the batter is smooth.

6. Bake It

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth out the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 50–60 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Make the Rum Syrup

While the cake is baking, make the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine butter, water, and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, then stir in the rum and vanilla. Set it aside.

8. Soak the Cake

When the cake comes out of the oven, let it sit in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Poke small holes all over the top with a skewer or toothpick. Then, slowly pour the warm rum syrup over the cake (still in the pan), letting it soak in gradually.

9. Cool and Serve

Let the syrup absorb for another 10 minutes. Then carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack or serving plate. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts Of Rum Vanilla Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	420
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	55g
Sugar	38g
Protein	4g

Why My Recipe Works

This rum vanilla cake recipe works because it balances flavor, moisture, and texture with precision. The creamed butter and sugar create a tender, fluffy crumb, while the addition of rum enhances depth and aroma without overpowering the vanilla.

Room-temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter and even baking. The sweet rum syrup poured over the warm cake seeps into every layer, locking in moisture and adding rich, lasting flavor.

Using both baking powder and baking soda gives the cake a consistent rise. Every element is thoughtfully measured and timed to create a soft, flavorful, bakery-quality cake in your own kitchen.

Serving Suggestions For Rum Vanilla Cake Recipe

This rum vanilla cake recipe pairs beautifully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance its rich flavors.

Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch when sprinkled on top. For an extra touch, drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over each slice.

Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar can brighten the presentation. It also goes wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine. Perfect for holiday dinners, casual gatherings, or as a special treat any day.

Health Benefits To Rum Vanilla Cake Recipe

This rum vanilla cake recipe is primarily a delicious treat, it does offer some small health benefits. The eggs provide protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and choline. Vanilla contains antioxidants that may have mild anti-inflammatory effects.

Using real butter supplies healthy fats in moderation, which are important for energy and cell function. Dark rum, when used sparingly, has trace amounts of antioxidants as well.

However, this rum vanilla cake recipe is best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a health food, given its sugar and alcohol content. Moderation is key to savoring it responsibly.

Expert Tips And Tricks

1. Bring your butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature before mixing. This ensures smoother batter, better emulsification, and a lighter, fluffier cake texture.

2. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the cake dense or tough instead of tender.

3. After baking, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the warm cake before pouring the rum syrup. This helps the syrup soak evenly and deeply, making the cake incredibly moist.

4. The flavors come through best when you use a good-quality rum and pure vanilla extract, not imitation. It makes a noticeable difference in aroma and taste.

5. Rum cakes can be sticky due to the syrup. Properly greasing and flouring your bundt or cake pan will ensure your cake releases cleanly without breaking apart.

6. Allow the cake to cool completely after soaking with syrup. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the moisture distribute evenly, resulting in a richer and more flavorful dessert.

Additions To Your Rum Vanilla Cake Recipe

✔ Chopped Nuts: Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds brings a delightful crunch and nutty richness that contrasts the soft, moist crumb. Toasting the nuts beforehand deepens their flavor and adds a warm aroma that complements the rum perfectly.

✔ Dried Fruit: Soaking raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries in rum before folding them into the batter infuses bursts of juicy sweetness throughout the cake. These chewy pockets create interesting texture and amplify the cake’s festive spirit.

✔ Citrus Zest: Grated orange or lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing citrus note that cuts through the richness of the cake. This subtle zing lifts the flavors, making each bite feel lively and balanced.

✔ Warm Spices: Incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice into the batter for a cozy, aromatic depth. These spices mingle beautifully with rum and vanilla, adding complexity and a hint of holiday warmth.

✔ Toasted Coconut Flakes: Mixing in or sprinkling toasted coconut flakes introduces a tropical, slightly sweet flavor along with a pleasant chewiness. The toasty notes pair wonderfully with the rum, evoking Caribbean influences.

Variations To Your Rum Vanilla Cake Recipe

1. Gluten-Free Rum Cake: By swapping all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, you create a version accessible to those with gluten sensitivities. The cake stays moist and tender, with all the classic flavors intact.

2. Eggless Rum Cake: Replacing eggs with flaxseed “eggs” or a commercial egg substitute makes this cake vegan-friendly or suitable for those with egg allergies. Adjusting moisture levels carefully keeps the cake soft and rich.

3. Chocolate Rum Cake: Incorporate cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate into the batter for a decadent twist. The bitterness of chocolate enhances the rum’s warmth, creating a luxurious dessert with a complex flavor profile.

4. Layered Rum Cake: Bake the cake in thinner layers and assemble them with rum-soaked whipped cream, pastry cream, or cream cheese frosting. This approach transforms the cake into an elegant centerpiece, ideal for special celebrations.

5. Pineapple Rum Cake: Fold crushed pineapple into the batter or add it to the syrup for a juicy, tropical punch. The pineapple’s natural sweetness and acidity complement the rum and vanilla, giving the cake a bright, island-inspired character.

How To Store Leftovers

To store leftover rum vanilla cake recipe, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 7 days, allowing slices to come to room temperature before serving. To freeze, wrap in plastic and foil or use a freezer-safe container. Rum vanilla cake recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

This amazing and delicious rum vanilla cake recipe is something everyone will enjoy and want to eat again and again. It’s rich, moist, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.

I’ve shared my recipe with love, and I truly hope you’ve understood the steps clearly. I believe that once you try rum vanilla cake recipe, you’ll be proud of the result and want to make it again soon.

Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share rum vanilla cake recipe with the people you care about most.

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