Rum cakes – are there any more decadent, indulgent, or irresistible treats out there? We think not! There’s just something about the rich, buttery flavor of a perfectly moist cake infused with the deep, velvety smoothness of rum that makes our hearts skip a beat. And that’s exactly why we’ve gathered 18 of the most mouthwatering, sinfully delicious rum cake recipes for you to try. From classic Caribbean-inspired treats to creative twists on traditional pound cakes and bundts, these indulgent desserts are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Classic Caribbean Rum Cake
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the islands with this moist and flavorful rum cake, infused with the warmth of Caribbean spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dark rum (your choice of brand)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with rum, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Browned Butter Rum Pound Cake
This indulgent pound cake combines the deep flavors of browned butter, dark rum, and a hint of spice to create a truly show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup dark rum
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in rum. Let cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
6. Pour in browned butter mixture and mix until smooth.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Coconut Rum Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this tropical twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake, infused with the warmth of coconut and rum. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup pineapple rings
– 1 cup cherry halves
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. Arrange pineapple rings and cherry halves in the prepared dish, leaving space between each piece.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in coconut milk, rum (if using), and eggs.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter over pineapple mixture and smooth top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Spiced Dark Rum Banana Bread Cake
Moist and aromatic, this cake combines the warmth of spices with the richness of dark rum and sweet bananas. Perfect for a special occasion or as a treat for banana lovers.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add mashed bananas, rum (if using), and flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Chocolate Rum Bundt Cake with Ganache
Moist and decadent, this chocolate cake is infused with the warmth of rum and topped with a velvety ganache.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 tablespoon dark rum extract
– 1 cup (250g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Ganache: 1 cup (200g) heavy cream, 1 cup (250g) chopped dark chocolate
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in milk, rum extract, and chocolate chips.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
7. For ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate until melted and smooth.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Eggnog Rum Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Warm up to the holiday season with this rich and indulgent Eggnog Rum Cake, topped with a tangy Cream Cheese Frosting.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup eggnog
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
– Cream Cheese Frosting ingredients below
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together softened butter, eggnog, eggs, and rum (if using).
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract; mix well.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar; beat until combined.
Tres Leches Rum Soaked Cake
Moist vanilla cake soaked in a mixture of three types of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream) and infused with the warmth of dark rum. This Tres Leches Rum Soaked Cake is perfect for special occasions or as a treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup evaporated milk
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Pour in milk mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before soaking with Tres Leches mixture (see below).
Tres Leches Mixture:
1. Mix evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream in a bowl.
2. Add dark rum, if using.
3. Pour mixture over cooled cake.
4. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Boozy Rum Raisin Coffee Cake
A sweet and indulgent twist on the classic coffee cake, infused with the warmth of rum and plump raisins.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
– 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, eggs, and rum (if using).
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in raisins.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Lemon Rum Glazed Loaf Cake
Brighten up your day with this sweet and tangy loaf cake, infused with the warmth of rum and the zestiness of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons dark rum
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, milk, lemon juice, and rum until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Tiramisu Rum Infused Layer Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this show-stopping Tiramisu Rum Infused Layer Cake. Moist layers of vanilla cake, infused with the rich flavors of rum and espresso, are sandwiched between creamy mascarpone cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso
– 1/4 cup dark rum
– 12 ounces mascarpone cheese
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow cakes to cool completely. Infuse each cake with espresso and rum mixture (1/2 cup espresso + 2 tablespoons rum).
5. Assemble the cake by spreading mascarpone cheese frosting between layers, finishing with a layer on top.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Maple Rum Pecan Streusel Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the warmth of maple syrup, the richness of dark rum, and the crunch of toasted pecans. Perfect for a special occasion or as a sweet surprise for loved ones.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– Streusel topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, maple syrup, and rum (if using); whisk until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped pecans.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
6. Top with streusel topping (see below).
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl. Add melted butter; stir until crumbly.
Vanilla Bean Rum Tres Leches Cake
A moist vanilla bean-infused cake soaked in a rich rum tres leches mixture, topped with whipped cream and toasted almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup rum syrup (see note)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Whipped cream and toasted almonds for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
8. In a large bowl, whisk together rum syrup and heavy cream.
9. Poke holes all over the cooled cake and pour in the rum tres leches mixture.
10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Note: Rum syrup can be made by combining equal parts water and granulated sugar with 1/4 cup dark rum. Simmer until dissolved, then let cool.
Pumpkin Spice Rum Cake with Caramel Drizzle
Warm up with the sweet and spicy flavors of fall! This moist pumpkin spice cake infused with rum, topped with a rich caramel drizzle, is perfect for a cozy evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dark rum (optional)
– Caramel drizzle ingredients: heavy cream, brown sugar, and butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, pumpkin puree, and spices.
3. Add softened butter and mix until combined.
4. Pour in dark rum, if using.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely.
Caramel Drizzle:
1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add heavy cream and brown sugar; whisk until dissolved.
3. Bring to a simmer; cook for 5-7 minutes or until caramel forms.
4. Pour drizzle over cooled cake.
Almond Rum Amaretto Bundt Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this decadent bundt cake infused with the warm flavors of almond, rum, and amaretto. This moist and aromatic cake is perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons almond extract
– 1 teaspoon rum extract
– 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup bundt pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and softened butter. Beat until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in almond extract, rum extract, and amaretto liqueur.
5. Fold in sliced almonds.
6. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Orange Rum Zest Pound Cake
A moist and flavorful pound cake infused with the warmth of orange zest and the depth of rum, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in orange zest and juice.
4. Gradually add flour, rum (if using), and salt; mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Cherry Rum Jubilee Upside-Down Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the warmth of rum and the sweetness of cherries, topped with a caramelized cherry and brown sugar crust. Perfect for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup dark rum
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and rum; mix until well combined.
4. Beat in eggs, then stir in cherries and brown sugar.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Gingerbread Rum Cake with Molasses Glaze
This moist and flavorful gingerbread rum cake is perfect for the holiday season, and the addition of a rich molasses glaze takes it to the next level. With the comforting aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this cake is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup dark rum (optional)
– Molasses Glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour in rum (if using) and mix until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Molasses Glaze:
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1 tablespoon water
– 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
Whisk together molasses, water, and sugar until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake before serving.
Caramelized Rum Apple Skillet Cake
This moist and aromatic cake combines the sweetness of caramelized apples, the warmth of rum, and the comfort of a skillet-baked dessert. Perfect for a cozy evening with friends or family.
Ingredients:
– 1 large apple, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter mixture, rum (if using), egg, and heavy cream. Stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour batter over caramelized apples and bake for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of rum with these 18 decadent recipes! From classic Caribbean Rum Cakes to innovative twists like Browned Butter Rum Pound Cake and Tiramisu Rum Infused Layer Cake, there’s a recipe for every rum lover. Whether you’re looking for a moist and flavorful loaf cake or a show-stopping bundt cake, this collection has it all. With a range of flavors from coconut and spice to chocolate and gingerbread, these rum cakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.