Rich Caribbean Black Cake
Celebrate the festive season with this indulgent Rich Caribbean Black Cake, a traditional holiday treat that is deeply flavorful and moist. This cake, known affectionately as Black Cake, is packed with a medley of dried fruits, nuts, and the warmth of dark rum, creating a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. Each bite offers a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, reminiscent of the vibrant Caribbean culture. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends during Christmas gatherings, as well as during other special occasions throughout the year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 lb (softened)
sugar
1 cup
browning sauce
2 tablespoons ((optional, helps to darken the cake))
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups
baking powder
1 teaspoon
cinnamon
1 teaspoon
allspice
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
large eggs
4
dark rum
1 cup ((brandy or red wine can be substituted))
mixed peel
1/4 lb
cherries
1/4 lb
mixed nuts
1/4 lb ((or any nuts of your choice))
prunes
1/2 lb ((chopped))
raisins
1 lb
lime zest
1 ((freshly grated))
lemon zest
1
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a nine-inch cake pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and browning sauce until the mixture is soft and creamy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
4
In another bowl, beat the eggs and combine them with the dark rum. Mix until well blended.
5
Gradually add the egg and rum mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring thoroughly until fully combined.
6
Stir in the lime zest, lemon zest, mixed peel, cherries, mixed nuts, chopped prunes, and raisins. Ensure that all the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
7
Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix; stop as soon as you see no dry flour.
8
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. You may need to bake it longer depending on your oven.
10
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11
For best results, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and allow it to rest for a few days before serving, as this will enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caribbean Black Cake?
Caribbean Black Cake is a traditional, deeply flavorful holiday treat packed with dried fruits, nuts, and dark rum, known for its moist texture and rich cultural heritage.
What temperature should I set my oven to for this recipe?
You should preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
What size cake pan is recommended for the Rich Caribbean Black Cake?
The recipe calls for a nine-inch cake pan.
How should I prepare the cake pan before baking?
Prepare the pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and browning sauce for approximately 3-5 minutes until the mixture is soft and creamy.
What is the purpose of browning sauce in this recipe?
Browning sauce is an optional ingredient used primarily to help darken the cake to its signature black color.
Which dry ingredients are sifted together?
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
What alcohol is used in the traditional Black Cake recipe?
The recipe uses one cup of dark rum, though brandy or red wine can be substituted.
How many eggs are required for this cake?
You will need 4 large eggs.
What type of citrus zest is used in the cake?
The recipe includes the freshly grated zest of one lime and the zest of one lemon.
What dried fruits are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes mixed peel, cherries, chopped prunes, and 1 lb of raisins.
Can I choose specific nuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1/4 lb of mixed nuts or any nuts of your choice.
When should the fruit and nuts be added to the batter?
Add the lime zest, lemon zest, mixed peel, cherries, mixed nuts, prunes, and raisins after the egg and rum mixture has been thoroughly combined with the butter and sugar.
What is the best way to incorporate the flour mixture?
Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
How do I know when to stop mixing the batter?
Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see any dry flour.
How long does the Caribbean Black Cake bake for?
The cake should bake for approximately 90 minutes, though it may take longer depending on your oven.
How do I check if the cake is fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is finished baking.
Should the cake be removed from the pan immediately after baking?
No, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Why is it recommended to rest the cake after baking?
Resting the cake for a few days wrapped in plastic wrap allows the flavors to mature and enhance.
What are the common occasions for serving this cake?
It is traditionally served during the Christmas holiday season, but it is also perfect for other special occasions throughout the year.
Is the butter used in this recipe melted or softened?
The recipe specifies 1/2 lb of softened butter.
How much all-purpose flour is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What spices provide the warmth in this cake?
Cinnamon and allspice provide the warm spice profile for this recipe.
Can I substitute the dark rum with something non-alcoholic?
While the recipe suggests brandy or red wine as substitutes, standard baking substitutions for rum like rum extract and water/juice could be used, though it will change the traditional flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in the Rich Caribbean Black Cake?
There are 18 specific ingredients listed in this recipe.
What preparation is needed for the prunes?
The 1/2 lb of prunes should be chopped before being added to the batter.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is included in the dry ingredients.
What is the texture of the Black Cake?
The cake is described as being deeply flavorful and very moist.
How should I store the cake to keep it moist?
Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture and flavor.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.