Golden rum cake is a masterpiece of flavors and textures. At its core, it’s a moist and dense cake infused with the essence of rum, boasting a golden hue that hints at the decadence within. The magic lies in the balance of ingredients, where the sweetness of the cake meets the subtle warmth of rum, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
Few desserts can match the richness and warmth of a perfectly baked golden rum cake, especially when paired with a luscious, buttery rum glaze.
The whole house smells like the Holidays when I make this.
Treasured Christmas Dessert
I still remember the first time I tried rum cake. A friend of ours brought this over during the Holidays. I was in love with my first bite. Now, it’s a Christmas dessert recipe that is among our most treasured. I’ve used this recipe for years. Always delicious.
This rum cake steals the show at all our family gatherings, a beloved favorite. But what truly sets it apart is the butter rum glaze, adding an extra layer of indulgence to this rich and decadent treat.
Rum Cake Ingredients
Here are the straightforward simple ingredients required for the golden rum cake recipe:
For the cake: chopped pecans, a packet of yellow cake mix, a packet of instant vanilla pudding mix, four large eggs, dark rum, and water.
For the glaze: dark rum, water, vegetable oil, white sugar, and butter.
Here’s the rewritten version in active voice:
Making Rum Cake:
Below, you’ll discover the complete step-by-step recipe. Here’s a quick glimpse of what awaits when you whip up this homemade rum cake:
- Grease and flour a Bundt pan and sprinkle it with chopped pecans.
- Prepare the cake batter and pour batter into the pan.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Create the glaze.
- Brush the slightly cooled cake with the glaze.
Allow the glaze to absorb, then repeat until all the glaze is used up.
Tips to Take Your Rum Cake up a Notch
- Toast your pecans. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans until they are fragrant. This normally takes 5 to 10 minutes.
- The original recipe calls for walnuts, we like pecans better with this recipe.
- Make sure the rum soaks into the cake. According to the Cooks Notes on Allrecipes, an easier to glaze your cake is to pour half of the glaze into the Bundt pan, reinsert the cake, then pour the rest of the glaze over the bottom of the cake. Let the glaze soak in thoroughly, then invert back onto the platter.
- Another way to get more rum soaking into the cake is to use a wooden skewer to poke 30 to 40 holes in the top and all sides of the cake before brushing on the rum glaze.
- For additional flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter before baking.
- If you want less alcohol flavor, cook the rum syrup in a skillet over medium heat a few minutes to cook off some of the alcohol but leave the delicious flavor to the glaze. To reduce some of the alcohol flavor, I let the rum cook for a few minutes in the glaze.
Golden Rum Cake with Pecans and Buttery Rum Glaze
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Pecans chopped or walnuts
- 15.25 Ounces Yellow Cake Mix 1 package
- 3.4 Ounces Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix 1 package
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 Cup Dark Rum divided
- ¾ Cup Water
- ½ Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 Cup White Sugar
- ½ Cup Butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Prepare 10-inch Bundt pan. Grease with lard or softened butter and flour to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the bottom of the pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix and instant pudding mix.
- Add the eggs, 1/2 cup rum, 1/2 cup water, and the oil. Mix until well-blended.
- Pour cake batter over chopped nuts in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 1 hour until a toothpick inserted into cake comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake sit in the pan about 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
- While the cake is resting, make the glaze.
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and remaining 1/4 cup water. Using medium heat, bring to a boil. Stirring constantly, cook for about 5 minutes. Until it thickens and begins to darken slightly.
- Remove the glaze from the heat and stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of dark rum.
- Using a pastry brush, brush glaze generously over the top of the cake and sides of the cake. Allow the cake to soak up the glaze, then repeat until every bit of glaze is used.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Nutrition
What’s the Best Way to Store Rum Cake?
You can keep this at room temperature if you will be eating this within a half day or so. However, the best way to store rum cake is in the refrigerator. Especially in warmer conditions. Keep it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If stored properly, it can last for several days. However, if you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it.
Actually, we find that if we store it in the refrigerator, it is better the next day. Letting the cake sit overnight lets the flavors have time to meld and develop. It results in a more cohesive and balanced taste. Additionally, the cake may become even more moist and tender as it absorbs the glaze.
To freeze rum cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can store individual slices in airtight containers or freezer bags. When properly stored, rum cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen rum cake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can bring it to room temperature before serving or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance its flavors.
Food Gift for the Holidays
Rum cake, with its rich flavors and buttery glaze, makes a truly extraordinary food gift during the holidays. Its unique taste and indulgent texture offer a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of the season. Whether shared with loved ones or given as a token of appreciation, each slice of homemade rum cake carries with it the warmth and joy of the holidays, making it a cherished gift that will be savored and remembered long after the festivities have ended.
Here are a few other delicious recipes for you to try.
Easy and Delicious Cake for the Holidays