This is a traditional Jamaican black cake, also known as rum cake. This rich, moist cake is an important part of Jamaican culture and tradition, commonly made for holidays, weddings, and special occasions. The recipe uses generous amounts of butter, sugar, eggs, and rum-soaked dried fruits, combined with flour and breadcrumbs, and flavored with vanilla, burnt sugar, cinnamon, and allspice.
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Adapted from a video by Deddy's Kitchen
How to make THE BEST Jamaican BLACK RUM CAKE! | Deddy’s Kitchen
Lasco browningadjust to desired cake color~2 tbspest.
burnt sugar syruphomemade caramel can be used~¼ cupsest.
allspiceground pimento~1 tspest.
hot waterfor water bath~6-8 cupsest.
Steps
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1
Remove unsalted butter from the refrigerator the night before and bring to room temperature. Place 3 lbs of butter and 6 cups of granulated sugar in a mixer bowl.
2
Mix the butter and sugar in the mixer until light, pale, and smooth, about 30 minutes.
3
Butter the inside and sides of baking pans using the reserved butter paper, then lightly dust with flour, tapping to coat evenly. Shake out excess flour.
4
Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, allowing each egg to incorporate before adding the next. Use a hand mixer or whisk by hand, mixing until fully combined.
5
Zest one lime and add to the batter to remove any raw egg taste.
6
In a separate bowl, combine 6 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1.5 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 3 cups breadcrumbs.
7
Fold the dry ingredients into the egg-butter mixture in three batches using a cutting motion, incorporating three scoops at a time and stirring gently to keep air incorporated.
8
Use the pre-soaked fruit mixture (raisins, currants, prunes, mixed dried fruits, cherries) that has been soaking in red wine and rum for at least two weeks. Blend a portion lightly with some wine and rum, keeping some whole fruit pieces intact.
9
Pour the prepared fruit mixture into the cake batter while stirring to incorporate fully. Repeat with additional batches of blended fruit as desired.