Buttered Rum Cake Recipe

The Unforgettable Buttered Rum Cake Recipe Everyone Adores

Rum’s magical essence transforms an ordinary buttered rum cake into a decadent winter celebration.

Sweet aromas drift through kitchens, promising comfort and joy.

Warm spices mingle with rich, golden liquor notes that dance across each tender crumb.

Soft butter and smooth rum create a luxurious backdrop for this classic dessert.

Memories of cozy evenings spark when you slice into this moist, fragrant treat.

Nostalgic flavors blend seamlessly, inviting everyone to savor each delightful bite.

One forkful promises to transport you to moments of pure indulgence.

What You’ll Need For Buttered Rum Cake

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A creamy ingredient that provides richness and helps create a soft, tender cake texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cake structure.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's smooth, uniform consistency.
  • Flour: The primary base that gives the cake its structure and tender crumb.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, soft cake batter.
  • Rum: Provides a distinctive flavor and adds depth to the cake's overall taste profile.
For the Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the rum and other ingredients.
For the Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar, Butter, Rum, Vanilla Extract: Create a smooth, flavorful glaze that adds moisture and extra rum-infused taste to the finished cake.

How To Bake Buttered Rum Cake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 325°F and lovingly coat a 9-inch bundt pan with butter, making sure every nook and cranny is protected.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter and sugar together until they transform into a cloud-like, fluffy dream that looks almost too good to mix further.

Step 3: Introduce the Eggs

Gently add eggs one by one, blending each completely to create a silky-smooth batter that promises a tender cake.

Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Crush any stubborn lumps to ensure a perfectly even mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the buttery mixture, alternating with splashes of milk and rum. Stir with a delicate touch to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 6: Enhance with Vanilla

Swirl in vanilla extract, spreading its magical flavor throughout the batter.

Step 7: Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into the waiting bundt pan, using a spatula to smooth the top into a perfect, even surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 9: Craft the Rum Glaze

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, creating a golden base for the glaze.

Step 10: Whisk the Glaze

Blend in:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Rum
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture becomes silky smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 11: Rest the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it relax in the pan for 10 minutes.

Step 12: Glaze and Unmold

Carefully flip the cake onto a serving plate and immediately drench it with the warm rum glaze, letting it soak into every delicious inch.

Step 13: Cool and Set

Allow the cake to cool completely, giving the glaze time to work its magic and infuse every bite with rich, rum-soaked flavor.

Step 14: Serve with Flair

Slice the cake and serve at room temperature. For an extra touch of elegance, dust with a light snow of powdered sugar.

Helpful Tips For Buttered Rum Cake

  • Select Premium Ingredients: Use high-quality butter, fresh eggs, and aged rum for a more robust and complex flavor profile in your cake.
  • Measure Precisely: Sift dry ingredients and level measurements to ensure a light, tender cake texture without dense or heavy results.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Mix batter gently and avoid overmixing to maintain a soft, delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
  • Glaze While Warm: Apply rum glaze immediately after baking to help the cake absorb maximum flavor and create a moist, decadent dessert.
  • Store Smartly: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to preserve its rich, rum-infused taste.

Fun Twists On Buttered Rum Cake

  • Citrus Rum Cake: Replace rum with orange or lemon juice, add citrus zest to batter for a bright, tangy flavor profile.
  • Coconut Rum Variation: Mix shredded coconut into the batter and use coconut rum for an island-inspired tropical version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same measurements and texture.
  • Spiced Rum Cake: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic winter-style cake that enhances the rum's depth.

Great Pairings For Buttered Rum Cake

  • Caramel Cappuccino Companion: Brew a rich, creamy cappuccino with caramel notes to mirror the cake's sweet rum undertones, creating a luxurious dessert experience that enhances the cake's warmth and depth.
  • Tropical Fruit Sorbet Sidekick: Serve a zesty passion fruit or mango sorbet alongside the cake, providing a refreshing, tangy contrast that cuts through the rum cake's richness and cleanses the palate.
  • Spiced Aged Rum Nightcap: Pour a smooth, aged rum with hints of vanilla and oak to amplify the cake's rum essence, offering a sophisticated alcohol-on-alcohol pairing that elevates the entire dessert moment.
  • Toasted Coconut Crunch Garnish

How To Store Buttered Rum Cake Correctly

  • Store leftover rum cake in an airtight container, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal the container completely to prevent moisture loss and preserve the cake's soft texture.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air pockets that could cause freezer burn.
  • Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Alternatively, place in the refrigerator overnight for a gradual, gentle thawing process that maintains the cake's moisture.

FAQs For Buttered Rum Cake

  • What makes the rum cake's texture so unique?

The careful mixing technique and gradual incorporation of ingredients create a light, tender crumb. The alternating method of adding dry ingredients and milk helps maintain an airy, soft texture that melts in your mouth.

  • How can I ensure my rum cake doesn't become dry?

Carefully follow the mixing instructions, avoid overmixing the batter, and use the toothpick test to prevent overbaking. The gradual folding technique and precise baking time help maintain the cake’s moisture.

  • Why is it important to cream butter and sugar thoroughly?

Creaming butter and sugar creates air pockets that make the cake light and fluffy. This process takes 3-4 minutes and is crucial for achieving the cake’s delicate, soft texture.

Why Buttered Rum Cake Is So Rich And Moist

  • Create Memorable Moments: This rum cake transforms ordinary gatherings into extraordinary celebrations with its luxurious flavor and stunning presentation.
  • Master Baking with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, the recipe offers straightforward steps that guarantee a professional-looking dessert without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for dinner parties, holiday events, or weekend treats, this cake appeals to adults with its sophisticated rum-infused profile and delightful texture.
  • Simple Ingredient Magic: Requires common pantry staples and minimal special equipment, making it an accessible recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Buttered Rum Cake Recipe

Buttered Rum Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet buttered rum cake whispers Caribbean comfort with rich, spirited layers of indulgence. Moist crumb infused with dark rum and warm spices promises a delectable escape that delights your senses.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Rum Flavoring:

  • 1/3 cup dark rum
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk

Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup dark rum
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and thoroughly grease a 9-inch bundt pan with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, uniform batter.
  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk and rum, stirring gently to maintain a soft, airy texture.
  6. Stir in vanilla extract, blending carefully to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the batter.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
  9. While the cake bakes, prepare the rum glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  10. Whisk in powdered sugar, rum, and vanilla extract until the glaze becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
  11. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  12. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate and immediately brush generously with the warm rum glaze.
  13. Allow the cake to cool completely, permitting the glaze to seep into the cake and enhance its rich, rum-infused flavor.
  14. Slice and serve at room temperature, optionally garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Prevent Cake Sticking by thoroughly greasing the bundt pan with softened butter, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered to guarantee easy cake removal.
  • Create Fluffy Texture by creaming butter and sugar for a full 3-4 minutes, which incorporates air and helps the cake rise beautifully with a tender crumb.
  • Enhance Rum Flavor by using high-quality dark rum for deeper, more complex taste notes that complement the cake’s sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs by substituting gluten-free flour blend and using dairy-free milk and butter alternatives to make the cake accessible for different dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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