Rum Cake from Bahama Breeze features moist, golden yellow cake infused with rich Caribbean rum and studded with sweet raisins, topped with a glossy rum glaze that adds a luscious, sticky finish.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Cake pan (typically 9-inch round or Bundt)
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick or cake tester
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 cup (150g) raisins
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Caribbean dark rum
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
- For the rum glaze:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Caribbean dark rum
Using Caribbean dark rum ensures an authentic, rich flavor that defines the Rum Cake from Bahama Breeze, so avoid substituting with lighter rums for best results. Soaking the 1 cup (150g) raisins in 1/2 cup (120ml) rum imbues the cake with moist bursts of sweetness throughout. Measure the flour carefully using a sifter or fine mesh sieve combined with 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to achieve the perfect cake rise without heaviness. The rum glaze, made with equal parts unsalted butter and granulated sugar, provides the signature sticky, glossy finish that complements the moist golden cake. Your homemade Rum Cake from Bahama Breeze copycat will impress with its balanced sweetness and authentic Caribbean flair.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour cake pan.
- Soak raisins in 1/2 cup rum for at least 30 minutes.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
- Add flour mixture to wet ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour.
- Fold in soaked raisins and any remaining soaking rum.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top with spatula.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cake in pan on a rack for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto rack to cool completely.
- For glaze: In saucepan, melt butter, add sugar and water. Bring to boil, simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup rum.
- While cake is still warm, brush glaze generously over cake until absorbed and glossy.
Substitution
Rum Cake from Bahama Breeze copycat menu offers a moist, aromatic dessert soaked in Caribbean dark rum, giving it a distinct tropical flavor. If Caribbean rum is unavailable, you can substitute with spiced rum or aged white rum to maintain depth in taste. When raisins are not preferred, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots provide a similarly sweet and chewy texture. Your cake's moistness depends heavily on accurate measurement of wet ingredients, so using a kitchen scale or precise measuring cups is recommended. To ensure even baking, use a toothpick or cake tester to check the center before glazing with the rum mixture.
Tips
When soaking raisins in Caribbean dark rum, ensure they are fully submerged for at least 30 minutes to plump up and infuse with flavor. Use a sifter to combine dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg evenly, which helps maintain cake texture consistency. When folding soaked raisins and reserved rum into batter, do so gently to avoid deflating the mixture, preserving the cake's lightness. You should brush the warm cake with the rum glaze slowly and generously to achieve a glossy finish that deeply enhances moisture and flavor.
Nutritions
Rum Cake from Bahama Breeze provides a rich source of carbohydrates primarily from the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, offering quick energy for your body. The cake contains fat from unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and whole milk, contributing to its moist texture and satiety. Raisins add dietary fiber and natural sugars, along with small amounts of vitamins and minerals like iron and potassium. The inclusion of Caribbean dark rum in both the cake and glaze enhances flavor, but remember that it contributes a small amount of alcohol and additional calories to your dessert.
Storage
Store your Rum Cake from Bahama Breeze in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its moist texture and rich rum flavor for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before refrigerating, which can extend freshness for up to a week. To enjoy it at its best, allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving, enhancing the gooey rum glaze and tender crumb.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the Caribbean dark rum with spiced rum or aged rum to vary the flavor profile, giving your cake either a spicier or richer undertone. If raisins aren't preferred, try soaking chopped dried apricots or cherries in the rum for a fruity twist. For a lighter texture, replace half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour, which yields a more tender crumb. Using a Bundt pan instead of a round cake pan can create an elegant shape that holds more glaze, enhancing the sticky finish.
Allergies
Rum Cake from Bahama Breeze contains common allergens such as eggs, milk, and wheat, which can trigger reactions for individuals with egg, dairy, or gluten sensitivities. The presence of unsalted butter and whole milk may also be a concern if you have a lactose intolerance or dairy allergy. Raisins and rum do not typically cause allergies but could provoke sensitivities in rare cases.
Why this recipe?
Rum Cake from Bahama Breeze restaurant is celebrated for its moist texture infused with a rich, buttery flavor and a hint of Caribbean spiced rum, creating an irresistible dessert experience. The cake's perfectly balanced sweetness and aromatic rum soaking make it a standout choice for those who enjoy tropical-inspired treats. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this indulgent, island-flavored dessert at home, impressing guests with authentic Bahama Breeze flavors. Your kitchen can capture the essence of a popular restaurant favorite, making it worth the effort to replicate.