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Black Cake Recipe

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Black Cake is a traditional Caribbean dessert known for its dark color, dense texture, and rich flavor from rum-soaked fruits and aromatic spices. It’s especially popular during the holidays and special occasions.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (plus soaking time)
  • Yield: 12 to 16 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Caribbean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, prunes, currants, cherries)
  • 1 cup dark rum
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond essence
  • 2 tbsp browning (burnt sugar)
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried fruits in dark rum and red wine for at least overnight, preferably a few weeks. Blend into a thick paste.
  2. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line cake pans.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  4. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract, almond essence, lime zest, orange zest, and browning.
  6. Add blended fruit mixture and mix until well combined.
  7. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients to form a smooth, thick batter.
  8. Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for about 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Brush the top with more rum or wine to maintain moisture.

Notes

  • Soak fruits well in advance for a deeper flavor.
  • Can substitute fruit juice for alcohol for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Store in an airtight container and refresh with rum every few days.
  • Make ahead of time for more developed flavors.
  • Mini cakes can be made using muffin tins.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/black-cake-recipe/