Indulge in a slice of homemade butter rum cake that is soaked in rich rum and topped with a buttery glaze. This cake is perfect for celebrations or simply as a delightful treat.
Some ingredients in this recipe may not be common in every household pantry. Ensure to pick up pecans, light brown sugar, orange zest, and rum from the supermarket. These elements are crucial to achieving the cake's unique flavor and texture.
Ingredients for Homemade Butter Rum Cake
Pecans: Adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the cake.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cake.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
Light brown sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the flavors.
Orange zest: Offers a fresh, citrusy note.
Large eggs: Adds structure and richness.
Full fat sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
Rum: Adds a distinct, rich flavor to the cake.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the ingredients.
Confectioners’ sugar: Used in the icing for a smooth finish.
One reader, Joela Bethel says:
This homemade butter rum cake is divine. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the subtle hint of rum makes it irresistible. The pecans add a delightful crunch, and the butter rum icing is the perfect finishing touch. A must-try for any dessert lover!
Techniques Required for Making Homemade Butter Rum Cake
How to zest an orange: Use a fine grater or a zester to remove the outer layer of the orange peel, avoiding the white pith underneath, which is bitter.
How to cream butter and sugar: Beat the butter and sugar together using a handheld or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
How to mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing and ensure a smooth batter.
How to invert a bundt cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 45 minutes to 2 hours, then place a wire rack or serving dish over the top of the bundt pan and flip it over to release the cake.
How to make butter rum icing: Melt the butter and combine it with rum, vanilla extract, salt, and confectioners’ sugar, stirring until smooth.
How To Make Homemade Butter Rum Cake
A buttery, moist homemade rum cake filled with brown sugar, orange, and butter rum glaze that doesn’t fail to surprise whether warm or cold!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupPecans,finely chopped
- 3cupsall-purpose flour,spoon and leveled
- 2½tspbaking powder
- 1½tspsalt
- 1½cupsunsalted butter,(3 sticks) softened to room temperature
- 1cuplight brown sugar,or dark, packed
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- 1tbsporange zest,(from about half an orange)
- 5large eggs,room temperure
- ½cupfull fat sour cream,at room temperature
- 2tsppure vanilla extract
- ½cuprum or spiced rum
- ⅓cupmilk,at room temperature
For Butter Rum Icing:
- 3tbspunsalted butter
- 2tbsprum or spiced rum
- ¼tsppure vanilla extract
- ⅛tspsalt,a bit less
- 1cupconfectioners’ sugar
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 10-inch bundt pan. Spoon pecans evenly into the bundt pan.
Rum Cake:
-
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment beat the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and orange zest together for about 2 minutes until creamed.
-
Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla and beat on medium speed until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. The mixture will look curdled; that’s okay – it will come together when the dry ingredients are added.
-
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and begin mixing on low speed. As the mixer runs, slowly pour in the rum and milk. Turn the mixer up to medium speed and beat until the batter is completely combined. Batter is thick.
-
Pour/spoon the cake batter evenly over the pecans.
-
Bake for about 55 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean with just a couple of lightly moist crumbs. This is a large, heavy cake so don’t be alarmed if it takes a little longer in your oven.
-
Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 45 minutes to 2 hours inside the pan. Then, invert the slightly cooled bundt cake onto a wire rack or serving dish; glaze and serve it while warm, or wait for it to cool completely.
Butter Rum Icing:
-
Melt the butter with the rum in a small saucepan over medium heat. If using the microwave, melt the butter in the microwave, then stir in the rum. Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and confectioners’ sugar.
-
Drizzle warm glaze over cake before slicing and serving. Glaze quickly thickens and sets as it cools. If desired, serve with maraschino cherries.
Recipe Notes
Cover leftover cake tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Calories: 599.30kcal
- Fat: 36.23g
- Saturated Fat: 18.84g
- Trans Fat: 1.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.41g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.38g
- Carbohydrates: 56.38g
- Fiber: 1.69g
- Sugar: 31.05g
- Protein: 7.31g
- Cholesterol: 151.80mg
- Sodium: 355.64mg
- Calcium: 129.81mg
- Potassium: 145.13mg
- Iron: 2.27mg
- Vitamin A: 272.04µg
- Vitamin C: 0.86mg
Helpful Technique for Making Homemade Butter Rum Cake
To ensure a moist and flavorful butter rum cake, make sure to cream the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and orange zest thoroughly. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture. Additionally, when adding the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in a dense cake.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Butter Rum Cake
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the baking process.
Use a food processor: Chop pecans quickly and evenly using a food processor instead of doing it by hand.
Room temperature butter: Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
Microwave zesting: Microwave the orange for a few seconds to make zesting easier and faster.
One-bowl method: Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another to minimize cleanup time.
Cooling rack: Use a cooling rack to speed up the cooling process before glazing.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Butter Rum Cake Recipe
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar texture and nutty flavor, making them a great alternative.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with cake flour: Cake flour will make the cake lighter and more tender, though the texture will be slightly different.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1 part baking soda and 2 parts cream of tartar to achieve the same leavening effect.
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar fat content.
light brown sugar - Substitute with dark brown sugar: Dark brown sugar has more molasses, giving a richer flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest provides a similar citrusy aroma and flavor.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water per egg for a vegan alternative.
full fat sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a similar consistency and tangy flavor.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste provides a more intense vanilla flavor.
rum - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice provides a non-alcoholic option with a sweet flavor.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative with a slightly nutty flavor.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a richer flavor.
rum - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a sweet, complex flavor without alcohol.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor.
confectioners’ sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar blended into a powder: Blending granulated sugar creates a similar texture.
Presenting Your Homemade Butter Rum Cake
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the butter rum cake into elegant, thin slices to highlight its richness. Place a single slice on a pristine white plate to create a striking contrast.
Use decoration: Garnish each slice with a few toasted pecans and a delicate twist of orange zest to echo the flavors within the cake.
Add a sauce: Drizzle a fine line of the butter rum icing around the plate, creating an artistic swirl that complements the cake's flavors.
Incorporate fresh elements: Add a small cluster of fresh berries or a sprig of mint to the side of the cake slice to introduce a burst of color and freshness.
Use a unique serving dish: Present the cake on a textured or patterned plate to add visual interest and elevate the overall presentation.
Create height: Stack two thin slices of the cake slightly offset from each other to add dimension and height to the presentation.
Add a touch of luxury: Lightly dust the plate with confectioners’ sugar or edible gold leaf to give the dessert a luxurious finish.
Serve with a complementary beverage: Pair the dessert with a small glass of spiced rum or a well-chosen dessert wine to enhance the flavors and create a complete dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Butter Rum Cake
Oven: Used to bake the cake at the specified temperature of 350 degrees F.
Bundt pan: A 10-inch bundt pan is essential for giving the cake its characteristic shape and ensuring even baking.
Mixing bowls: Large bowls are needed for mixing dry and wet ingredients separately.
Handheld mixer: Useful for creaming the butter, sugars, and orange zest together.
Stand mixer: An alternative to the handheld mixer, fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment for mixing ingredients.
Spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring out the flour, sugars, sour cream, rum, and milk.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
Whisk: Used to combine the dry ingredients together evenly.
Saucepan: Needed for melting the butter with the rum for the butter rum icing.
Microwave: An alternative to the saucepan for melting butter.
Wire rack: Used for cooling the cake after it has been baked.
Toothpick: Useful for testing the doneness of the cake.
Serving dish: For presenting the cake once it has been glazed.
Small bowl: Needed for mixing the butter rum icing.
Spoon: Useful for spooning the cake batter into the bundt pan and for drizzling the icing over the cake.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Butter Rum Cake
Allow the butter rum cake to cool completely before storing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also place the wrapped cake in an airtight container for extra protection.
Store the wrapped cake at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
If you want to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it:
- Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze the cake for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw the frozen butter rum cake:
- Remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours.
- Once thawed, remove the wrapping and let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
If you have already glazed the cake, it's best to store it in the refrigerator due to the butter in the glaze. Let the glazed cake come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
If you plan to freeze a glazed cake, place it uncovered in the freezer for about an hour to let the glaze harden, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before storing it in the freezer.
How To Reheat Leftover Butter Rum Cake
The best way to reheat leftover butter rum cake is to wrap individual slices in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the cake's moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Another option is to microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds, or until warm. To prevent the cake from becoming soggy, place a damp paper towel over the slice before microwaving.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can also warm up a slice of butter rum cake in a toaster oven. Place the slice on a toaster oven tray and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
If you want to reheat a larger portion of the cake, you can place it in a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and reheat it in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
To add a touch of extra flavor and moisture to your reheated butter rum cake, you can brush a small amount of rum or simple syrup over the surface of the cake before reheating it in the oven or microwave.
Interesting Fact About Butter Rum Cake
A unique aspect of this homemade butter rum cake recipe is the use of pecans at the bottom of the bundt pan. As the cake bakes, the pecans become toasted and caramelized, adding a delightful crunch and flavor contrast to the moist cake.
Is Making Butter Rum Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade butter rum cake recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter are common pantry staples, while the rum and pecans might be pricier. Given the rich flavors and festive nature, it offers good value for special occasions. Overall Verdict: 7/10. Approximate cost in USD for a household of 4 people: $15-$20.
Is Butter Rum Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This butter rum cake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The cake is high in calories, fat, and sugar, with ingredients like butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and sour cream contributing to its rich flavor and texture. The addition of rum also adds empty calories to the recipe. The pecans provide some healthy fats and nutrients, but they are not enough to offset the overall unhealthy nature of the cake.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter and sugar used in the recipe, or replace some of the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or applesauce
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content
- Replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Incorporate more nutritious ingredients like grated carrots or zucchini into the batter to add moisture and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of rum used in the recipe, or replace it with a non-alcoholic alternative like rum extract
- Serve smaller portions of the cake and pair it with fresh fruit or a light yogurt topping to balance out the richness
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this classic dessert that still satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals.
Editor's Opinion on This Butter Rum Cake Recipe
This homemade butter rum cake recipe is a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures. The pecans add a satisfying crunch, while the combination of butter, brown sugar, and orange zest creates a deeply aromatic base. The use of rum infuses the cake with a warm, spiced undertone that pairs beautifully with the buttery icing. The detailed instructions ensure a moist, dense cake, perfect for special occasions. The icing, with its quick-setting nature, adds a final touch of elegance. Overall, this recipe promises a decadent dessert that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Enhance Your Homemade Butter Rum Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Butter Rum Cake
Why trust this Homemade Butter Rum Cake Recipe:
This homemade butter rum cake recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. With a rich blend of pecans, rum, and orange zest, it promises a delightful flavor profile. The detailed instructions ensure a foolproof baking process, while the butter rum icing adds a luxurious finish. Trust this recipe for its balance of moistness and texture, making it perfect for any occasion.
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