While this famous Caribbean black cake has numerous variations, it’s pretty straightforward. I can’t claim that this recipe is the original, but I can say that it will BLOW YOU AWAY. So if you have to have your traditional fruit cake for Christmas, this will fill the bill. Plus, you’ll fill the house with warm Christmasy aromas once this fancy boozy cake takes center stage. Every forkful of this Caribbean Black Cake is indulgent bliss. Everyone will be surprised that this deep rich color doesn’t have a speck of chocolate. You can make the chocolate cake for Valentine’s.😉
Recipe Ingredients
This Caribbean black cake recipe is so versatile that you can vary the amounts and types of dried fruits and spices depending on your preference.
How to Make Caribbean Fruit Cake
Soak the Fruits
Chop Fruits – Start by chopping all the fruits into little chunks, then place them in a large bowl. (Photo 1)Soak in Alcohol – Pour rum and wine into the bowl of fruit, and then add enough rum or wine to cover the fruits. Cover and leave in a cool place for two days, so it soaks up the alcohol. If you let it soak for more than two days, you may need to add more rum. (Photos 2-3)Blend – Pour the soaked fruit with any remaining liquids into a blender and blend until it has a paste-like consistency.
Make the Cake
Grease the Pan – Preheat your oven to 160°C/325°F. Grease and line the cake pan with baking parchment.Whisk – Cream the butter and sugar at high speed until it’s fluffy and looks white, 3-5 minutes. (Photo 4)Add Eggs and Flour – Stir in the eggs, one at a time, beating the mixture well between each one and adding a tablespoon of the flour with the last egg to prevent the batter from curdling. (Photo 5)Combine – Sift in the rest of the flour and baking powder, followed by browning sauce, molasses, almond and vanilla extract, spices, and nutmeg. Mix the batter and then add the fruit blend and lime zest. (Photos 6-9)Finishing Touch – Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl. (Photos 10-11)Bake – Pour batter into a greased 10-inch cake pan. Bake until a cake tester comes out clean, about 2 hours. (Photo 12)Add More Good Stuff – If desired, poke the cake with a toothpick, then brush it with about ¼ cup rum or sweet wine while it’s still hot. Let the cake soak up the rum.Cool – Let it cool completely before serving.Store – If desired, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wax or parchment paper. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can soak the fruit in rum and wine for a week to a month before to let all the flavors meld. Hardcore Caribbean Black Cake makers soak the fruit for up to a year; oh my! Remember to add more alcohol as needed so the fruit is completely submerged in the liquid. Then you can bake the cake with the fruit up to three months or longer ahead.
Serving and Storage Instructions
I prefer eating this cake firm and cold paired with my favorite cocktail. Because, you know, booze! Add cherries or other fruits on top for extra design and flavor. Store the cake properly in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic. It will keep for four days at room temperature, six weeks in the fridge, and six months in the freezer. You can also feed the cake with rum or brandy to keep it moist and extend its shelf life.
What to Serve with Caribbean Black Cake
Let’s kickstart this party with more comforting drinks! Are you with me? Oh yesss!
MimosaStrawberry MargaritaPeach BelliniPassion Fruit MargaritaPina ColadaSorrel Drink
More Boozy Dessert Recipes to Try
Rum CakeChocolate Rum Marble CakeRum Glazed PineappleBread Pudding with Rum SauceRum Raisin Pineapple Ice Cream
Conclusion
Enjoy the deep, dark flavor of spiked Caribbean black fruit cake for the holidays. Would you like more classic holiday recipes? Then sign up for my newsletter and stay up to date.❤️
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”4CXoThNJ” upload-date=”2020-11-03T13:48:12.000Z” name=”Caribbean Black Cake” description=”Caribbean Black Cake – wedding cake, Christmas cake, fruit cake, rum cake, however, you want to call this cake, this cake is one of those uniquely highly indulgent cakes of all cake. Deep dark, rich, and boozy cake packed with dried fruits and warm spices; enough to melt your heart and please your palate!” player-type=”collapse” override-embed=”false”] This blog post was originally published in March 2018 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.