In the heart of Caribbean culture, a cherished holiday tradition comes alive with the irresistible aroma of Caribbean Christmas Cake, also fondly known as Black Cake. This delectable creation is a symphony of flavors, textures, and history, passed down through generations and enjoyed in various Caribbean islands. With its dark, rich appearance and complex blend of spices, dried fruits, and rum, the Black Cake is a true centerpiece of Caribbean Christmas celebrations.
Embark on a culinary journey with our carefully curated collection of recipes, each representing a unique take on this timeless classic. Discover the secrets of мастеров who infuse their cakes with the warmth of nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove, while others balance the sweetness with a hint of molasses or tangy citrus zest. Whether you prefer a velvety smooth cake or one with a delightful fruity texture, our recipes cater to every taste and preference.
Immerse yourself in the tradition of soaking dried fruits in rum, a process that imparts a symphony of flavors and creates a moist, succulent cake. Learn the art of creating the perfect caramelized sugar syrup, adding a touch of sophistication and glamour to your masterpiece. Explore variations that incorporate coconut, pineapple, or cherries, adding a tropical twist to this beloved dessert.
With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, our recipes empower you to recreate this iconic cake in the comfort of your own kitchen. Join us on this culinary adventure as we delve into the world of Caribbean Christmas Cake, a testament to the region's rich heritage and culinary artistry.
JAMAICAN BLACK CAKE (CHRISTMAS RUM CAKE)
Even though there are many variations of this spiced fruit cake, no Caribbean home during the Christmas season is the same without it. Dark and rich in flavour, black cake is a made from an array of dried fruit such as raisins, cherries, and prunes, that are soaked for a long period of time before baking.
Provided by Monique Creary
Categories Dessert
Time 1h50m
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Make sure that your fruit mixture has been soaking for at least 3-4 days before adding to the cake mixture. If your fruits are whole, add the mix to the blender or food processor with the wine and rum and blend until they turn into a paste (adding the extra alcohol will help with this process). Mix in your Angostura bitters if desired. Set aside.
- Prepare two, 8-inch cake pans by greasing them with butter, as well as lining with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- For the batter: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate container, crack the eggs. Whisk in the lime juice. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream together your softened butter and brown sugar in a large bowl for about 5-10 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Slowly, add the egg to the butter mixture, beating with each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the lime zest, vanilla, mixed essence, rose water to the wet ingredients, and continue to mix.
- Add in the macerated fruit mixture a little bit at a time, until combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and fold in using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir in the browning a tablespoon at a time to achieve the desired colour (usually dark-brown).
- Evenly divide the batter into the prepared cake pans. To ensure that the cake remains moist when baking, add a roasting pan with water to the bottom rack of the oven. Place cakes on the racks right above, and bake for 70-80 minutes.
- Remove cakes from the oven once done (a toothpick or a knife inserted in the centre should come out clean), and let rest in pan for 5 minutes. Brush the tops of the cakes with a couple tablespoons of the mixture of wine and rum. Once cool enough to handle, remove cakes from pan and brush with remaining wine/rum mixture. Wait at least several hours before serving.
BLACK CAKE (CARIBBEAN RUM SOAKED FRUIT CAKE)
This beloved rum soaked fruit cake is rich, perfectly spiced, and decadent. You'll find yourself having a little piece each day until it's gone!
Provided by Alica
Time 1h30m
Number Of Ingredients 27
Steps:
- Wash and dry all fruits. Mix together in a large bowl. Place fruits a little at a time in a food processor, food mill, or ninja blender. Add enough wine to grind fruits to a paste. Repeat process until fruits have been macerated. Fruit mixture should not be too watery. Add 3-4 cups dark rum. Stir and let mixture soak at minimum one week or even one year+. Adding more wine or rum periodically.
- If using store-bought burnt sugar, skip this step. Place sugar in a small saucepan. On low heat turn sugar with a spoon until it begins to caramelize. Once dark brown, add wine and remove from heat. Let cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 275 or 300 degrees F.
- Line 3-8in or 2-9in baking pans with parchment paper. Trim paper and set aside.
- Bring eggs and butter to room temperature.
- Crack eggs into a separate bowl one at a time, Remove little white membrane from each egg (optional). Beat in zests, vanilla, almond, and mixed essence. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Set aside.
- In deep mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until pale. Add eggs a little at a time. Blend well.
- Of the macerated fruit mixture, add 1 1/2 lbs (3 heaping cups) a little at a time, continue blending.
- Add flour mixture a little at a time- fold in with a spatula. Add 1 tbsp burnt sugar at a time until desired color is achieved. If using store bought burnt sugar, 4 tbsp should suffice for a very dark cake. Mix well.
- Pour batter into lined cake pans.
- Bake anywhere from 275-300 degrees F for 80-90 minutes. When cake come out of oven, pour alcohol mixture on top. When cool, cover cake with plastic wrap. Flavor is best after a few days.
JAMAICAN BLACK CAKE
Steps:
- Add the dates, figs, 1 cup of the port, 1 cup of the rum, the almonds, brandied cherries with their liquid, currants, candied orange peel, prunes and dark and golden raisins to a food processor. Process this mixture until the dried fruit is broken down into smaller chunks. Stir in the orange juice. Allow it to soak in the rum for at least 2 hours 30 minutes, but preferably for 2 to 3 days.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 cake pans and line them with brown or wax paper.
- In a stand mixer, combine the butter, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, molasses, browning and eggs. Slowly add the rum-soaked fruit to the mixer a little at a time and mix to combine all of the ingredients.
- Divide the cake batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes in a water bath by filling a large roasting pan halfway up with water and then setting the cake pans inside. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining port and rum on top of the cakes and let them cool. These cakes will last for days stored in parchment paper and plastic wrap and for weeks when frozen.
CARIBBEAN CHRISTMAS CAKE (KNOWN AS BLACK CAKE)
I have never made this recipe; posted in response to a request. I worked with a woman from Guyana many years ago, and she brought a Black Cake to a Christmas party one year; it was fabulous!
Provided by Lennie
Categories Dessert
Time 1h50m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F; spray a nine-inch cake pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, vanilla and browning until soft and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients.
- In a third bowl, beat the eggs with the rum.
- Add egg mixture to butter mixture and thoroughly combine, then stir in zest, fruit and nuts.
- Fold in flour mixture; do not overbeat.
- Put batter into prepared pan and bake in preheated oven for approximately 90 minutes, or until cake tests done; may need longer.
- Remove cake from pan when cool.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
- Sift the dry ingredients together before adding them to the wet ingredients.
- Mix until just combined, overmixing can result in a tough cake.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- For a moister cake, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and let it rest for 24 hours before serving.
- Feel free to get creative with your frosting and decorations! Pipe swirls, add sprinkles, or top with fresh fruit for a festive presentation.
Conclusion:
A Caribbean Christmas cake, also known as black cake, is a rich and flavorful fruit cake that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a traditional part of the Christmas celebration in many Caribbean countries, and it can also be found in other parts of the world. This cake is made with a variety of ingredients, including dried fruits, nuts, spices, and rum. It is typically baked in a bundt pan, and it is often frosted with a cream cheese or buttercream frosting. Caribbean Christmas cake is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for any holiday gathering. With its unique flavor and texture, it is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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