Best 2 Jamaican Black Christmas Cake Recipes

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## Jamaican Black Christmas Cake: A Taste of Tradition and Warmth for the Holidays ##

Indulge in the rich, dark, and flavorful Jamaican Black Christmas Cake, a delectable treat that holds a special place in Jamaican culinary traditions. This iconic cake is synonymous with the holiday season, enjoyed by families and friends as they gather to celebrate. Immerse yourself in the symphony of flavors that this cake offers, from the moist and dense texture to the aromatic blend of spices, dried fruits, and rum. Discover the art of crafting this beloved cake with our carefully curated collection of recipes, each offering unique variations and insights into the Jamaican Black Christmas Cake experience. From the classic recipe to gluten-free and vegan adaptations, find the perfect recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Embark on a culinary journey through Jamaican tradition and create memories that will last a lifetime with every bite of this delectable masterpiece.

Let's cook with our recipes!

JAMAICAN BLACK CAKE (CHRISTMAS RUM CAKE)



Jamaican Black Cake (Christmas Rum Cake) image

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

2 cups soaked fruit mixture ((650g))
1/4 cup fortified or port wine (e.g. Red Label wine)
1/4 cup white rum (e.g. Wray and Nephew's)
1/4 tsp Angostura bitters (optional)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened ((227g))
1 cup packed brown sugar ((220g))
6 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime) ((30mL))
zest of 1 lime
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp mixed essence
1/2 tsp rose water
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted ((275g))
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp mixed spice
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp browning or burnt sugar
1/4 cup fortified or port wine (e.g. Red Label wine)
1/4 cup white rum (e.g. Wray and Nephew's)

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.

JAMAICAN BLACK CAKE



Jamaican Black Cake image

Provided by Daisann Mclane

Categories     dessert

Time 2h

Yield One 9-inch cake

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups mixed dried fruit (equal parts raisins, currants, prunes and dried cherries)
1 cup Guinness stout
1/4 cup muscatel or fruit-flavored brandy
1/2 to 3/4 cup dark West Indian rum (preferably Appleton, Old Oak or Cockspur)
6 ounces butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 large or 3 medium eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 tablespoons burnt-sugar coloring (available at West Indian markets; see note)
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

Steps:

  • Place the dried fruit in a glass or ceramic bowl and cover with the Guinness stout, the muscatel or brandy and 1/4 cup of the rum. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 days (and up to several weeks -- the preferred method). Check the mixture every other day: if the fruit has soaked up all the liquor, add another splash of rum or stout and stir.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grind the fruit mixture to a mushy pulp in a blender or food processor. Measure out 2 cups of the mixture and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
  • Add the vanilla, nutmeg and burnt-sugar coloring; mix well
  • In another bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder
  • Add, alternately, the fruit mixture and dry ingredients to the batter, mixing until just incorporated after each addition. Do not beat.
  • Pour the batter into a 9-by-1 1/2-inch deep round pan and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  • While the cake is still warm, splash the remaining 1/4 cup of rum over the top. Let cool. The finished cake is quite moist, almost like an English plum pudding. It is at its best when served a day or two after baking, and it will last for two weeks or more if kept in the refrigerator and occasionally topped up with rum.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your cake. Look for fresh, ripe fruit, good-quality spices, and dark chocolate.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake in a slow oven. This will help to prevent it from drying out.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Store the cake in a cool, dry place. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Jamaican black Christmas cake is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for the holiday season. With its rich, dark flavor and moist texture, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. If you're looking for a special dessert to make this Christmas, give Jamaican black Christmas cake a try. You won't be disappointed.

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