Moist Rum Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a birthday celebration. This classic Rum Cake recipe yields a tender, moist cake with a perfectly balanced rum flavor that makes it an irresistible treat. The combination of rich butter, dark rum, and a luscious syrup glaze creates a cake that is not only delicious but also incredibly moisture-rich. Let’s dive into this wonderful recipe that truly embodies comfort and indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Moist Rum Cake
This Moist Rum Cake is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, its delicious rum cake with moist texture offers a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other desserts. Second, it’s easy to make at home, making it an easy moist rum cake recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Third, the cake stays moist for days, perfect for those who want to enjoy it over time. Additionally, it can be customized with nuts for added crunch, making it a moist rum cake with nuts. Finally, it’s a traditional recipe that brings nostalgia and warmth to any gathering.
Ingredients for Moist Rum Cake
Gather these items:
- 3⅔ cups cake flour (440g)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (170g)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (60ml)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 egg yolks, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup dark rum (180ml)
- ½ cup whole milk (120ml)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 2 tablespoons water
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup dark rum (60ml)
How to Make Moist Rum Cake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or tube pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Step 4: Beat in the vegetable oil, eggs, and egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and dark rum until combined.
- Step 5: Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for approximately 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: While the cake bakes, combine the unsalted butter, sugar, water, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers gently for 3-4 minutes, forming a glossy syrup. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining ¼ cup dark rum.
- Step 8: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. While still warm, poke small holes all over the cake using a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the warm rum syrup evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Step 9: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Slice and serve, enjoying the moist, flavorful rum-infused cake.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Moist Rum Cake
Keep these in mind:
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Avoid over-mixing the batter to ensure a soft texture.
- For added flavor, consider using a mix of dark and spiced rum.
Best Ways to Serve Moist Rum Cake
Here are a few delightful serving ideas:
- Pair with whipped cream and fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
How to Store and Reheat Moist Rum Cake
To store your cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to reheat, simply slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. The moist rum cake from scratch can last up to a week, making it great for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moist Rum Cake
What’s the secret to perfect Moist Rum Cake?
The secret lies in the quality of ingredients and ensuring that you do not over-mix the batter. This will result in a soft rum cake recipe that retains its moisture.
Can I make Moist Rum Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it a day or two in advance for the best results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Moist Rum Cake?
Common mistakes include not measuring ingredients accurately or opening the oven door too often while baking. Ensure you follow the recipe closely for the best results.
Variations of Moist Rum Cake You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Incorporate dried fruits for extra sweetness and flavor.
- Swap out dark rum for coconut rum for a tropical twist.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Gingerbread Tiramisu or Honey Roasted Root Vegetables.

For more tips on baking, consider reading about Cranberry Custard Pie and Peppermint Christmas Float.
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Moist Rum Cake: The Best Recipe for a Rich Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Rum Cake recipe yields a tender, moist cake with a perfectly balanced rum flavor that makes it an irresistible treat for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 3⅔ cups cake flour (440g)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (170g)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (60ml)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 egg yolks, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup dark rum (180ml)
- ½ cup whole milk (120ml)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 2 tablespoons water
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup dark rum (60ml)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or tube pan to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Beat in the vegetable oil, eggs, and egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and dark rum until combined.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for approximately 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, combine the unsalted butter, sugar, water, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers gently for 3-4 minutes, forming a glossy syrup. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining ¼ cup dark rum.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. While still warm, poke small holes all over the cake using a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the warm rum syrup evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Slice and serve, enjoying the moist, flavorful rum-infused cake.
Notes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 572
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
