How to make Jamaican Black Cake
Jamaican Black Cake, also known as Christmas Cake, is a rich and flavorful dessert that is traditionally enjoyed on special occasions in Jamaica. Made with rum-soaked fruits, aromatic spices, and a dark, moist cake base, this cake is a delightful treat that will impress your friends and family. This cake has become a beloved symbol of celebration and tradition on the island.
Origins of Jamaican Black Cake
Jamaican Black Cake has its roots in the traditions of the British and African communities in Jamaica. It draws inspiration from the British fruitcake, which was introduced during the colonial era. However, Jamaicans added their unique twist to the recipe, incorporating local ingredients and techniques.
Cultural Significance
Jamaican Black Cake is deeply intertwined with celebrations and special occasions, most notably Christmas and weddings. It is a centerpiece of Jamaican holiday feasts, where families gather to enjoy this indulgent treat. The cake is often made in advance, allowing the flavors to develop over time, making it a cherished part of the festive season.
Ingredients and Preparation
The key to Jamaican Black Cake lies in its ingredients and preparation method. The cake is made with a variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and prunes, that are soaked in rum for several days to infuse them with flavor. Aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are added to enhance the richness of the cake. Molasses and browning sauce are used to give the cake its signature dark color.
Evolution of Jamaican Black Cake
The key to Jamaican Black Cake lies in its ingredients and preparation method. The cake is made with a variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and prunes, that are soaked in rum for several days to infuse them with flavor. Aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are added to enhance the richness of the cake. Molasses and browning sauce are used to give the cake its signature dark color.
Holiday Tradition
Jamaican Black Cake is deeply associated with Christmas celebrations in Jamaica. The cake is prepared weeks in advance, allowing the flavors to mature and intensify over time. Families come together to bake and share this special in cake during the festive season, making it a cherished part of Jamaican Christmas traditions.
Preserving Tradition
Despite the evolving variations, many Jamaicans continue to uphold the tradition of making Jamaican Black Cake using age-old family recipes. The process of soaking fruits in rum for an extended period and the meticulous blending of ingredients by hand are seen as essential steps in capturing the true essence of this beloved dessert.
Ingredients for Jamaican Black Cake
- Blended Fruits: Pulse the soaked fruit for about a minute in a blender. Don’t blend to fruit until smooth.
- Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum – to be added to fruit when pureeing.
- J. Wray & Nephew Red Label Wine ~ Red Label Wine is a Jamaican wine, is wine generally used in this recipe. However, any sweet dessert wine can be subbed. A great option is Taylor Port Wine.
- Butter, Flour, Eggs, Baking Powder ~ These are the basic cake ingredients that will give your cake structure. The breadcrumbs are added to keep this cake super moist.
- Lime and Orange ~ The zest of both and the juice of the lime will cut any rawness in the cake.
- Sugar ~ Sweetens is making it a dessert.
- Spice ~ Nutmeg, Cinnamon, and Allspice to name a few flavors of the cake.
- Extracts ~ Adds flavor to the cake.
- Molasses ~ This is burnt sugar with darkens the cake.
- Browning ~These are what turns your cake “black”.
How to Make Jamaican Black Cake
- Soak the dried fruits: In a bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits with the dark rum. Cover the bowl and let the fruits soak for at least 24 hours or up to a year for richer flavor.
- Prepare the cake batter: Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Sift the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
- Add the soaked fruits: Blend the soaked fruits until smooth. Fold the fruits into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
- Incorporate the rum and molasses: Gradually add the reserved rum from the soaked fruits and the molasses to the batter. Mix well to ensure everything is fully incorporated. If desired, add browning sauce for a deeper color.
- Bake the cake: Grease a round cake pan and you can line it with parchment paper but not necessary. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Pour 1/2 cup of J. Wray & Nephew Red Label wine overtop while hot and let it soak into the cake. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve slices of this delicious Jamaican Black Cake and enjoy!
Jamaican Black Cake FAQs
What is Jamaican black cake made of?
The cake is made with a variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and prunes, that are soaked in rum for several days or years to infuse them with flavor. Aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are added to enhance the richness of the cake. Molasses and browning sauce are used to give the cake its signature dark color.
What does Jamaican black cake taste like?
Why is it called black cake
It is called black cake because burnt sugar – known as “browning” is used in the dessert giving it that rich dark color.
Does black cake take place in Jamaica?
This cake, also known as Jamaican Christmas Cake or Jamaican Fruit Cake, has a long-standing history deeply intertwined with Jamaican culture and heritage.
How do you soak the fruit for Jamaican black cake?
To begin, Jamaican Black Cake includes raisins, currants, prunes, cherries, and mixed peel. Wash them thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. Next, chop the larger fruits, such as prunes or cherries, into smaller pieces. The soaking mixture is the key to infusing the fruits with rich flavors. In a large glass container or airtight jar, combine equal parts of dark rum and red wine. Fruits can be soaked for a lifetime!
Can black rum cake get you drunk?
Eating too much cake can get you a little intoxicated. But, the average person has 1-2 slices a day, which is not enough to get a person drunk.
What is the significance of the Black Cake in Jamaica?
Jamaican Black Cake is deeply associated with Christmas celebrations in Jamaica. The cake is prepared weeks in advance, allowing the flavors to mature and intensify over time.
What does black cake symbolize?
Families come together to bake and share this special cake during the festive season, making it a cherished part of Jamaican Christmas traditions.
What is the origin of the Jamaican black cake?
The origins of Jamaican Black Cake can be traced back to the African slave trade era. African slaves brought with them their culinary traditions, including the use of dried fruits, spices, and rum in their cakes. These ingredients formed the foundation of what we now know as Jamaican Black Cake.
What countries eat black cake?
Black cake is an essential part of the cuisine in English-speaking Caribbean countries like Jamaica, Trinidad, and Guyana. This is a traditional recipe of the Caribbean and is served for weddings and holidays like Christmas.
What Caribbean island is black cake?
Black cake is made among the Caribbean islands and is not only specific to Jamaica. Everyone has their version of the cake. The cake is made with a variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and prunes, that are soaked in rum for several days to infuse them with flavor. Aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are added to enhance the richness of the cake.
Serving & Storage Instructions and Frequently Asked Questions
If stored correctly, Jamaican black cake can last for YEARS! To store properly just wrap your Jamaican black cake in a rum-soaked towel or cheesecloth, then wrap it in cling wrap. Store the cake in a cool place or the refrigerator and keep it out of sunlight. You can also freeze it.
Does black cake expire?
This is a cake recipe that can be made in bulk, and black cake can keep for up to three months if you give it a generous “feed” of rum after it has been baked
How long does black cake last at room temperature?
Our Jamaican black cake can keep for up to 2 months at cool room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Refrigeration is not required, but will not hurt the quality of the cake.
Does Jamaican rum cake go bad?
Because of the rum in the cake, it can act as a preservative and can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for months and years in the refrigerator.
How long does Jamaican black cake keep? Do they need to be refrigerated?
This cake can last for years and since fruit cake gets better with age you can make it in advance. Store at room temperature away from sunlight for 3 months. Refrigerate for 6 months Or freeze it for years.
Should Jamaican black cake be refrigerated?
How long do black cakes last before expiring? Bake your Jamaican black cake for at least a month of the festive season. Also, because of the rum in the cake, it can act as a preservative and can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature, not in direct light. Spray it with rum and wine every four to six weeks for a more flavorful taste.
Here’s Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- It’s a Labour of Love – Jamaican Black Cake is a labor of love, but the result is well worth it. This rich and moist cake, filled with rum-soaked fruits and aromatic spices, is a true delight for the taste buds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a slice of Caribbean goodness, this recipe will surely impress. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of Jamaica right in your own home!
- Versatile: Make this cake with or without eggs, vegan, gluten-free, and even alcohol-free. This black cake recipe is easily adaptable to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.
- More Than Just a Dessert – Black Cake is a reflection of the rich history and cultural heritage of Jamaica. It embodies the fusion of British and African culinary traditions with local ingredients, resulting in a cake that is deeply loved and cherished. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or at weddings and special occasions, Jamaican Black Cake is a testament to the enduring traditions and flavors of the island.
More Jamaican Desserts You’ll Love
Jamaican Black Cake Pops Recipe
How to make Jamaican Cornmeal Pudding
Hummingbird Cake Recipe aka Doctor Bird Cake
Jamaican Plantain Tarts: A Delicious and Nutritious Treat
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” Psalms 43:5 NKJV
Wisdom
At times in life, we all can feel down. Things happen to us and we turn sad, get depressed, and don’t want to bother with life. But why should we feel this way when we have a God in heaven? We have Hope through it all. No matter what happens in life, Jesus is there, He is always there for us to call on.
He will be with us when we go through life. He will be there when we are betrayed and hurt by people. When you lose your job, or you lose a loved one, Jesus is there. He sees all things and He knows all things.
When we get to that place where it feels like life is hitting you hard, know that Jesus sees it, and we can call upon Him for help. He is our God and He will help us. Call on Him, hope in Him, praise Him, and He will lead you through all of life’s woes. Call on Jesus.
Jamaican Black Cake
Ingredients
Fruit Blend
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup cherries
- 1¼ cup dried prunes
Cake
- 2 sticks Salted Butter softened to room temperature
- 2 cups Dark Brown Sugar
- 5-6 Large Eggs room temperature
- 1 whole Lime Juice freshly squeezed
- ½ tbsp Lime Zest
- ½ tbsp Orange Zest
- ¼ tsp Ground Cloves
- 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Ground Allspice
- 2 cups of Flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 2 tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 tbsp Molasses
- 5-6 tbsp Browning
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2½ cups fruits pureed until smooth
- ¼ cup Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum add to fruits when pureeing
- ¼ cup J. Wray & Nephew Red Label Wine add to fruits when pureeing
Mixture to Spray or Pour Immediately After Baking and Spritz as Needed
- ¼ cup J. Wray & Nephew Red Label Wine and White Overproof Rum spritz cake every 4-5 days
Instructions
- Soak the dried fruits: In a bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits with the dark rum. Cover the bowl and let the fruits soak for at least 24 hours or up to a year for richer flavor.
- Prepare the cake batter: Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, lime zest, and orange zest one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Sift the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
- Add the soaked fruits: Blend the soaked fruits until smooth. Fold the fruits into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
- Incorporate the rum and molasses: Gradually add the reserved rum from the soaked fruits and the molasses to the batter. Mix well to ensure everything is fully incorporated. If desired, add browning sauce for a deeper color.
- Bake the cake: Grease a round cake pan and you can line it with parchment paper but not necessary. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Pour 1/4 cup of J. Wray & Nephew Red Label wine overtop while hot and let it soak into the cake. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve slices of this delicious Jamaican Black Cake and enjoy!
Equipment
- 1 9-inch spring form pan
Video
Nutrition
“Jerk Tavern is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
Leave a Reply