Caribbean Coconut Rum Cake
CaribbeanDessert

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

This Caribbean Coconut Rum Cake is a beloved traditional dessert found throughout the islands, from Jamaica to Trinidad. The cake features freshly grated coconut folded into a tender butter cake batter, enhanced with warming spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. What makes this cake truly special is the generous soaking in dark rum syrup that keeps it incredibly moist for days. The rum not only adds depth of flavor but also acts as a natural preservative. Traditionally served at holidays, weddings, and special celebrations, this cake improves with age as the flavors meld together. The buttery rum glaze creates a glossy finish while adding extra moisture and sweetness. Each bite delivers tropical coconut flavor balanced with the warmth of Caribbean rum and aromatic spices. This one-pot wonder is baked in a single bundt pan, making cleanup easy while creating an impressive presentation.

Instructions

step by step
0/16 done
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly, ensuring all crevices are coated.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes using an electric mixer.

  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.

  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

  6. Fold in the grated coconut gently with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

  7. Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

  8. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

  9. While cake bakes, prepare the rum glaze: In a small saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves completely.

  10. Remove glaze from heat and carefully stir in dark rum. Set aside to cool slightly.

  11. When cake is done, remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes.

  12. Using a skewer or toothpick, poke holes all over the cake while still in the pan.

  13. Slowly pour half of the warm rum glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak in completely.

  14. Let cake cool for another 15 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

  15. Poke more holes in the top and sides of the cake, then pour remaining glaze over, letting it soak in.

  16. Allow cake to cool completely before serving. For best flavor, wrap tightly and let sit for 24 hours before serving.

Caribbean Coconut Rum Cake

4.5 (19)

A moist, decadent coconut cake infused with dark rum and soaked in a buttery rum glaze. This traditional Caribbean dessert combines tropical flavors with rich, indulgent sweetness perfect for celebrations.

medium
1h 20m
12 servings

Ingredients

0 of 10 checked

Cake Batter

  • 1 cups butter, softened
  • 3 cups flour, sifted
  • 4 pieces eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cups milk, whole milk preferred
  • 2 cups coconut, freshly grated or shredded
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla-extract
  • 1 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg, freshly grated if possible

Rum Glaze

  • 1/2 cups butter
  • 3/4 cups honey

Chef Tips

expert advice
For the most authentic flavor, use Caribbean dark rum such as Appleton Estate or Mount Gay.
The cake actually improves with age - it can be made up to a week ahead and the flavors will deepen beautifully.
If you prefer a less boozy cake, you can reduce the rum in the glaze by half and add more water.
Fresh coconut is ideal, but unsweetened shredded coconut works well too - just toast it lightly first for extra flavor.
Some bakers like to add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the batter for texture variation.
For an extra indulgent touch, serve slices with a dollop of rum-spiked whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The cake can also be baked in a regular round cake pan, just adjust baking time to 45-50 minutes.
If the top browns too quickly during baking, tent loosely with aluminum foil.