West Indian Black Cake
Description:
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of the Caribbean with this traditional West Indian Black Cake, a beloved dessert that graces tables during the festive season, particularly at Christmastime. This decadent fruit cake is infused with the warmth of spices and the richness of rum, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Cook Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Less than 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1104.1
- Fat Content: 40.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 22.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 453.3mg
- Sodium Content: 475.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 149.8g
- Fiber Content: 3.7g
- Sugar Content: 113.5g
- Protein Content: 17.5g
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup cherries
- 1 cup rum
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup eggs (approximately 4 eggs)
- Rind of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fruits:
- Begin by grinding the dried fruits. You can use a variety of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, prunes, and mixed peel.
- Soak the ground fruits in 3 cups of rum. This step is crucial for infusing the fruits with the rich flavor of rum. Allow the fruits to soak for at least three weeks for optimal flavor.
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Prepare the Caramel:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Continue heating until the sugar melts and turns into a dark brown caramel. Be cautious not to burn it.
-
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture for the cake.
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Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
- Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Next, add the soaked fruits along with any residual rum. The rum-soaked fruits add moisture and depth of flavor to the cake.
- Blend the mixture until everything is well incorporated.
-
Add the Caramel:
- Slowly pour the prepared caramel into the batter, stirring continuously. The caramel adds a rich and slightly bitter-sweet flavor to the cake, balancing out the sweetness of the fruits and sugar.
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Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients provide structure and leavening to the cake.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.
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Fold in the Cherries:
- Gently fold in the cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The cherries add bursts of sweetness and a delightful texture to the cake.
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Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a baking pan generously to prevent sticking.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately two hours, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- The slow baking process allows the flavors to meld together and ensures a moist and tender cake.
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Let it Rest:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For optimal flavor, allow the cake to rest for at least two days before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to develop and intensify.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the West Indian Black Cake into thick, luxurious portions and savor each bite of this indulgent treat. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a festive dessert, this rich and flavorful cake is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the sunny shores of the Caribbean.
