Aunt Lou’s Butter Rum Cake

🍰 Aunt Lou’s Butter Rum Cake 🍰

Aunt Lou’s Butter Rum Cake is a delicious and decadent dessert that has a rich history and is loved by many. It’s a moist and flavorful cake with a unique combination of butter and rum, creating a delightful, sweet, and slightly boozy treat.

History:
The origins of Butter Rum Cake are a bit unclear, but it’s believed to have its roots in traditional rum cakes. These cakes were often made in the Caribbean and popularized during the colonial period when rum was widely produced. Over time, variations of rum cake have emerged, with the addition of butter to create a richer and more indulgent flavor. Aunt Lou’s Butter Rum Cake may be a family recipe passed down through generations, reflecting the love and care of home baking.

Components:

1. Cake: The cake itself is typically made with ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and baking powder. The key flavor comes from the addition of rum extract or real rum, which gives it that distinctive taste.

2. Rum Syrup: To infuse the cake with a delightful rum flavor, a syrup is made. This syrup often includes rum, butter, sugar, and water. It’s poured over the cake after baking, adding moisture and a lovely, boozy kick.

3. Icing or Glaze: Some variations of Aunt Lou’s Butter Rum Cake include a glaze or icing made from powdered sugar, butter, and a touch of rum or rum extract. This enhances the sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Steps to Prepare Aunt Lou’s Butter Rum Cake:

1. Ingredients:

   • 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
   • 2 cups of granulated sugar
   • 4 eggs
   • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
   • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
   • 1/2 cup of milk
   • 2 teaspoons of rum extract (or real rum)

2. Mixing:

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
   • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
   • Stir in the rum extract or real rum.

3. Baking:

   • Pour the batter into a greased and floured Bundt pan.
   • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Rum Syrup:

   • In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter.
   • Add 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water.
   • Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
   • Stir in 2 teaspoons of rum extract (or real rum).

5. Pouring Syrup:

   • While the cake is still warm, poke holes in it with a skewer.
   • Slowly pour the rum syrup over the cake, allowing it to soak in.

6. Icing (optional):

   • Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of rum extract or real rum to create a thick glaze.
   • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.

Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Aunt Lou’s Butter Rum Cake will vary, but it typically takes around 30 minutes to prepare the batter and syrup. Baking and cooling the cake can take an additional hour, and the time needed for the syrup to soak in depends on the cake’s temperature. Overall, you can expect to spend around 2-2.5 hours from start to finish.

Enjoy Aunt Lou’s Butter Rum Cake! 🍰🥃 It’s a delightful treat for any special occasion or as a sweet indulgence anytime.

While Aunt Lou’s Butter Rum Cake is undeniably delicious, it’s important to note that it is a dessert that tends to be high in calories, sugar, and fat, which makes it a treat to enjoy in moderation. Here are some approximate nutrition facts and health information for a typical serving of Butter Rum Cake (1 slice, about 1/12 of a standard Bundt cake):

Nutrition Facts (Approximate):

• Calories: Around 300-400 calories per slice.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50 grams.
• Sugar: Roughly 30-40 grams of sugar.
• Fat: About 15-20 grams of fat.
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 8-10 grams.
• Protein: Minimal, usually around 3-5 grams per serving.

Health Information:

1. Calorie-Dense: Aunt Lou’s Butter Rum Cake is calorie-dense due to its high sugar and fat content. It should be considered an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a daily diet.

2. High in Added Sugars: The high sugar content contributes to the sweet and indulgent flavor, but consuming too much added sugar is associated with health risks, including obesity and dental problems.

3. Moderate Amount of Fat: The cake contains a moderate amount of fat, particularly saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation to support heart health.

4. Low in Nutrients: This dessert is low in essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. It’s considered empty calories, as it provides energy without many health benefits.

5. Portion Control: Enjoying a small slice as an occasional treat is the best way to incorporate this dessert into a balanced diet.

6. Special Occasion Treat: Given its high sugar and fat content, it’s best reserved for special occasions rather than daily consumption.

Remember that these values are approximate, and the actual nutritional content can vary based on specific recipes and serving sizes. If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, it’s advisable to consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized guidance. Enjoy Aunt Lou’s Butter Rum Cake in moderation and as a delightful indulgence. 🍰😊