Jamaican Mystery Cake: A Family Legacy Dessert

Description

This intriguing Jamaican Mystery Cake is a delightful dessert steeped in rich family history, tracing back to Captain Reuben Baker and his grandfather, Captain L.D. Baker, who famously imported bananas from his Jamaican plantations to New England in the 1800s. This cake beautifully marries the sweetness of bananas with a hint of coffee and the warmth of Grand Marnier, making it an irresistible treat perfect for any gathering or special occasion.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

Nutritional Information

Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a comfortable 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready for your cake batter.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, take the softened butter and sugar, and cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.

3. Add Eggs Gradually: Introduce the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will create a homogenous mixture.

4. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to aerate the flour and ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. This method helps to maintain the cake’s fluffiness.

6. Fold in Bananas and Walnuts: Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed without over-mixing.

7. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

8. Bake the Cake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen as it bakes.

9. Cool the Cake: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Icing:

1. Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a small bowl, cream the additional butter and sugar together at medium speed until well combined. This creates a base for your icing that is rich and creamy.

2. Incorporate Eggs: Switch to high speed and add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. This helps to emulsify the icing.

3. Blend in Coffee: Add the dissolved instant coffee mixture, blending it in until fully incorporated, adding a delicious depth of flavor.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Prepare for Layering: Once the cake is completely cool, slice it in half lengthwise to create two layers.

2. Layering the Ingredients: Place the bottom layer, cut side up, on a serving platter. Layer sliced bananas evenly over this layer, ensuring even coverage.

3. Add Grand Marnier: Drizzle the Grand Marnier over the bananas, allowing it to soak in slightly for added flavor.

4. Frosting the First Layer: Spread half of the prepared icing over the bananas, smoothing it out to create a delicious base layer.

5. Add the Top Layer: Gently place the top layer of the cake on top, cut side down, creating a complete cake.

6. Frost the Top: Use the remaining icing to frost the top of the cake, making it as decadent as desired.

7. Garnish: Finally, garnish the top with the remaining chopped walnuts for an added crunch and visual appeal.

8. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for a short while to allow the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious.

This Jamaican Mystery Cake not only serves as a delightful dessert but also tells a story of family heritage and the warm flavors of the Caribbean. Serve it at your next gathering or special occasion, and watch as it captivates the hearts (and taste buds) of all who try it. Enjoy your slice of history!