Best 5 Jamaican Black Christmas Cake Recipes

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Indulge in a taste of tradition with Jamaican Black Christmas cake, a rich, boozy, and flavorful dessert that holds a special place in Caribbean culinary culture. This iconic cake, steeped in history and infused with an array of spices and dried fruits, is a festive centerpiece during the holiday season. As the name suggests, it's dark and moist, boasting a complex flavor profile that combines the warmth of molasses, the spiciness of ginger, and the sweetness of dried fruits, all perfectly balanced by the subtle hints of rum. Discover the secrets behind creating this beloved Jamaican delicacy, from selecting the finest ingredients to achieving the perfect texture and taste.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

JAMAICAN BLACK CAKE (CHRISTMAS RUM CAKE)



Jamaican Black Cake (Christmas Rum Cake) image

Even though there are many variations of this spiced fruit cake, no Caribbean home during the Christmas season is the same without it. Dark and rich in flavour, black cake is a made from an array of dried fruit such as raisins, cherries, and prunes, that are soaked for a long period of time before baking.

Provided by Monique Creary

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h50m

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 cups soaked fruit mixture ((650g))
1/4 cup fortified or port wine (e.g. Red Label wine)
1/4 cup white rum (e.g. Wray and Nephew's)
1/4 tsp Angostura bitters (optional)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened ((227g))
1 cup packed brown sugar ((220g))
6 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime) ((30mL))
zest of 1 lime
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp mixed essence
1/2 tsp rose water
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted ((275g))
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp mixed spice
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp browning or burnt sugar
1/4 cup fortified or port wine (e.g. Red Label wine)
1/4 cup white rum (e.g. Wray and Nephew's)

Steps:

  • Make sure that your fruit mixture has been soaking for at least 3-4 days before adding to the cake mixture. If your fruits are whole, add the mix to the blender or food processor with the wine and rum and blend until they turn into a paste (adding the extra alcohol will help with this process). Mix in your Angostura bitters if desired. Set aside.
  • Prepare two, 8-inch cake pans by greasing them with butter, as well as lining with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • For the batter: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
  • In a separate container, crack the eggs. Whisk in the lime juice. Set aside.
  • Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream together your softened butter and brown sugar in a large bowl for about 5-10 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Slowly, add the egg to the butter mixture, beating with each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the lime zest, vanilla, mixed essence, rose water to the wet ingredients, and continue to mix.
  • Add in the macerated fruit mixture a little bit at a time, until combined.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and fold in using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir in the browning a tablespoon at a time to achieve the desired colour (usually dark-brown).
  • Evenly divide the batter into the prepared cake pans. To ensure that the cake remains moist when baking, add a roasting pan with water to the bottom rack of the oven. Place cakes on the racks right above, and bake for 70-80 minutes.
  • Remove cakes from the oven once done (a toothpick or a knife inserted in the centre should come out clean), and let rest in pan for 5 minutes. Brush the tops of the cakes with a couple tablespoons of the mixture of wine and rum. Once cool enough to handle, remove cakes from pan and brush with remaining wine/rum mixture. Wait at least several hours before serving.

SHARON'S JAMAICAN FRUIT CAKE



Sharon's Jamaican Fruit Cake image

A dark, rich fruit cake for wine and fruit lovers! This is a recipe I use at Christmas and for Birthdays. I prefer to use Jamaican Red Label Wine and White Rum. But you may use your Favorites....ENJOY!

Provided by Sharon

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Caribbean

Time 1h50m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cups butter
2 cups white sugar
9 eggs
¼ cup white rum
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon almond extract
1 grated zest of one lime
2 pounds chopped dried mixed fruit
2 cups red wine
1 cup dark molasses
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 2 - 9 inch round cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, then add rum, lime juice, vanilla, almond extract, and lime zest. Stir in mixed fruit, wine, and molasses. Sift together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and salt. Fold into batter, being careful not to over-mix. Pour into prepared pans.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 80 to 90 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 862 calories, Carbohydrate 124.2 g, Cholesterol 220.8 mg, Fat 35.1 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 9.6 g, SaturatedFat 20.7 g, Sodium 418.4 mg, Sugar 49.2 g

JAMAICAN BLACK CHRISTMAS CAKE RECIPE - (3.9/5)



Jamaican Black Christmas Cake Recipe - (3.9/5) image

Provided by SFCook

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, prunes, citron, cherries, dates)
3 cups port wine
3 cups white rum (preferably Appleton)
1/2 pound butter
1/2 pound granulated sugar (brown sugar is traditional but Valrie says granulated dissolves quicker)
6 eggs
12 ounces all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon browning
1 teaspoon Benjamin vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
2 teaspoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preparing Fruits for Baking: Wash fruit well. Soak fruits in 2 cups port wine and 2 cups rum for at least 4 weeks before baking. To bake the cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 10-inch baking tin with butter or margarine. Line the tin with wax paper. Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and continue beating until mixture is smooth. Add flour and baking powder and continue to mix. Blend in browning, vanilla, almond, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. In a blender or processor, grind fruits and add to mixture. Add 1 cup rum and 1 cup wine and mix well. Place in oven. Cake is baked when a knife is inserted into center of cake and comes out clean. Check cake after an hour. This will make approximately 4 pounds of cake. If you're baking it weeks or months in advance, continue basting it periodically with wine.

BLACK CAKE (CARIBBEAN RUM SOAKED FRUIT CAKE)



Black Cake (Caribbean Rum Soaked Fruit Cake) image

This beloved rum soaked fruit cake is rich, perfectly spiced, and decadent. You'll find yourself having a little piece each day until it's gone!

Provided by Alica

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 27

1 lb prunes, pitted
1 lb currants
1 lb raisins
8oz red glaced cherries
4oz mixed peel
750mL bottle port wine (or another dark red wine)
3-4 cups white or dark rum
Keep one extra small bottle rum on hand
4 tbsp brown sugar
4 tbsp port wine
1 lb unsalted butter, softened (4 sticks)
1 lb sugar, demerara brown or white granulated (2 cups)
12 eggs
Zest of one lemon
Zest of one orange
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
2 tsp mixed essence
1 1/2lbs macerated fruit mixture (about 3 heaping cups)
300g all-purpose flour (2 1/2 level cups)
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground all spice
1/4 tsp ground clove
1/4 cup dark rum
1/4 cup cherry brandy

Steps:

  • Wash and dry all fruits. Mix together in a large bowl. Place fruits a little at a time in a food processor, food mill, or ninja blender. Add enough wine to grind fruits to a paste. Repeat process until fruits have been macerated. Fruit mixture should not be too watery. Add 3-4 cups dark rum. Stir and let mixture soak at minimum one week or even one year+. Adding more wine or rum periodically.
  • If using store-bought burnt sugar, skip this step. Place sugar in a small saucepan. On low heat turn sugar with a spoon until it begins to caramelize. Once dark brown, add wine and remove from heat. Let cool completely.
  • Preheat oven to 275 or 300 degrees F.
  • Line 3-8in or 2-9in baking pans with parchment paper. Trim paper and set aside.
  • Bring eggs and butter to room temperature.
  • Crack eggs into a separate bowl one at a time, Remove little white membrane from each egg (optional). Beat in zests, vanilla, almond, and mixed essence. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Set aside.
  • In deep mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until pale. Add eggs a little at a time. Blend well.
  • Of the macerated fruit mixture, add 1 1/2 lbs (3 heaping cups) a little at a time, continue blending.
  • Add flour mixture a little at a time- fold in with a spatula. Add 1 tbsp burnt sugar at a time until desired color is achieved. If using store bought burnt sugar, 4 tbsp should suffice for a very dark cake. Mix well.
  • Pour batter into lined cake pans.
  • Bake anywhere from 275-300 degrees F for 80-90 minutes. When cake come out of oven, pour alcohol mixture on top. When cool, cover cake with plastic wrap. Flavor is best after a few days.

JAMAICAN CHRISTMAS CAKE



Jamaican Christmas Cake image

This delicious cake is a Jamaican jewel. This cake can be found on every table around the holiday season. It is also great for dessert at your next dinner party. I guarantee you it will be a hit.

Provided by myjamaicanrecipes.com

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h45m

Number Of Ingredients 28

16 oz Dark Brown sugar
16 oz Unsalted Butter
12 Large Eggs
2 tbsp Vanilla
2 tbsp Rose Water
2 tbsp Mixed Essence
6 oz All Purpose Flour (Sifted)
6 oz Bread Crumbs (Plain)
1 tbsp Salt
2 tbsp Baking Powder
2 tbsp Cinnamon
2 tbsp Ginger (Grounded)
1 tbsp Mixed Spice
1 tbsp Nutmeg (Grounded)
1/2 tbsp Cloves (Grounded)
1/2 cup Raisins (Dried)
1/2 cup Currants (Dried)
1/2 cup Cranberries (Dried)
1/2 cup Prunes (Chopped and Pitted)
1/2 cup Dtes (Chopped and Dried)
1/2 cup Candied Cherries
1/2 cup Candied Mixed Peel
2 cups Red Port Wine
1 cup Jamaican White Rum (Wray and Nephew brand)
2 tbsp Molasses
4 tbsp Browning
1 tbsp Baking Soda
2 tbsp Almond Flavor

Steps:

  • Cream 16 oz of dark brown sugar and 16 oz of unsalted butter in an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Add 12 large eggs to your creamed butter and sugar mixture (Add 3 eggs at a time until they are all incorporated into your mixture).
  • Add 2 tbsp vanilla, 2 tbsp rose water 2 tbsp mixed essence and 2 tbsp of almond flavor to your mixture.
  • Combine in a bowl, 6 oz all-purpose sifted flour, 6 oz plain bread crumbs, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbs baking powder, 1 tbs baking soda, and cinnamon, 2 tbs ground ginger, 1 tbs mixed spice, 1 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp ground cloves.
  • Now it's time to prepare your dried fruits.Simmer over low heat, 2 cups of port wine and 1 cup of Jamaican White Rum, add 1/2 cup dried raisins, 1/2 cup dried currants, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped pitted prunes, 1/2 cup chopped dried dates, 1/2 cup candied cherries and 1/2 cup candied mixed peel.
  • When all liquid has evaporated let your fruits cool.
  • Alternate your flour and fruit mixture to your cream mixture and blend in your electric mixer (Do not beat).
  • Add 2 tbs molasses, and 4 tbs browning to your mixture and blend slowly in your electric mixer. (Do not beat).
  • Grease and line 2 eight inch baking pans with butter or nonstick spray
  • Fill pans 3/4 full, Heat oven to 350 degrees (Do not preheat).
  • Bake until done (approximately 45 mins)
  • Remove from oven while still hot, mix together 1/4 cup port wine and 1/8 cup white rum and pour over cakes.
  • Leave cakes in pan to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334 kcal, Carbohydrate 38 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Cholesterol 107 mg, Sodium 512 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 25 g, ServingSize 1 serving

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your cake.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing will make the cake tough.
  • Bake the cake in a preheated oven. This will help the cake rise evenly.
  • Don't open the oven door during baking. This will cause the cake to fall.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help the frosting set properly.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake will keep for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Jamaican Black Christmas Cake is a delicious and festive cake that is perfect for any holiday gathering. With its rich flavor and moist texture, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful Christmas cake, Jamaican Black Christmas Cake is the perfect choice. With its combination of spices, fruits, and rum, this cake is sure to become a new holiday tradition.

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