Time-Tested and Timeless: Black Cake Recipe Brings Bold Caribbean Flavors to Your Table

Photo byAngie Bright

Black Cake: A Tradition Steeped in Flavor

Black Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a cherished tradition, often enjoyed during special celebrations like Christmas or weddings, particularly in Caribbean households. It’s not only the bold flavors that make this cake stand out but the love and time poured into its preparation. Some families soak the fruit mixture for months, allowing the flavors to fully mature and create a rich, unforgettable taste.

A Cake with Deep Roots

This cake tells a story with every bite, blending the rich histories of Europe and the Caribbean. The dried fruits, brandy, and dark rum in the recipe highlight European fruitcake traditions, while the use of spices and tropical elements reflects the vibrant culture of the islands. For those new to the world of Black Cake, it may seem complex at first, but with patience and the right ingredients, you’ll find yourself preparing a dessert that feels as much a part of your celebrations as family and friends.

The Black Cake is famous for its rich, dark color, which comes from the soaked fruit and the brown sugar that caramelizes as the cake bakes. And its dense, moist texture is enhanced by the rum-soaked fruits, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Recipe for Black Cake

Fruit Mixture:

• 3 cups raisins
• 2 cups currants
• 1 cup prunes
• ⅔ cup candied mixed peel
• 1 ¼ cups cherry brandy
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons dark rum
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice

Cake Batter:

• 2 cups butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups dark brown sugar
• 10 eggs
• 4 cups self-rising flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
   Begin by placing the raisins, currants, prunes, and candied peel into a food processor. Process until the fruit is finely chopped and blended. Transfer the mixture to a large jar, then pour in the cherry brandy, ½ cup dark brown sugar, rum, and mixed spice. Stir everything together well, then seal the jar. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks to allow the flavors to fully meld. (Note: Some prefer to soak their fruit for up to 3 months for maximum flavor infusion.)
2. Preheat the Oven:
   Set the oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare two 9-inch cake pans by greasing them and lining them with parchment paper.
3. Make the Cake Batter:
   In a large bowl, cream together the butter and the remaining 1 ¾ cups of brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, beat in the eggs one by one, ensuring the batter stays smooth. Add the soaked fruit mixture, making sure it is well combined throughout.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually fold in the sifted self-rising flour and vanilla extract until the batter is well mixed and has a smooth consistency. The batter should fall off the back of a spoon easily but remain thick.
5. Bake the Cake:
   Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Cover the pans loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake for about 2 ½ hours, or until the cakes are firm to the touch and spring back when lightly pressed.
6. Cooling and Storing:
   Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans, which could take up to 8 hours or overnight. Once fully cooled, wrap the cakes in aluminum foil to preserve their moisture. For the best flavor, you can brush the cakes with additional rum every few days, letting the cake soak it in for a week or longer before serving.

A Slice of Celebration

Black Cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate. Whether you serve it at a wedding, Christmas dinner, or any special occasion, this cake brings people together. The aroma of dark rum and spices filling the kitchen, the rich taste of dried fruits soaked in cherry brandy, and the moist, tender crumb of the cake make every bite memorable. This traditional recipe allows you to bring a bit of Caribbean warmth and festivity to your home.

Recipe Sources:

1. Caribbean Black Cake Recipe from Taste of Home
2. Traditional Black Cake Recipe from Epicurious
3. Black Cake Recipe from BBC Good Food