Coffee Rum Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, the glorious marriage of coffee and rum in a cake! Imagine biting into a moist, tender slice where rich coffee aromas mingle with the warm, inviting notes of rum-each forkful a little celebration of flavor. Coffee Rum Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a sensory adventure that awakens your taste buds and comforts your soul. Whether you’re an avid baker looking to impress guests or someone who simply craves a decadent treat with a kick, this cake has your name written all over it.

This isn’t your everyday chocolate or vanilla cake. No, no – this is a sophisticated, aromatic delight that blends the bold bitterness of coffee with the sweet warmth of rum, wrapped up in a moist, tender crumb. It’s perfect for those cozy mornings, afternoon coffee breaks, or as a show-stopping dessert after a special dinner. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak and play with, making it a fun project in the kitchen.

Ready to become the ultimate coffee rum cake guru? Let’s get started!

Coffee Rum Cake Recipe

Here’s a foolproof, crowd-pleasing recipe that’ll have you baking like a pro in no time. This cake is tender, full of flavor, and just the right balance of boozy warmth and coffee richness. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment-just a few staple ingredients and a bit of love.

Ingredients Needed

To create this divine cake, gather the following:

• Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for structure and softness)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder (helps the cake rise and stay fluffy)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda (works with acidic ingredients for tender crumb)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (balances flavors)

• Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (adds richness and moisture)
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar (sweetens and creates that beautiful crust)
  • 4 large eggs (binds and lifts the batter)
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (the star flavor booster)
  • ¼ cup dark rum (brings warmth and depth)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances all the flavors)

• For The Glaze

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
  • 1 tablespoon dark rum

How To Make Coffee Rum Cake

Let’s walk through this like a friendly baking buddy cheering you on!

1. Prep And Preheat

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan if you prefer a fancy shape.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even rising and perfect crumb texture.

3. Cream Butter And Sugar

   • Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy-about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for that airy cake texture.

4. Add Eggs One By One

   • Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This builds structure and richness.

5. Add Coffee, Rum, And Vanilla

   • Slowly add the brewed coffee, rum, and vanilla extract. The batter might look a bit loose, but that’s exactly what you want for a moist cake!

6. Combine Wet And Dry

   • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.

7. Bake The Cake

   • Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Prepare The Glaze

   • While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and rum until smooth.

9. Glaze It Up

   • Poke small holes all over the warm cake with a fork or skewer, then slowly pour the glaze on top, allowing it to seep in and keep every bite moist and flavorful.

10. Cool, Slice, And Enjoy!

    • Let the cake cool completely before slicing to let all the flavors marry perfectly.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out a little! Here’s why each ingredient is doing its magic:

• Coffee

  It’s not just for caffeine buzz! Coffee’s bitterness perfectly balances the sweetness, and its rich, roasted flavor enhances the cake’s complexity. Plus, coffee helps tenderize the gluten, making your cake soft.

• Rum

  Adds a depth of warmth and a subtle sweetness that elevates the whole flavor profile. The alcohol also helps in keeping the cake moist by slowing down moisture evaporation during baking.

• Butter

  When creamed with sugar, it traps air, which creates that fluffy, light crumb. Butter also carries flavors beautifully and contributes to tenderness.

• Baking Powder & Baking Soda

  Baking powder is a leavening agent that releases carbon dioxide bubbles when wet and heated, causing the cake to rise. Baking soda needs an acid (like coffee or the slight acidity in rum) to activate, ensuring the cake stays tender and light.

• Sugar

  Aside from sweetness, sugar helps with browning through the Maillard reaction, giving the cake a beautiful golden crust and that irresistible caramelized flavor.

Expert Tips

• Use Freshly Brewed Coffee: The fresher and stronger, the better. Instant coffee works in a pinch, but freshly brewed gives a richer flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Rum: Even if you’re worried about alcohol, most of it bakes off, leaving behind flavor and moisture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temp eggs and butter. It makes mixing easier and creates a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the flour goes in, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the cake tough.
• Test Your Cake Early: Start checking at 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick. If it’s wet with batter, keep baking but don’t overdo it.
• Glaze While Warm: Poking holes and glazing while the cake is still warm helps the glaze soak in, making the cake extra moist.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists to keep this classic exciting:

• Chocolate Coffee Rum Cake: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter.
• Nutty Delight: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Spiced Rum Cake: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves for a warm, spicy twist.
• Citrus Kick: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter and swap rum for orange liqueur.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum for structure.
• Icing Swap: Instead of glaze, frost with a coffee buttercream or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

Final Words

This Coffee Rum Cake is a keeper. It’s the kind of dessert that’s simultaneously elegant and homey, bold and comforting. It invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. The balance between coffee’s robustness and rum’s warmth is a dynamic duo that will impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or a quiet weekend treat, this cake delivers.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For A Coffee Rum Cake?

A typical coffee rum cake requires flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, brewed coffee, dark rum, vanilla extract, and sometimes sour cream or yogurt for moisture.

Can I Use Instant Coffee Instead Of Brewed Coffee In The Recipe?

Yes, instant coffee or espresso powder can be used as a substitute for brewed coffee. It often intensifies the coffee flavor without adding extra liquid.

How Much Rum Should I Add To The Cake?

Generally, 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dark rum is added to the batter or the soaking syrup, depending on how strong you want the rum flavor to be.

Is It Possible To Make This Cake Alcohol-free?

Yes, you can replace the rum with rum extract or simply omit it and add more coffee or vanilla extract to maintain flavor.

How Do I Make The Cake Moist And Rich?

Incorporating brewed coffee, sour cream or yogurt, and a rum-soaked syrup brushed on the cake after baking helps keep it moist and flavorful.

What Is The Best Pan To Use For Baking A Coffee Rum Cake?

A bundt pan or tube pan is ideal as it allows even baking and creates a classic ring shape, which helps the rum syrup soak in evenly.

How Long Should The Cake Soak In The Rum Syrup?

It’s best to pour the rum syrup over the warm cake and let it soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving, but overnight soaking enhances flavor.

Can I Freeze Coffee Rum Cake?

Yes, coffee rum cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw at room temperature and optionally reapply syrup before serving.

What Toppings Or Glazes Work Best With Coffee Rum Cake?

Popular options include a rum glaze, cream cheese frosting, powdered sugar dusting, or a simple chocolate drizzle.

How Do I Store Coffee Rum Cake To Maintain Freshness?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Keep the syrup separate if you plan to store it longer.