Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will make your taste buds dance with Caribbean delight! This legendary Tortuga Rum Cake isn't just a dessert—it's a slice of tropical heaven that captures the soul of the Cayman Islands in every single bite. Imagine a moist, buttery cake infused with rich dark rum, studded with crunchy walnuts, and glazed to perfection, promising an indulgent experience that will transport you to sun-soaked beaches and crystal-clear waters with just one forkful.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Cayman Islands
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly across the bottom of the prepared bundt pan, creating a nutty base layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, dark rum, and water. Mix using an electric mixer on medium speed for approximately 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the cake batter carefully over the walnut layer in the bundt pan, making sure to distribute it evenly.
- Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the rum glaze. In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar, water, and rum. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the cake is baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Using a skewer or fork, poke multiple holes across the top and sides of the cake.
- Slowly pour the warm rum glaze over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and coat the entire surface. Let the cake absorb the glaze completely.
- Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- For best flavor, let the cake sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the rum flavors to fully develop. Serve at room temperature.
Tips
- Use high-quality dark rum for the most authentic flavor—the better the rum, the more delicious the cake.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and aroma.
- Be patient when adding the rum glaze—let it soak in slowly for maximum moisture and flavor penetration.
- For an extra luxurious touch, serve with a small shot of rum on the side or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor for up to 5 days.
- Pro tip: This cake actually gets MORE delicious as it sits, so making it a day ahead is recommended!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
