If you are looking for a dessert that is rich, buttery, and incredibly moist, the classic Bacardi rum cake recipe is famous for all the right reasons. This cake is known for its intense flavor, soft texture, and sweet glaze. This guide will show you how to recreate this wonderful dessert at home using a completely alcohol-free method. This is a family-safe, halal rum cake that tastes just as rich as the traditional version, making it perfect for holidays, birthdays, and parties.
What Is a Bacardi Rum Cake Recipe?
A Bacardi rum cake recipe creates a dense, moist, ring-shaped cake, often called a Bundt cake. Traditionally, this cake gets its flavor and moisture from real dark rum, which is added both to the batter and poured over the finished cake as a glaze. Since alcohol is not permissible in a halal diet, this version uses alcohol-free rum extract as a substitute. This simple swap allows you to achieve the same distinctive, warm, and spicy rum flavor without using any actual alcohol. The result is a buttery, soft, and safe homemade rum cake.
Why Choose This Halal Bacardi Rum Cake Recipe?
Choosing this halal Bacardi rum cake recipe is the best option for your family for several reasons:
- No Alcohol: It is completely family-safe, as it uses an alcohol-free extract instead of actual dark rum.
- Easy Ingredients: The recipe starts with a simple yellow cake mix and instant pudding, making it incredibly easy and beginner-friendly.
- Unbeatable Moisture: The combination of pudding mix, eggs, and the final rum glaze guarantees a cake with an almost impossibly moist texture.
- Rich Flavor: The unique blend of vanilla and alcohol-free rum extract gives the cake a complex, rich flavor suitable for any special occasion.
Ingredients You Need for This Bacardi Rum Cake Recipe
To make this delicious Bacardi rum cake recipe, all ingredients must be sourced as halal-safe (especially the extracts, butter, and nuts).
Cake Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pecans or Walnuts (optional) | 1 cup | Finely chopped, for flavor and texture. |
| Yellow Cake Mix (18.5 oz) | 1 box | Provides the main structure. |
| Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.75 oz) | 1 box | Adds moisture and richness. |
| Large Eggs | 4 | Binds ingredients together. |
| Water | 1/2 cup | Liquid component. |
| Vegetable Oil or Avocado Oil | 1/2 cup | Adds essential moisture. |
| Alcohol-Free Rum Extract | 1/2 cup | Halal replacement for dark rum flavor. |
Glaze Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | 4 oz | Base for the buttery glaze. |
| Water | 1/4 cup | To dissolve the sugar. |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup | Provides sweetness and shine. |
| Alcohol-Free Rum Extract | 1–2 teaspoons | Gives the glaze the final rum flavor. |
How to Make Bacardi Rum Cake (Step-by-Step Guide)
This easy rum cake recipe uses a simple dump-and-mix method that is perfect for beginners.
Step 1 – Prepare the Pan for Bacardi Rum Cake
Grease the entire inside of a Bundt pan very generously with vegetable oil or butter. Dust the inside with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. If using nuts, sprinkle the finely chopped pecans or walnuts evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 2 – Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, water, oil, and the 1/2 cup of alcohol-free rum extract. Mix all ingredients with an electric mixer or whisk until the batter is smooth. Make sure there are no lumps remaining from the cake mix.
Step 3 – Bake the Cake
Pour the batter carefully into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160 °C) for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Step 4 – Make the Halal Rum Glaze
While the cake is cooling, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the water and sugar until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and mix in the 1–2 teaspoons of alcohol-free rum extract.
Step 5 – Add the Glaze
Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to poke small holes all over the warm cake while it is still in the pan. Slowly pour the hot glaze evenly over the top of the cake. Let the cake soak up all the glaze for at least 15 minutes before turning the cake out onto a serving plate.
Tips for the Best Bacardi Rum Cake Recipe
To ensure your easy rum cake recipe is super moist and perfect every time, use these tips:
- Grease Well: Since Bundt pans have intricate designs, grease the pan meticulously (every curve and corner) to ensure the cake comes out cleanly.
- Don’t Overbake: Check the cake at the 50-minute mark. Overbaking is the main cause of a dry cake.
- Soak Warm: Pour the glaze over the cake when the cake is still warm. A warm cake absorbs the glaze much better than a cold one, resulting in maximum moisture.
- Halal Extract: Use a high-quality, alcohol-free rum extract for the best flavor.
Is This Bacardi Rum Cake Halal?
Yes, this halal rum cake is 100% permissible. The traditional recipe is haram because it uses real rum, which is alcohol. This recipe completely avoids alcohol by substituting it with certified alcohol-free rum extract. All other ingredients (flour, sugar, butter, eggs) are natural and halal.
Nutrition (Approx.)
This is an estimate for one slice of the rich homemade rum cake (assuming 12 slices per cake):
| Component | Estimated Value (Per Slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-500 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Sugar (Total) | 40 g |
Storage and Serving Ideas
This cake stays fresh for a long time due to the glaze. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 7 days. Serve slices of your homemade rum cake with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
FAQs About Bacardi Rum Cake Recipe
Q1: Can I make the Bacardi Rum Cake Recipe without nuts?
A: Yes, nuts are completely optional. Simply skip adding the pecans or walnuts in Step 1.
Q2: Can I use real rum?
A: No, for this to remain a halal rum cake, you must only use alcohol-free rum extract.
Q3: How long does the cake stay fresh?
A: Because of the heavy glaze, the cake stays fresh and moist for 3 to 4 days at room temperature when covered properly.
Q4: How to reduce calories in this recipe?
A: You can reduce calories by making the glaze lighter (using less butter) or skipping the nuts.
Q5: Does rum extract contain alcohol?
A: No, alcohol-free rum extract does not contain ethyl alcohol, ensuring the cake is $100\%$ halal.
Final Thoughts
The Bacardi rum cake recipe is a rewarding dessert that brings incredible moisture and flavor to your table. By using this easy rum cake recipe and making the halal substitute, you can enjoy a classic, rich, and delicious homemade rum cake that is safe and perfect for any celebration.
Bacardi Rum Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for greasing
- 2 tbsp flour for dusting pan
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts finely chopped (optional)
- 1 box yellow cake mix 18.5 oz
- 3.75 oz instant vanilla pudding
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil or avocado oil
- ½ cup alcohol-free rum extract
Glaze
- 4 oz butter
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 –2 tsp alcohol-free rum extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Grease and flour a Bundt pan. Sprinkle nuts if using.
- Mix Batter: Combine cake mix, pudding, eggs, water, oil, and rum extract. Mix until smooth.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50–60 mins. Cool 10 mins.
- Make Glaze: Melt butter, add water & sugar, stir until dissolved, remove from heat, add rum extract.
- Add Glaze: Poke holes in warm cake, pour glaze slowly, let soak 15 mins.
- Serve: Turn out cake, slice, and enjoy!