Easy Rum Cake Recipe

This Easy Rum Cake Recipe uses a yellow cake mix and is covered in a sugary rum glaze. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert recipe that will definitely be the talk of the after-dinner table!

If you’ve been around this blog for awhile, you know that when it comes to baking and desserts, I’m all about EASY – which sometimes means we bake with cake mixes and other pre-packaged options. This easy rum cake uses a box cake mix, vanilla pudding, and yes – RUM! It is so moist and delicious, a definite keeper!

Ingredients Needed

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding
• 3/4 cup spiced rum – divided
• 3/4 cup water – divided
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

How to make rum cake

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1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Grease a 10-cup bundt cake pan, then lightly dust with flour.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding, eggs, 1/2 cup water, vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup spiced rum. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
4. Pour the cake batter into the greased and floured bundt pan, and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, gently test the center with a knife and ensure it comes out clean.
5. While the cake is baking, add the butter and sugar to a small saucepan, and melt over medium-low heat, whisking to combine as it melts. Add 1/4 cup water, bring to a boil while continuing to whisk, then reduce heat to low and let simmer until thickened – do not let it scorch. Once thickened, add 1/4 cup rum and whisk to combine. Set aside until ready to use.
6. Once the cake is made, remove from the oven and set on a cooling rack, keeping it bottom-side facing up. Using a knife, straw, or any long object, poke 4-6 holes throughout the bottom of the cake but do not poke all the way down to the top of the cake that’s still inside the pan.
7. Pour 1/2 of the glaze mixture over the bottom of the cake, letting it seep down into the holes. Let soak for about 1-2 minutes. Then place your cake stand over the bottom-side facing up and carefully flip and transfer the cake to the cake stand.
8. Pour the remaining glaze over the top of the cake and serve immediately.

Recipe FAQs and Notes

Can you get drunk off rum cake?

The simple answer is no. The alcohol content in this recipe is minimal and you cannot get drunk off of enjoying a slice or two of this easy rum cake recipe.

Can kids eat rum cake?

This cake does contain alcohol, so I wouldn’t advise allowing them to eat the cake.

What is rum cake?

A rum cake is exactly what its name implies – a cake that contains rum in its ingredient list. In this case, there is rum in both the cake and the glaze. It’s a popular Caribbean dessert with several different variations.

How long is rum cake good for?

You can store the rum cake in an air-tight container, either at room temperature or refrigerated, for up to five days.

Can I make the rum cake ahead of time?

Yes – however, I would hold off on adding the glaze until you are ready to serve. Once you’re ready to serve, make the glaze and follow the instructions from that point forward.

Recipe notes –

• I’ve found that a super-moist yellow cake mix works best for this recipe.
• If you want to lessen the rum content, you can omit the rum from the glaze, or serve the glaze on the side and skip the soaking part of the recipe.

Recommended kitchen resources for this recipe

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Enjoy these other alcohol-infused desserts!

• Red Wine Brownies – Moist and delicious red wine brownies are one of the easiest wine desserts you can make.
• Vanilla Panna Cotta with White Wine Sauce – The rich and creamy vanilla panna cotta, paired with the sweet white wine sauce and fresh strawberries, creates a classic dessert that looks elegant and tastes delicious.
• White Chocolate Strawberry Rosé Truffles – Say yes way, rosé with these white chocolate strawberry rosé truffles. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, wedding showers, or your next rosé tasting party.
• Orange Moscato Cupcakes – These orange Moscato cupcakes are like a mimosa in a cupcake!
• Red Wine Poached Pears – Fresh pears soaked in deliciously-spiced red wine sauce.

Easy Rum Cake Recipe