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Details

Servings

12 servings

Prep time

15minutes

Cooking time

60 minutes

Calories

380

This cake tastes like a beachside sunset – the crackle of palm fronds, the salt-kissed breeze, and the warmth of aged rum lingering on the tongue. It’s the dessert that turns Tuesday into a celebration.

Picture a golden Bundt cake, its curves glistening under a glossy rum glaze that crackles faintly as you slice. The air carries whispers of caramelized sugar, toasted walnuts, and a heady hint of dark rum-a scent that promises indulgence with every forkful. Each bite is a symphony: the cake’s tender crumb, moistened by a buttery rum syrup, gives way to a nutty crunch at the base, while the glaze hardens into a delicate, sugary shell that melts on the tongue. The rum’s warmth lingers subtly, never overpowering, just enough to remind you this is dessert for grown-ups.

This cake is boozy alchemy perfected. The walnuts, toasted at the pan’s base, caramelize into a crisp, nutty layer as the batter rises around them. The pudding mix in the batter ensures a velvety texture, while the rum glaze-simmered to amber perfection-seeps into the cake, transforming it from simple to sublime. Aging this cake isn’t just recommended; it’s required, as the flavors deepen into a buttery, rum-kissed harmony over days.

Serve it on a cake stand, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with extra glaze for drama. Pair with a cup of strong coffee to balance the sweetness or a digestif like amaretto for a nightcap twist. Ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or as a decadent weekend project that rewards patience (and a very light hand with the rum bottle).


Key Elements πŸ”‘

  • Flavor Profile: Buttery vanilla cake meets caramelized rum warmth.
  • Texture Play: Crisp walnut layer vs. velvety crumb.
  • Signature Technique: Glaze soaking into warm cake for maximum moisture.
  • Cultural Nod: A nod to Caribbean rum cake traditions with American convenience.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

  • Pair With: Vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries
  • Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or top with candied orange peel
  • Serving Style: Slice thinly – it’s rich and potent!

Why You’ll Love It

βœ… Effortless elegance: Boxed cake mix and pudding create a foolproof base, elevated by the rum glaze.
βœ… Customizable buzz: Swap rum for apple juice + extract for family-friendly flair, or double the glaze for extra decadence.
βœ… Nutty versatility: Use coconut instead of walnuts, or omit entirely for a smooth crumb.
βœ… Make-ahead magic: Improves with time-wrap and let it mature into moist, rum-soaked bliss.
βœ… Crowd-pleaser: Equally at home at a brunch buffet or a midnight snack raid.


Common Questions πŸ’¬

Q: Can I make this alcohol-free?
A: Substitute apple juice for the rum in both cake and glaze

Q: My cake stuck to the pan. Help!
A: Next time, use a baking spray with flour and let cool exactly 10 minutes


This Glazed Bundt Rum Cake isn’t just dessert-it’s a culinary heirloom, a buttery, boozy masterpiece that turns any occasion into a celebration. Slice, savor, and let the warmth of the tropics (and the rum) carry you away. πŸŽ‚βœ¨

Glazed Bundt Rum Cake: Boozy, Buttery Bliss with a Nutty Crunch πŸ₯ƒπŸ°

Recipe by Recipe PenguinCourse: Cakes u0026amp; CupcakesCuisine: American, SouthernDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

380

kcal

A golden, rum-soaked Bundt cake with toasted walnut crunch, a sticky-sweet glaze, and a warm, boozy finish – perfect for holidays or *any day that needs sparkle.

Ingredients

  • Cake Batter
  • 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix

  • 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix

  • 4 large eggs

  • Β½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)

  • Β½ cup dark rum (e.g., Myers’s or Captain Morgan)

  • Β½ cup water

  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (toast for extra flavor!)

  • Rum Glaze
  • Β½ cup (113g) unsalted butter

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

  • ΒΌ cup water

  • Β½ cup dark rum

Directions

  • Prep & Layer
  • Preheat oven to 325Β°F (165Β°C). Grease/flour a 10-inch Bundt pan. Sprinkle walnuts evenly in the bottom.
  • Mix the Batter
  • Whisk cake mix + pudding mix. Add eggs, oil, Β½ cup rum, and water. Beat until smooth. Pour over walnuts.
  • Bake
  • Bake 55–60 mins until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 mins in pan, invert onto a rack.
  • Simmer Glaze
  • Melt butter, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Boil 5 mins until amber. Off heat, stir in Β½ cup rum (stand back – it’ll sizzle!).
  • Glaze & Set
  • Poke warm cake with a skewer. Brush glaze over top/sides, letting it soak in. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Pro Tips
    Non-Alcoholic Swap: Replace rum with apple juice + 1 tsp rum extract for flavor.
    Nut-Free Version: Skip walnuts or use shredded coconut for texture.
    Storage: Wrap tightly in plastic-this cake gets moister over 2–3 days!
    Decadent Twist: Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • Storage & Make-Ahead Tips πŸ•’
    Room Temperature:
    Store covered for up to 3 days
    Refrigerate: Up to 1 week in an airtight container
    Freeze: Wrap unglazed cake tightly for up to 3 months; thaw and glaze before serving

This classic rum cake transforms any gathering into a special occasion. The rich, buttery crumb paired with the crystallized rum glaze creates an unforgettable dessert experience that will have guests requesting the recipe. Perfect for holidays, but delightful year-round!