Details
12 servings
15minutes
60 minutes
380
This cake tastes like a beachside sunset β the crackle of palm fronds, the salt-kissed breeze, and the warmth of aged rum lingering on the tongue. Itβs 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 cakeβs 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 rumβs 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 panβs 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 isnβt just recommended; itβs 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 π
- 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 π½οΈ
- Pair With: Vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries
- Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or top with candied orange peel
- Serving Style: Slice thinly β it’s rich and potent!
Why Youβll Love It
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Effortless elegance: Boxed cake mix and pudding create a foolproof base, elevated by the rum glaze.
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Customizable buzz: Swap rum for apple juice + extract for family-friendly flair, or double the glaze for extra decadence.
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Nutty versatility: Use coconut instead of walnuts, or omit entirely for a smooth crumb.
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Make-ahead magic: Improves with time-wrap and let it mature into moist, rum-soaked bliss.
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Crowd-pleaser: Equally at home at a brunch buffet or a midnight snack raid.
Common Questions π¬
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 isnβt just dessert-itβs 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. πβ¨
Glazed Bundt Rum Cake: Boozy, Buttery Bliss with a Nutty Crunch π₯π°
Course: Cakes u0026amp; CupcakesCuisine: American, SouthernDifficulty: Easy12
servings15
minutes1
hour380
kcalA golden, rum-soaked Bundt cake with toasted walnut crunch, a sticky-sweet glaze, and a warm, boozy finish β 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., Myersβs 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 55β60 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 β itβll 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 2β3 days!
Decadent Twist: Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. - Storage & Make-Ahead Tips π
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!