Jamaican Black Cake

Indulge in the rich and flavorful tradition of Jamaican Black Cake with this easy-to-follow recipe. This iconic dessert, also known as “Christmas Cake,” boasts a delightful blend of fruits, spices, and rum, creating a moist and decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions

Prep time:

30 mins

Servings:

12 – 16

Cook time:

2.5 hours

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Total time:

3 hours

What you'll need

Ingredients

Fruit mixture (Soaked overnight)
  • 3 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, prunes, cherries)
  • 1 cup dark rum
  • 1 cup port wine

Cake batter

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup browning sauce
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions​

STEP 1

In a bowl, combine mixed dried fruits, dark rum, and port wine. Cover and let it soak overnight

 

STEP 2

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper

 

STEP 3

In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition

 

STEP 4

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and mixed spice

 

STEP 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing well

 

STEP 6

Fold in the soaked fruit mixture, breadcrumbs, browning sauce, molasses, and nuts (if using)

 

STEP 7

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula

 

STEP 8

Cover the pans with aluminum foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean

 

STEP 9

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack

Nutrition facts (per serving)

Calories:

400

Protein:

5g

Fat:

15g

Carbs:

60g

Fiber:

2g

Sugar:

40g

Sodium:

200mg