St. Helena Rum Cake

The St. Helena Rum Cake is a rich, moist, and indulgent treat hailing from the tropical island of St. Helena. This luscious cake is imbued with the distinct flavor of rum, complemented by the warm spices and sweetness of the brown sugar. Often associated with festive occasions and celebrations, this cake has a storied history on the island, influenced by a fusion of culinary traditions brought by settlers and visitors from around the world.

Ingredients

• Flour - 2 cups
• Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Butter - 1/2 cup, softened
• Granulated sugar - 1 cup
• Brown sugar - 1 cup, packed
• Eggs - 4 large
• Rum - 3/4 cup
• Milk - 1/2 cup
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon
• Chopped walnuts - 1 cup

Rum Syrup

• Butter - 1/2 cup
• Water - 1/4 cup
• Granulated sugar - 1 cup
• Rum - 1/2 cup

Preparation

Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a bundt cake pan thoroughly.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in rum, milk, and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and chopped walnuts.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.

Bake the Cake

1. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 75 minutes. Check with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean.
2. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack.

Make the Rum Syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in rum.

Apply the Syrup

1. While the cake is still warm, drizzle the rum syrup over it, allowing time for the cake to absorb the syrup.
2. For best results, use a skewer to poke holes across the surface of the cake, facilitating the syrup’s penetration for a moist texture.
3. Let the cake cool completely before serving.

Enjoying St. Helena Rum Cake

St. Helena Rum Cake is best enjoyed with a drizzle of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it during festive gatherings or as a standalone dessert to savor its rich flavors. Each slice is redolent with rum and spices, a true delight for those who appreciate hearty, flavorful desserts. You can also pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon indulgence.

For those interested in making the experience interactive, you can set a cooking timer to pace your baking process or use it to enjoy baking together with friends and family, discussing the rich culture and history behind this exquisite cake.