As the holiday season approaches, there's nothing like the comforting scent of spiced cakes baking in the kitchen. This year, make your Christmas dessert unforgettable with a rich, flavourful rum cake infused with the bold spirit of SLY DOG Rum. 

Known for our combination of tropical spices and fiery Caribbean flavour, SLY DOG Rum is the perfect addition to elevate a traditional holiday treat. We don’t judge! Whether you’re a wiz in the kitchen or trying to impress the family for the first time, our Christmas rum cake recipe has you covered.

We know cake and cream isn’t for everyone, but for those with an extra sweet tooth (like us) we couldn’t resist adding a rich frosting recipe to take this cake to the next level. 

It’s a seriouSLY good way to keep the cake extra moist, adding a luscious, sweet finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup SLY DOG Spiced Rum
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, and chopped dried cherries or cranberries)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

For the Rum Syrup

• 1/2 cup SLY DOG Spiced Rum
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Cream

• 300g butter, cubed and softened
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons spiced rum
• 3 cups icing sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

How to make SLY DOG Rum cake

1. Preheat your oven to 165°C. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan thoroughly.
2. In a small bowl, combine the dried fruits with 1/4 cup of SLY DOG Spiced Rum. Allow the fruits to soak for at least 30 minutes or, for a richer flavour, overnight. 
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dried ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, beat the butter and both sugars with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). 
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. 
6. Mix in the vanilla extract. 
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and the remaining 1/4 cup of SLY DOG Spiced Rum. Start and end this process with the dry ingredients. This alternating method ensures a smooth, well-combined batter. 
8. Gently fold in the rum-soaked dried fruits (including any remaining liquid) and nuts (if using).
9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. 
10. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

For the Rum Syrup

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, and butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully add the remaining 1/2 cup of SLY DOG Spiced Rum, stirring to combine. 
3. Using a skewer, poke small holes all over the warm cake while it’s still on the wire rack. Pour the rum syrup evenly over the cake, letting it absorb the syrup slowly. This soaking step gives the cake its moist, rich texture.
4. For best results, let the cake sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavours to combine. We seriouSLY recommend this step.

For the Rum Cream

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until it becomes light and creamy (about 3-4 minutes). This step is key for a smooth, fluffy frosting.
2. Gradually pour in the Sly Dog Spiced Rum and continue to beat the mixture until it’s well incorporated with the butter. 
3. Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, blending until the spices are evenly distributed. 
4. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted icing sugar to the butter mixture, one cup at a time. Increase the speed to medium after each addition, blending until the icing sugar is fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
5. If the frosting is too thick, add a few drops of milk or a bit more spiced rum for a smoother texture. If it’s too thin, add a bit more icing sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Once the frosting is ready, generously spread it over the cooled rum cake. For a festive finish, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top or add holiday-themed decorations.

FAQs

What is the best rum to use?

For the ultimate flavour, nothing beats SLY DOG Spiced Rum. Its smooth, spiced notes bring depth to every bite, making it the perfect choice for a rich, unforgettable rum cake. If you’re wanting to switch things up - our SLY DOG Stoned Fruit Rum is great for a fruitier taste.

Is rum cake suitable for children? 

Our rum cake is designed for those with a taste for something a little wicked. Since the rum adds flavour and a bit of a kick, this dessert is best enjoyed by those who can appreciate the full experience - we say save it for the adults!

How do I store this cake?

Like fine rum, rum cake gets better with age. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or wrap it tightly and put it in the fridge for up to a week.

Is spiced rum good for baking?

Absolutely. Spiced rum, especially SLY DOG Spiced Rum, amps up the flavours in any dessert, bringing a rich, distinct flavour to every bite. We’re what it takes to elevate any regular cake from good, to seriouSLY good!

Summary

There you have it - a SLY DOG special Christmas rum cake recipe that’s bold, rich and downright unforgettable. Remember, rules are overrated! We don’t follow them, and neither should you. 

If you’re allergic, swap the nuts for more fruit, or if you’re not in the mood for extra sweetness, feel free to dial back the fruit. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or keeping a slice or two for yourself, this is one dessert that’ll get everyone SLY-ding into the Christmas spirit.