Rum Cake (Christmas Rum Cake)

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Buttery, moist, and rich, with a rum kick this Christmas Rum Cake recipe is easy to make and always a hit at the holiday dessert table. It’s also an excellent recipe to make for any gathering around Christmas.

My moist rum cake recipe is a simple one, making it an effortless dessert to throw together on the weekend or even a weekday and enjoy all season long!

My dear aunt shared this incredible recipe with me, who always brought it to family reunions. The holidays are all about family, traditions, and sharing sweet moments with the ones we love and, in this case, sharing sensational recipes!

There are so many creative Christmas desserts out there circulating — why not try something new and exciting this year? I am loving this Filled Christmas Present Cookies idea and these lovely Ricotta Cookies. Then there is a No Bake Eggnog Pie recipe I am going to try too. 

Key ingredients & substitutions for Christmas Rum Cake

Rum Cake

• Nuts | Add some texture and extra flavor to the top of your rum cake by sprinkling chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans at the bottom of the pan before pouring in the batter. 
• Yellow cake mix | For the base of this cake, I keep things simple by using a box of yellow cake mix. I used Duncan Hines’ “Perfectly Moist Classic Yellow” for this recipe. However, you may use whatever your favorite yellow cake mix brand.
• Vanilla pudding mix | For a creamy and rich vanilla flavor, add a box of instant vanilla pudding and pie filling. I used the classic and reliable JELL-O brand. 

• Eggs | Adding eggs to the cake will help bind the ingredients and produce a fluffy and airy texture. 
• Water | Add some cold water to make the cake batter moist.
• Canola oil | Canola oil has a mild flavor and creates a beautifully moist crumb.
• Dark rum | Of course, you’ll need your favorite bottle of 80-proof dark rum. I like to use Bacardi Black for this rum cake recipe.

Glaze

• Water | Water makes the glaze runny and fluid, so it pours over the cake nicely.
• Butter | Unsalted butter makes the glaze creamy.
• Sugar | Use granulated sugar to bring sweetness to this delicious glaze.
• Dark rum | Use some more rum to create a sweet rum-flavored glaze.

Equipment needed

• Bundt Pan— A bundt pan makes this cake so beautiful. Try this one from Nordic Ware.

How to make the best Holiday Rum Cake 

Bacardi Rum cake is festive and full of holiday flavor! Even better, this recipe is easy to follow, and the prep is minimal.

STEP 1 | Preheat and prep

This stunning and delicious rum cake is so easy to make! Ready to get started? Begin by preheating the oven to 325 degrees F.

Next, spray the Bundt pan with cooking spray or grease it with oil or butter and add a little flour to the inside surface. I used this homemade cake release to coat all the nooks and crannies of my Bundt pan.

Whatever you choose, spray the pan well to keep the cake from sticking to the pan so it comes out whole and pristine. Then, chop the walnuts or pecans and sprinkle them evenly in the bottom of the pan.

STEP 2 | Mix the cake batter

Now for the rum cake batter! Use an electric or stand mixer to blend the yellow cake mix, instant pudding, eggs, cool water, and canola oil.

Of course, if you do not have a stand or electric mixer, you may use a whisk, rubber spatula, or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients by hand. Then, add the rum and mix the cake batter until it’s velvety smooth.

STEP 3 | Pour, bake, and cool

The recipe is almost complete—how much easier can it get? Just pour the rum cake batter evenly on top of the nuts in the Bundt pan.

Next, slip the pan into the oven and bake for 1 hour. Then, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to remove it.

STEP 4 | Invert the cake

Once the cake has cooled, carefully invert it onto a festive serving plate. Then, move on to making the sweet rum glaze.

STEP 5 | Create the glaze

First, drop some butter into a saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely, then stir in the sugar and water.

Bring the glaze to a boil, stirring constantly. Then, continue boiling the glaze for about 5 minutes.

STEP 6 | Add the rum and drizzle the glaze on the cake

Remove the glaze from the heat and stir in the rich and tasty rum. Once the cake is thoroughly cooled, prick a fork all over the top of the rum cake. 

And, last but certainly not least, drizzle the glaze all over the cake, covering the top and sides. The tiny pricks on the top of the Bundt cake will help the cake absorb the sweet rum glaze. 

Then slice and serve!

I love this family recipe because it’s a simple holiday dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. The taste is rich and festive, and the presentation is classic and stunning.

Plus, it’s wise to have a few easier recipes on your holiday bake list — too many complicated and detailed recipes can be overwhelming if you frequently bake for the holidays.

If you’re looking for more delicious and festive desserts for the holiday season, check out my sweet Apple Walnut Bundt Cake, bright Lemon Bundt Cake, or this decadent Biscoff Cake. If you like this classic Rum Cake, try my Easy Orange Cake Recipe, similar to today’s recipe but with citrusy notes.

Frequently asked questions

Toppings

If preferred, you can top the Bundt cake with sifted powdered sugar or a mix of powdered sugar and cinnamon in place of the rum glaze.

Serving suggestions

Why not plan for a whole day of festive meals and top it all off with this mouth-watering Christmas rum cake?

Start the day with this sweet and savory Sausage Apple Breakfast Casserole. Then, keep it light for lunch with my Holiday Cheese Board with Sage Honey Ricotta or Autumn Salad with Butternut Squash, Turkey, and Kale. You’ll want to leave room for a delicious dinner and, more importantly, dessert!

For dinner, serve perfectly seasoned and incredibly tender Citrus Herb Smoked Turkey Breast. Finally, end the evening with a decadent slice of Rum Cake with sugary rum glaze and wash it down with this Easy Hot Apple Cider Recipe — YUM!

Behind the recipe: Christmas Rum Cake

The origins of Christmas rum cake are debatable. However, most agree that the recipe has been enjoyed for many centuries.

The Caribbean rum cake is a version called black rum cake. And in recent history, rum cake has been a British tradition around Christmas time. 

During colonial times, the recipe was brought to America and quickly spread. 

Today, rum cake is a popular holiday dessert in many European and American countries. It is a staple at the Christmas or thanksgiving dessert table for many families all over the globe.