This incredible gluten-free rum cake is a delightfully moist and perfectly balanced bundt cake, topped with a rich butter rum glaze that brings a festive touch to any occasion. And let’s not forget the splash of rum that adds a certain flair!
Why This is the Best Recipe for Gluten-Free Rum Cake
Prepare to be amazed as you witness the tender gluten-free yellow cake soaking up the decadent butter rum glaze. The result? A cake that is not only moist and tender but also bursting with flavor.
While the rum baked into the cake is minimal and bakes off during the process, the buttered rum glaze ensures that most of the alcohol evaporates as well. Of course, this is a rum cake, so eliminating rum altogether would defeat the purpose. You get the idea!
I used to consider nuts (especially in brownies!) a sacrilege. But now, I understand that it’s all about choosing the right nuts for the occasion and treating them appropriately.
In this rum cake, I found that pecans, when tossed with vanilla and a touch of sugar, create a delightful texture on top of the cake. If you’re not a fan of nuts in baked goods, feel free to leave them out!
Is Rum Gluten-Free?
Indeed, pure rum devoid of flavorings or additives is gluten-free. You have the freedom to use dark rum or light rum based on your personal preference.
What Rum Options are Gluten-Free?
All pure distilled rum is gluten-free, even if it originates from grains containing gluten, such as barley. As long as there is no cross-contamination during the manufacturing process and no gluten-containing ingredients added after distillation, popular brands like Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum, or pineapple rum are all gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Rum Cake Ingredients
- Pecans: Traditionally, rum cake includes pecans or walnuts, which are flavored and sugared before being nestled into the bottom of the bundt pan. These nuts provide a soft and buttery texture without overwhelming the cake.
- Vanilla: Vanilla extract is added to the nuts to enhance the depth of flavor. If you desire a stronger rum flavor, you can replace it with gluten-free rum extract.
- Sugar: Some granulated sugar is mixed with the nuts for sweetness, while the majority is baked into the yellow cake, providing sweetness and tenderness.
- Gluten-free flour: I highly recommend using Better Batter’s classic blend gluten-free flour for this cake. However, Cup4Cup or Better Than Cup4Cup blends will yield excellent results as well. I advise against using other commercially available blends, as they tend to be unbalanced or contain gritty rice flour.
- Milk: Choose a milk with fat content and no added flavors to provide the main liquid in this cake. Non-dairy milk works equally well as cow’s milk, as long as it meets these requirements.
- Dry milk: Adding powdered milk to the recipe enhances richness without increasing the liquid content. If you have buttermilk powder on hand, it can be used as a substitute. However, omitting this ingredient is not recommended.
- Cornstarch: Lightening the flour with cornstarch lends extra tenderness to the cake. If you are using Cup4Cup or Better Than Cup4Cup blend, replace the cornstarch with more of your all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.
- Baking powder: The primary leavening agent, baking powder, provides the cake with lightness and lift.
- Baking soda: Baking soda contributes to lift and helps the cake brown gently in the oven. It is activated as soon as it is hydrated.
- Salt: Salt brightens and enhances the other flavors in the cake without making it taste salty.
- Oil: Unlike traditional recipes that use butter, this gluten-free rum cake calls for a neutral-tasting oil such as vegetable, canola, grapeseed, or peanut oil. The absence of moisture in oil results in an incredibly moist cake.
- Rum: The cake itself contains a small amount of rum, but the true rum flavor is infused through the glaze, poured over the warm cake to allow absorption.
- Eggs: Four whole eggs add lift, richness, and structure to this delectable cake.
Tips for Preparing Gluten-Free Rum Cake
Choosing the Ideal Cake Pan
For the best results, use a classic 10-cup capacity bundt pan. I recommend a light-colored nonstick cast aluminum pan, as it provides the necessary sturdiness without burning the cake’s exterior while the interior bakes to perfection.
If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can still make this cake by halving the ingredients and using a 9-inch round baking pan. Remember to adjust the baking time accordingly, starting at approximately 22 minutes.
For further guidance on selecting the best bundt pans and equipping your kitchen for all your baking adventures, don’t forget to check out our gluten-free baking tools post.
Releasing the Rum Cake from the Pan
Ensure that your greased bundt pan is free from any bare or damaged spots to prevent the cake from sticking. Before inverting the cake to release it, gently run a thin, nonstick spatula along the sides to ensure that the cake is not adhered to the pan.
Don’t Delay Flipping Your Rum Cake
To guarantee an effortless release, allow the cake to cool in the pan for only 10 minutes while you prepare the glaze. After adding the glaze, wait another 10 minutes before flipping the cake.
Serving Suggestions for Rum Cake
- While this lovely cake is typically associated with holidays, it can be enjoyed throughout the year for an unexpected treat.
- For an extra touch, dust the cooled, inverted cake with powdered sugar.
- Rum cake pairs wonderfully with a drizzled glaze, similar to the one used in our iced gluten-free oatmeal cookies.
- Each slice can be served with a dollop of fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream.
- Accompanying the rich gluten-free cake with fresh fruit adds a refreshing element to your dessert table.
Storing Your Gluten-Free Rum Cake
Thanks to the glaze, the cake remains fresh and flavorful for days on end. Feel free to make this cake well in advance, as it can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to four days. Refrigeration is not recommended, as it compromises the moisture of baked goods. Alternatively, tightly wrap the cake in freezer-safe wrap and freeze for longer storage. Trust me, there’s something special about enjoying a warm slice right out of the oven with its freshly glazed perfection.
Gluten-Free Rum Cake: Substitutions
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Rum Cake
For a dairy-free version, you can replace the milk in the cake with any unflavored nondairy milk that contains some fat for richness. Coconut milk powder is an excellent dairy-free substitute for milk powder. As for the butter in the glaze, options like Earth Balance buttery sticks, Melt, or Miyoko’s Kitchen brand vegan butter work well.
Gluten-Free, Egg-Free Rum Cake
As the recipe calls for four whole eggs, it may be challenging to make this cake egg-free. While you can experiment with replacing the eggs with “chia eggs” (1 tablespoon ground white chia seeds mixed with 1 tablespoon lukewarm water), the outcome may not be as remarkable.
Gluten-Free, Corn-Free Rum Cake
If corn is not suitable for you, substitute the cornstarch with arrowroot. Ensure that your gluten-free flour blend does not rely heavily on cornstarch, as this can affect the cake’s structure.
Rum Substitutes
If you wish to make this cake alcohol-free, you can use water in equal measure to replace the rum, accompanied by a generous amount of rum extract. As always, don’t hesitate to experiment and find what works best for you.
Gluten-Free, Nut-Free Rum Cake
To omit nuts altogether, exclude the nut mixture, along with the additional 1/8 cup of granulated sugar, and the vanilla extract. Proceed with the remaining recipe as instructed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Alcohol Gluten-Free?
Pure distilled alcohol is gluten-free. Nonetheless, exercise caution to avoid cross-contamination during manufacturing and processing and the inclusion of gluten-containing ingredients.
Is All Rum Gluten-Free?
Yes, all pure distilled rum is gluten-free. However, be aware of flavorings, additives, and differences in manufacturing and processing that can lead to contamination.
Is Tortuga Rum Cake Gluten-Free?
Unfortunately, Tortuga rum cakes contain wheat flour, which is gluten-containing. Therefore, we must prepare our own gluten-free rum cake!
Is Captain Morgan Rum Gluten-Free?
Generally, pure Captain Morgan rum is considered gluten-free. However, it is essential to exercise caution to ensure it hasn’t been contaminated with gluten.
Does Gluten-Free Rum Cake Taste Like Alcohol?
Yes, the rum cake has a subtle hint of alcohol in the glaze. However, the cooking and baking process evaporates some of the alcohol, resulting in a balanced flavor.
Can You Get Drunk From Rum Cake?
Given that the entire cake, including the glaze, contains just over 1/2 cup of rum before cooking and baking, consuming a large quantity may make you slightly inebriated.
Can Kids Eat Rum Cake?
Ultimately, it is a personal decision whether to allow children to consume alcohol-infused food. However, if you prepare the cake without rum and solely use rum flavoring, there should be no concern about serving it to children.
What’s the Best Rum for This Gluten-Free Rum Cake Recipe?
Personally, I prefer using plain Bacardi rum for this gluten-free rum cake, as I regularly use it to top off my homemade vanilla extract. However, if you have another favorite brand, feel free to use that instead!
Can I Use Imitation Rum for This Gluten-Free Rum Cake Recipe?
Indeed, you can use gluten-free imitation rum extract, such as McCormick or Olive Nation brands, to replace the vanilla extract in this recipe. You can also use it in place of rum, along with water as specified in the recipe notes.
Can I Use Almond Flour for This Rum Cake Recipe?
No, almond flour is not a suitable substitute in this recipe. It behaves differently during baking and cannot replace a rice-based all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.
Remember, the next time you’re in the mood for a memorable dessert, treat yourself and your loved ones to this incredible gluten-free rum cake. Your taste buds will thank you!
