Gluten-Free Caribbean Rum Cake

This holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a Gluten-Free Caribbean Rum Cake. This Caribbean-Style Rum Cake is a super moist cake infused with sweet butter rum syrup making this cake extra delicious.

There’s nothing quite like a rum cake to get you in the Caribbean spirit! And what’s even better is that this delicious dessert is a gluten-free recipe!

So if you want to enjoy the taste of the islands at home, this gluten-free Caribean dessert is sure to please. So grab your rum, and let’s get started!

 What is Caribbean Rum Cake?

If you are unfamiliar with the Caribbean Rum Cake, it is a sponge cake soaked overnight in a sweet butter rum syrup. The rum cake’s flavour intensifies with each day and will keep for several days at room temperature.

This gluten-free dessert is extra special because it has a delicate rum flavour, and the cake is super soft and moist. This holiday dessert is truly outstanding and different from your typical Christmas cakes.

Why is it called Caribbean rum cake?

There are a few different stories about where Caribbean rum cake got its name. One story says that the cake was created by sailors who used rum to keep their cakes from going stale on long journeys. 

Another story says that the cake was created in the West Indies, and rum was used because it was cheap and readily available alcohol. 

Whatever the true story, we know that Caribbean rum cake is a delicious and unique cake that is insanely delicious!

The cake itself is nothing fancy – it is all about the butter rum syrup. To infuse the cake, you will need to poke holes in the cake after baking.

The holes allow the cake to absorb the buttery flavourful rum syrup. By soaking the cake with the syrup, the cake becomes super soft, moist and incredibly tasty.

Can you make rum cake without alcohol?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free Caribbean rum cake without alcohol. This is an excellent option for those looking for a delicious and festive cake but who don’t want the alcohol. 

To make this cake without alcohol, substitute the rum for an equal amount of water mixed with one additional teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or maple extract.

Is alcohol gluten-free?

Not all alcohol is gluten-free! Even if it is made with wheat, barley or rye, pure distilled liquor is considered gluten-free.

Then again, a beer that is often made with wheat or barley is not gluten-free because it is not distilled. Beer is mostly fermented with yeast.

Also, be careful of distilled liquors with added flavourings or other additives because they may not be gluten-free.

When it comes to rum, because it is distilled, it is gluten-free. However, some rums are flavoured and often are not gluten-free.

What about wine? Wine is fermented, not distilled, and most wines are considered gluten-free. Wine is made from naturally gluten-free grapes. But, some brewing processes can result in gluten contamination.

If you are looking for one more gluten-free dessert to add to your dessert platter, this Gluten-Free Caribbean Rum Cake is a must try dessert recipe. This Caribbean dessert is always a huge hit during holiday festivities. 

Why is rum cake so popular?

There are a few reasons why rum cake is so popular in the Caribbean. 

First, rum is a very popular liquor in the Caribbean, so it only makes sense that rum cake would also be popular. 

Secondly, the flavor of rum cake is unique and very delicious. 

Lastly, rum cake is a unique dessert often served on special occasions and celebrations.

We hope you enjoyed learning about this extra moist gluten-free Caribbean rum cake, a unique dessert that we encourage you to try making at home at least once! Thanks again, and happy baking!

Are you looking for last minute gluten-free easy dessert recipes? These are my favourites.

2 Layer Grain-Free Chocolate Cake

Gluten-Free Chocolate Blackberry Pie

Gluten-Free Coconut Lemon Custard Pie

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Many thanks!

Kristina xx