Mini Rum Cake Recipe Easy and Delicious Dessert Idea

There’s something irresistibly charming about mini rum cakes — their moist texture, the rich flavor of rum, and the perfect, bite-sized portions that make them ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or simply craving a delightful treat, mini rum cakes never fail to impress.

These little cakes pack a punch of flavor in every bite, balancing sweetness with a subtle warmth from the rum. Plus, their individual size makes them wonderfully shareable, yet satisfying enough for a personal indulgence.

In this detailed recipe, I’ll walk you through every step to create these scrumptious mini rum cakes from scratch. You’ll learn why this recipe works so well, the essential ingredients, equipment you’ll need, and tips to customize your cakes.

So grab your apron and let’s dive into making these delightful treats that are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mini rum cake recipe is a true crowd-pleaser because it combines simplicity with incredible flavor. The cakes are incredibly moist, thanks to a rich butter and oil base, complemented by the aromatic essence of vanilla and dark rum.

Unlike traditional large cakes, these mini versions bake quickly and allow for beautiful individual presentations.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, the straightforward instructions make this recipe approachable. The glaze, soaked with brown sugar and rum, enhances the cake’s moistness and adds a glossy finish that will have guests asking for seconds.

Plus, each mini cake is perfectly portioned, making it easy to serve and enjoy without any guilt.

Finally, this recipe is versatile enough to adapt with different flavors or toppings, making it a wonderful base for experimentation.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup dark rum, divided
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar (for glaze)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
• ¼ cup water (for glaze)

Equipment

• Mini bundt cake pan (12-cavity)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Cooling rack
• Small saucepan (for glaze)
• Basting brush (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease your mini bundt cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures easy release of the cakes after baking.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This step ensures your cakes will be light and fluffy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the batter for a lighter texture.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract and half of the rum (2 tablespoons) until fully combined.
6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender cakes.
7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared mini bundt pans, filling each cavity about ¾ full to allow room for rising.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
9. While the cakes bake, prepare the rum glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, water, and remaining 2 tablespoons of rum. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
10. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert each cake onto a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to catch drips.
11. While the cakes are still warm, brush them generously with the rum glaze. The warm cakes will absorb the glaze beautifully, making them moist and flavorful. Repeat the glazing process 2-3 times for maximum effect.
12. Allow the cakes to cool completely before serving. The glaze will set and give the cakes a lovely shine.

Tips & Variations

For an extra punch of flavor, soak the baked mini cakes in rum overnight, then glaze them the next day.

Tip: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the rum with pineapple juice or apple cider in both the batter and glaze.

You can also customize the recipe by adding finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for some delightful crunch. For a tropical twist, fold in some shredded coconut or garnish the finished cakes with toasted coconut flakes.

For a festive presentation, dust the cakes lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze instead of the rum glaze.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Mini rum cakes are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few accompaniments. Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic pairing.

For seasonal flair, add fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries on the side. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can also complement the rum flavor nicely.

These cakes make a wonderful addition to brunch spreads, holiday dessert tables, or as a charming party favor wrapped in a clear bag tied with ribbon.

Conclusion

Mini rum cakes are a timeless dessert that combines the rich, smooth flavors of rum with a tender, moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Their small size not only makes them ideal for portion control, but also adds a touch of elegance to your dessert presentation.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging a sweet craving, these mini rum cakes are sure to impress family and friends alike. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make the recipe your own.

Happy baking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Classic Chocolate Cake Recipe, Lemon Blueberry Muffins, and Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.

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