Vegan Rum Cake Recipe for a Moist, Delicious Dessert

Updated On: September 29, 2025

Vegan Rum Cake Recipe

Indulging in desserts doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your vegan lifestyle. This Vegan Rum Cake Recipe is a perfect example of how you can enjoy a rich, moist, and flavorful cake without any animal products.

Infused with the deep, warming essence of rum and a hint of vanilla, this cake is perfect for festive occasions, casual get-togethers, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day.

The best part? This cake uses wholesome ingredients and plant-based alternatives that come together to form a tender crumb and a decadent glaze that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Let’s dive into the magic of this vegan rum cake that promises to be your new favorite dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan rum cake is a delightful twist on the traditional rum cake, substituting eggs and dairy with wholesome vegan alternatives without sacrificing flavor or texture. The cake boasts a moist, tender crumb thanks to the combination of coconut milk and applesauce, which also add a subtle sweetness and richness.

The rum glaze is the star of the show — a luscious, boozy syrup that soaks into every bite, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Plus, it’s made with simple pantry staples, making it easy to whip up any time you crave something special.

Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a delicious plant-based dessert, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And if you love exploring more vegan delights, check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or the Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests for more inspiration.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 cups (250g)
Baking powder 2 tsp
Baking soda 1/2 tsp
Salt 1/4 tsp
Granulated sugar 1 cup (200g)
Unsweetened applesauce (egg replacer) 1/2 cup (120g)
Full-fat coconut milk 1 cup (240ml)
Vegetable oil 1/3 cup (80ml)
Vanilla extract 2 tsp
Dark rum 1/4 cup (60ml)
Powdered sugar (for glaze) 1 cup (120g)
Water (for glaze) 2 tbsp
Lemon juice (for glaze) 1 tbsp

Equipment

  • 9-inch Bundt pan or tube pan
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack
  • Small saucepan (for glaze)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Toothpick or cake tester

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch Bundt pan thoroughly with vegan butter or oil and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your cake rises evenly and has a light texture.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, unsweetened applesauce, coconut milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
  4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or hand mixer on low speed. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  5. Add the dark rum to the batter and fold it in gently but thoroughly. The rum adds that signature flavor and moisture to the cake.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake in the last 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  8. While the cake bakes, prepare the rum glaze. In a small saucepan, combine powdered sugar, water, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of rum. Heat gently over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  9. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then invert the cake onto a cooling rack placed over a tray or plate.
  10. While the cake is still warm, drizzle the rum glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in. For extra flavor, you can brush the cake with additional rum before glazing.
  11. Let the cake cool completely before slicing. This helps the flavors to meld beautifully and the glaze to set perfectly.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a richer coconut flavor, substitute half of the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil. Make sure it is liquid at room temperature for easy mixing.

Variation: Add 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.

Tip: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum with an equal amount of rum extract or apple juice for a similar depth of flavor.

Tip: Serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or alongside vegan chocolate ganache for an indulgent treat.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 slice, approx)
Calories 320 kcal
Fat 14 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Carbohydrates 45 g
Sugars 28 g
Protein 3 g
Fiber 1 g
Cholesterol 0 mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegan rum cake is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of coconut whipped cream for a luscious dessert experience.

For a festive presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries or toasted coconut flakes. It also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the warm rum flavors.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for a savory balance or explore more tropical delights with our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor.

Conclusion

Baking a vegan rum cake is a wonderful way to bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion without compromising your dietary choices. This recipe offers a moist, flavorful cake that’s rich with rum and perfectly balanced with a luscious glaze.

It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this vegan rum cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Plus, its versatility allows you to customize it with nuts, extracts, or different glazes to suit your taste.

Don’t forget to explore our other delicious vegan recipes to keep your kitchen vibrant and full of exciting flavors. Happy baking and enjoy every delightful bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Rum Cake

Description: A moist and flavorful vegan rum cake perfect for any occasion. This dairy-free and egg-free dessert is rich with the taste of rum and warm spices.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT1H10M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/4 cup dark rum
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch bundt pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix applesauce, oil, almond milk, rum, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and stir until just blended.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Optional: Brush additional rum on the cake while warm for extra flavor.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 45g

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Marta K

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