Antiguan Black Cake is a moist, rum-soaked fruitcake traditionally enjoyed during Christmas and special celebrations in Antigua and Barbuda. Made with dried fruits soaked in dark rum, aromatic spices, and burnt sugar syrup, this rich and decadent cake is the Caribbean’s take on classic fruitcake, bursting with deep flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

For the Soaked Fruits:

1 lb (450g) raisins

1/2 lb (225g) prunes, chopped

1/2 lb (225g) currants

1/2 lb (225g) mixed candied fruit

2 cups (480ml) dark rum

1 cup (240ml) red wine

For the Cake Batter:

1 lb (450g) unsalted butter, softened

1 lb (450g) brown sugar

6 eggs

2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp allspice

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp almond extract

1/2 cup (120ml) burnt sugar syrup (browning)

Instructions

Prepare the Fruits Chop the dried fruits and soak them in dark rum and red wine for at least one week (ideally up to a few months) to enhance the flavor.

Prepare the Cake Batter Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Combine Everything Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Stir in the vanilla, almond extract, burnt sugar syrup, and soaked fruit (including any leftover liquid).

Bake the Cake Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Pour batter into greased cake pans and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Rum Soak Once cooled, poke small holes in the cake and drizzle additional rum for extra moisture and flavor.

Serving Slice and serve Antiguan Black Cake as a holiday treat or a rich dessert after a Caribbean meal. It pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or a glass of rum.

Antiguan Black Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a symbol of Caribbean holiday tradition, bursting with spiced fruit flavors and deep rum-infused richness. Whether for Christmas, weddings, or special occasions, this cake is a true indulgence!