Almost Tortuga Rum Cake Recipe

Ingredients for Almost Tortuga Rum Cake

• Cake Flour
• Granulated Sugar
• Baking Powder
• Salt
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• Vegetable Oil
• Walnuts
• Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
• 1 cup milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup Whaler's Vanilla Rum (or similar dark rum)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup water

How to Make Almost Tortuga Rum Cake

1. **Prepare the Cake Batter:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix ingredients according to package directions (excluding any frosting mix).
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** On low speed, mix all dry ingredients until they resemble fine crumbs.
3. **Store (Optional):** This dry mix can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
4. **Make the Cake Batter:** Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a large bundt pan.
5. **Prepare the Pan:** Sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly on the bottom of the prepared bundt pan.
6. **Combine Wet and Dry:** In a large bowl, combine the dry cake mix, pudding mix, milk, eggs, rum, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through. The batter should be very smooth.
7. **Bake:** Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when gently touched.
8. **Cool:** Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Prepare the Rum Glaze:** While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. Combine butter, water, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
10. **Make the Glaze:** Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer until the sugar is dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the rum.
11. **Glaze the Cake:** Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the rum glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in. Repeat until all the glaze is used.
12. **Serve:** Let the cake cool completely before serving. This cake is delicate once inverted, so handle with care. Best served the next day!