There’s something undeniably special about a slice of Rum Raisin Cake. The combination of plump, rum-soaked raisins, warm spices, and a tender crumb makes this cake a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with a cup of tea or dressing it up with a glaze, this cake brings a cozy, nostalgic flavor that’s hard to resist.
If you love rich, moist cakes with a hint of indulgence, this recipe is for you! Let’s dive into the magic of this classic dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Rum Raisin Cake
- Incredibly Moist – The rum-soaked raisins keep the cake wonderfully soft and tender
- Rich & Flavorful – With cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of dark rum, every bite is packed with warmth
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy it as an afternoon snack, a holiday treat, or even as a gift for friends and family
- Easy to Make – This cake comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps
What Does Rum Raisin Cake Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cake infused with the deep, caramel-like flavor of dark rum. The raisins add bursts of sweetness, while the cinnamon and nutmeg bring a cozy, spiced warmth. It’s like a cross between a classic spice cake and a rich fruitcake—but way more approachable and versatile!
Ingredients for Rum Raisin Cake

To make this delightful cake, you’ll need
- 1 cup raisins – Dark or golden raisins both work well
- 1/4 cup dark rum – Adds depth and richness
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – Adds tenderness
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – Brings a warm, spiced note
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg – Enhances the flavor
- 1/4 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – For richness and moisture
- 1 cup sugar – Sweetens the cake
- 3 large eggs – Provide structure and a light texture
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- 9-inch cake pan or loaf pan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
How to Make Rum Raisin Cake

Step 1: Soak the Raisins
Place the raisins in a small bowl and pour the dark rum over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for even more flavor)
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pan
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the rum from the soaked raisins
- Gently fold in the soaked raisins
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
What to Serve with Rum Raisin Cake
- A dusting of powdered sugar – Simple yet elegant
- A drizzle of rum glaze – Mix powdered sugar with a splash of rum for extra indulgence
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream – A creamy contrast to the warm spices
- A cup of coffee or tea – Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat
Tips for the Best Rum Raisin Cake
✔️ Use quality rum – A dark, full-bodied rum will give the best flavor
✔️ Soak the raisins longer – Overnight soaking makes them extra plump and flavorful
✔️ Don’t overmix the batter – This keeps the cake light and tender
✔️ Let the cake rest – The flavors develop even more after a few hours
Storage Instructions Rum Raisin Cake
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- In the Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to a week
- In the Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different alcohol instead of rum?
Yes! You can substitute brandy or bourbon for a slightly different flavor
Can I make this cake without alcohol?
Absolutely! Soak the raisins in hot water or apple juice instead
Can I add nuts to the cake?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch
What if I don’t have nutmeg?
You can replace it with allspice or just increase the cinnamon slightly
Final Thoughts – Try This Classic Rum Raisin Cake!
This Rum Raisin Cake is pure comfort in every bite. It’s rich, moist, and bursting with warm, spiced flavors—perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply treating yourself
Looking for more delicious bakes? Try these recipes next!
- Banana Bread Cookies – Soft, chewy, and packed with banana goodness
- Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread – A perfect balance of tart and sweet
- Flourless Banana Bread – A gluten-free, naturally sweetened delight
I’d love to hear how your cake turns out! Leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest here. Enjoy baking, and happy indulging! 🍰✨
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Rum Raisin Cake – A Moist and Flavorful Treat
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Rum Raisin Cake is irresistibly moist, bursting with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and enriched with rum-soaked raisins for a deep, caramel-like flavor. Perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re craving a comforting slice of homemade goodness!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Soak the raisins in dark rum for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the rum from the soaked raisins.
- Fold in the raisins and mix gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flavor, soak the raisins overnight in rum.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, soak the raisins in hot water or apple juice.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple rum glaze for an elegant finish.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: rum raisin cake, spiced cake, moist cake, holiday cake, easy cake recipe, rum cake, raisin dessert
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