How to Make Christmas Black Cake

In Belize, Christmas is not complete without black cake. More than just a dessert, this rich, rum-soaked treat is a piece of the nation’s history. Its origins trace back to British plum pudding, introduced during colonial times, but over the decades, Belizeans have transformed it into something uniquely their own.

Today, black cake is a symbol of family, celebration, and cultural pride. It is baked with love, shared among relatives and neighbours, and often prepared weeks in advance to allow the fruits to soak in rum or wine.

Every household has its own variation, but the essence remains the same: a dense, flavourful cake infused with spices, browning, and liquor. Some families add prunes, cashews, or candied pineapple, while others keep it simple with raisins and candied mixed fruits.

Here’s How to Make Belizean Black Cake:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups sugar (brown or white; brown is more commonly used)
• ½ cup softened butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ cup Guinness stout
• 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch (or corn syrup)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon extract (or rose water)
• 3 tbsp Spice Rum
• 2 bottles Grace Browning (adjust to preference)
• 1 ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1 grated nutmeg
• 1 cup raisins
• ½ cup candied cherries (red and green)
• ½ cup candied mixed fruits
• Some pecans (about a handful; as it is decorative)
• Red wine (a mixture of Spice Rum and syrup can substitute)
• Optional: candied pineapple, stewed cashews, prunes

Directions:

1. Cream sugar and butter until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
3. Gradually mix in flour and cornstarch, alternating with Guinness stout.
4. By hand, stir in vanilla, lemon extract, and spice rum.
5. Add Grace Browning slowly, mixing thoroughly each time.
6. Mix in baking powder well before adding grated nutmeg, raisins, cherries, and other optional fruits.
7. Grease and flour two 3×6 inch pans, and pour in the batter.
8. Bake at 325°F for 45–55 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.
9. Cool slightly, then drizzle with red wine or rum mixture to soak.
10. Decorate with pecans and cherries before serving.

As families gather this Christmas, slices of black cake will once again carry the taste of history and the warmth of home.