Key West Rum Cake: A Tropical Delight You Can’t Miss

Key West, a charming island destination in Florida, is renowned not only for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also for its delicious Key West Rum Cake. This moist, flavorful dessert, infused with rum, captures the essence of the tropics, offering a delightful taste of island paradise. Whether you’re visiting Key West or indulging in a tropical treat from home, this rum cake is a must-try. In this article, we will dive deep into what makes Key West Rum Cake so special, the best places to get it, and how you can make your own at home.

What is Key West Rum Cake?

Key West Rum Cake is a traditional dessert originating from the island’s rich Caribbean influence. Made with premium rum, this cake has a rich, moist texture that comes from a combination of simple ingredients like eggs, sugar, flour, and a generous amount of rum, which infuses the cake with a distinctive flavor. The cake is often topped with a glaze or syrup made from butter, sugar, and rum, which enhances its tropical sweetness and provides a glossy, decadent finish.

The unique rum used in Key West Rum Cake is often a local favorite, with Key West being home to some of the most famous rum distilleries in the world. This gives the cake its signature flavor and aroma, making it different from any other rum cake you may have tasted.

History Behind Key West Rum Cake

The origin of Key West Rum Cake can be traced back to the Caribbean, where rum is a key ingredient in many local dishes. As rum became widely available in the Florida Keys, bakers began experimenting with it in desserts, leading to the creation of this delightful cake.

Though the exact history of Key West Rum Cake is hard to pinpoint, its popularity soared during the 20th century, with many locals and tourists alike enjoying it as a souvenir or a special treat. Today, it remains an iconic dessert of Key West, cherished for its rich history and exceptional flavor.

Why Key West Rum Cake is So Special

There are several factors that set Key West Rum Cake apart from other traditional cakes:

• Premium Ingredients: One of the key elements that make Key West Rum Cake so irresistible is the use of high-quality rum. Many rum cakes use dark, aged rums that add a deeper flavor and richer color to the cake. The combination of fresh, locally sourced ingredients makes it a standout among other rum cakes.
• Moist and Flavorful Texture: Unlike other cakes that can be dry or crumbly, Key West Rum Cake is known for its moistness. The rum syrup or glaze drizzled over the cake creates a beautiful sheen and infuses the cake with flavor, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Tropical Influence: Key West’s Caribbean-inspired cuisine often incorporates tropical fruits like coconuts, pineapples, and citrus, which are sometimes added to Key West Rum Cake recipes for extra flavor and texture. This connection to the islands adds a true sense of place, making each bite feel like a tropical getaway.

Where to Find Key West Rum Cake

If you’re planning a trip to Key West, you’re in for a treat. The city boasts numerous bakeries and stores that serve or sell Key West Rum Cake. Some of the best places to find this island delicacy include:

1. Key West Key Lime Pie Company

Known for its famous Key Lime Pie, this shop also serves up delicious rum cakes. Made with local rum, the cakes are a popular item for visitors looking to take a piece of Key West home with them. You can even buy them online if you’re unable to make it to the island.

2. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

This shop, a local favorite, is known for more than just its key lime pies. They also offer a variety of Key West Rum Cakes, made fresh and available in different sizes. The rich flavor and moisture of their rum cakes are the perfect souvenir to take back from your trip.

3. The Rum Cake Factory

If you want to experience an authentic Key West Rum Cake, head to The Rum Cake Factory, where you can sample a wide range of cakes infused with different types of rum. This family-owned business uses only the finest ingredients, ensuring you get a decadent dessert with every bite.

How to Make Key West Rum Cake at Home

While buying a Key West Rum Cake is easy, making it at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s a simple recipe for creating your own Key West Rum Cake that’s just as moist and flavorful as the ones you’d find in Key West:

Ingredients:

• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup of dark rum (preferably Key West rum)
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1 small package of instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1/4 cup of dark rum
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1 cup of sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, dark rum, water, vanilla pudding mix, and eggs. Mix well until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add rum, water, and sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves, and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, invert the cake onto a serving platter.
6. While the cake is still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Let the cake absorb the glaze for an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your homemade Key West Rum Cake with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. The rum cake also pairs beautifully with a tropical drink, such as a piña colada or rum punch.

Why You Should Try Key West Rum Cake

Key West Rum Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Every bite is a step into the heart of the Caribbean-inspired culture that defines Key West. Whether you’re enjoying it as a treat for yourself or sharing it with friends, this cake is sure to bring a little piece of paradise into your life. Plus, it makes a great gift or souvenir to bring home after a trip to the island, allowing you to share the flavors of Key West with loved ones.

Conclusion

Key West Rum Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a reflection of the island’s rich cultural heritage and the perfect souvenir for those looking to bring a taste of the tropics home. Whether you’re in Key West or making it yourself, this rum-infused treat is sure to delight your taste buds. So why wait? Get your hands on a slice of this iconic cake, and experience the unique flavors of Key West in every bite.