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TWD: Rum-Drenched Vanilla Cakes


Rum.  Vanilla.  Cake.  What's not to like?  This week's Tuesdays with Dorie selection was made by Wendy of Pink Stripes.  And what a good selection it was!

I was able to mix these babies up yesterday while my baby was napping.  Trust me, this is monumental around here.  And while I have a love-affair with my Kitchen Aid mixer, I do like that these cakes are easily mixed up by hand. 

I thought about halving the recipe, but really, this is a cake that is just screaming to be shared with friends.  Or maybe eaten in one sitting...no, no, no, definitely shared!  I did follow the recipe as written, using vanilla extract instead of the vanilla beans.  And I used half & half instead of the cream.  No particular reason, that's just what I had on hand! 

If you like rum, then this is the cake for you!  If you don't like rum, well...there are actually variations listed with the recipe where you can leave the rum out.  Myself?  I like the rum flavor!  The texture of the cake is more dense, like a pound cake.  The flavor really is better the next day.  If you can wait! I sent one of the loaves to work with D.  The verdict?  "They love it" was the response I got. 

I think the next time I make this, I may play around with it a bit more.  I'd like to try baking it in a bundt pan, but first I'll throw in some chopped toasted pecans in the bottom before adding the batter.  I also really liked the syrup that you soak the cake with.  Other rum cake recipes I've tried in the past have called for butter in the glaze, and it never quite soaked in right in my opinion.  However, this simple syrup soaks right in with ease!

Rum and rum cake always remind me of the cruise that included a stop in Jamaica that D and I took for our honeymoon.  It was a blast and I fell in love with the island and the attitude there.  No problem! 

Try this cake -- I think you'll be happy you did!  For the recipe, see Wendy's post and be sure to stop by and see what the other TWD Bakers did with this week's selection!

Enjoy!

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Comments

Chats the Comfy Cook said…
Lovely looking cake. It is a beauty in its plainess and the taste is not plain. Nice job.
June 29, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Madam Chow said…
I DID bake it in a bundt pan, and it stuck like crazy so if you use one, use a simple patterned bundt. This was a good cake, wasn't it!
June 29, 2010 at 12:53 PM
Christi said…
drool. That looks yummy!
June 29, 2010 at 1:14 PM
Kimberly Johnson said…
Your cake looks fantastic!
June 29, 2010 at 2:14 PM
TeaLady said…
Isn't it nice when something reminds you of a place you enjoyed visiting. And extra nice when it is a food and you know you can make it over and over.

Looks lovely.
June 29, 2010 at 2:48 PM
Tia said…
i think pecans would be a great add in. good on you for sharing. it must've been tough! lol
June 29, 2010 at 6:14 PM
Katrina said…
Great cake. My friends LOVED it. I need chocolate, but still thought the cake was good. Only used vanilla bean, no rum.
June 29, 2010 at 11:11 PM
Susan said…
Pecans sound good. I used toasted chopped hazelnuts, hazelnut syrup and then Nutella on top. Hubby loved it!
July 1, 2010 at 9:54 PM
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