Betty Dunn'S Rum Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 55 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist rum cake featuring chopped pecans and a flavorful rum glaze, perfect for celebrations or dessert lovers seeking a boozy, nutty treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 package yellow cake mix
  • 1 (3 3/4 oz.) package vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 1/2 cup light rum
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable cooking oil
  • 4 eggs

Instructions

  1. Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
  2. Crumble chopped pecans in the bottom of the pan.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and vanilla pudding mix.
  4. Add the rum, water, oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients.
  5. Mix for two minutes until well blended.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
  7. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Remove the cake from the oven. Keep it in the pan.
  9. Pour hot rum glaze over the cake while it is still hot.
  10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the Bundt pan. If you don’t have light rum, a dark rum can be used for a deeper taste, but it will change the cake's color and flavor profile slightly. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. If you want a lighter cake, substitute the vegetable oil with applesauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the rum cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with additional chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar. This cake is also a delightful addition to holiday gatherings or celebrations.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover rum cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold to appreciate the rum flavor fully.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Betty Dunn'S Rum Cake contains roughly 224 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 9g fat.

224 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 8.9g 11% DV
Carbs 24.3g 9% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 2.2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 153.1mg 7% DV
Potassium 110mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 22.6mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 62.9mg 5% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes such as spice or chocolate for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that the final taste and texture of the cake may vary, so choose a flavor that you enjoy.

What can I use instead of pecans in this recipe?

If you prefer, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. Alternatively, you can omit the nuts entirely if you have allergies or simply prefer a nut-free cake.

How can I make the rum glaze for the cake?

To make a simple rum glaze, mix equal parts of powdered sugar and light rum until smooth. Drizzle it over the warm cake right after taking it out of the oven for added moisture and sweetness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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