Discover how to make Babà al Rum, a classic Italian dessert featuring a fluffy sponge cake soaked in rich rum syrup. This traditional recipe guides you through creating a moist, flavorful cake that's perfect when topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Ideal for special occasions or a decadent treat, this Babà al Rum will delight your taste buds with its irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Sponge Cake:

- 4 large eggs

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Rum Syrup:

- 1 cup water

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup dark rum

For Serving:

- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)

- Fresh fruit (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Babà mold or a Bundt pan.

Prepare the Sponge Cake:

  - In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy.

  - Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing well.

  - In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

  - Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

  - Pour the batter into the prepared mold and smooth the top.

Bake the Cake:

  - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Rum Syrup:

  - In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.

  - Remove from heat and stir in the dark rum. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.

Soak the Cake:

  - Once the cake is completely cool, gently remove it from the mold.

  - Place the cake on a serving platter and slowly pour the rum syrup over it, allowing it to soak in. Let it absorb the syrup for at least 1 hour.

Serve:

  - Serve the Babà al Rum with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. Garnish with fresh fruit if desired.

Enjoy your Babà al Rum as a delightful and indulgent dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings!

Nutritional values

Sponge Cake Ingredients:

4 large eggs

 - Calories: About 72 kcal

 - Protein: 6g

 - Fat: 5g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

 - Cholesterol: 186mg

Benefits:

 - High in protein, which helps in building and repairing tissues.

 - Contains vitamins B12 and D, and minerals such as selenium.

1/2 cup granulated sugar

 - Calories: About 400 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 100g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness and contributes to the texture of the cake.

 - Provides quick energy.

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

 - Calories: About 400 kcal

 - Fat: 45g

 - Saturated Fat: 28g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Provides a rich flavor and contributes to the cake's tenderness.

1 cup all-purpose flour

 - Calories: About 455 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 95g

 - Protein: 13g

 - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

 - Main structure-building ingredient in the cake.

 - Provides energy through carbohydrates.

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Sodium: 630mg

Benefits:

 - Helps the cake rise by releasing carbon dioxide.

1/4 teaspoon salt

 - Sodium: 575mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor and controls the yeast fermentation process.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 - Calories: About 12 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds a pleasant flavor to the cake.

 - Contains antioxidants and may have some mood-enhancing properties.

Rum Syrup Ingredients:

1 cup water

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Used to dissolve the sugar and make the syrup.

1 cup granulated sugar

 - Calories: About 800 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 200g

Benefits:

 - Sweetens the syrup, contributing to the overall flavor of the cake.

1/2 cup dark rum

 - Calories: About 320 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Alcohol: 100g

Benefits:

 - Adds rich, complex flavors to the syrup.

 - Alcohol helps in preserving the syrup.

For Serving:

Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)

 - Calories: About 50-100 kcal

 - Fat: 5-10g

 - Carbohydrates: 1-5g

 - Protein: 0-1g

Benefits:

 - Adds a light, creamy texture and sweet flavor.

 - Can be a source of fats and some vitamins if made with heavy cream.

Fresh fruit (optional, for garnish)

 - Typically low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Benefits:

 - Adds freshness, color, and nutritional value.

 - Provides antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C.

This sponge cake recipe combines eggs, sugar, butter, flour, and vanilla to create a light, fluffy texture. The rum syrup adds depth and moisture to the cake. For serving, whipped cream and fresh fruit can enhance flavor and presentation.