Welcome to the world of Bajan Black Cake, a cherished dessert from Barbados that transcends mere culinary delight to embody cultural heritage and festive tradition. Known as "Great Cake" or "Christmas Cake," this decadent treat blends dried fruits soaked in a medley of dark rum, red wine, port wine, and cherry brandy, resulting in a rich, flavorful base that symbolizes the island's diverse influences.

With roots deeply embedded in Barbadian celebrations, this cake is crafted with meticulous care, from the selection of ingredients to the time-honored baking techniques passed down through generations. Its dense texture and complex flavors—enhanced by spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice—make it a hallmark of festive gatherings, offering not just indulgence but a connection to the island's cultural tapestry.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of history with each bite, as Bajan Black Cake not only delights the palate but also tells a story of tradition, warmth, and community. Whether enjoyed during Christmas or any special occasion, this dessert promises to transport you to the heart of Barbados, where culinary artistry meets enduring cultural heritage.

Ingredients:

For the Fruit Soaking Mixture:

• 3 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, prunes, mixed peel)
• 1 cup dark rum
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup port wine
• 1 cup cherry brandy

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup almond meal
• 1 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup browning sauce (for color, optional)

For Finishing:

• 1 cup dark rum (for soaking the baked cake)

Instructions:

Prepare the Fruit Soaking Mixture:

1- In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits with the dark rum, red wine, port wine, and cherry brandy.

2- Cover the bowl and let the fruits soak for at least 24 hours, stirring occasionally.

Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 10-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

Make the Cake Batter:

1- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

2- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.

4- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.

5- Fold in the breadcrumbs, almond meal, molasses, and browning sauce (if using).

6- Finally, fold in the soaked fruit mixture until evenly distributed.

Bake the Cake:

1- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

2- Bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 2.5 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Soak the Cake:

1- Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

2- While still warm, use a skewer to poke holes all over the cake.

3- Pour 1 cup of dark rum over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Serve and Enjoy:

1- Once cooled, remove the cake from the pan and slice into rich, moist servings.

2- Serve and savor the decadent flavors of this Barbadian delicacy, perfect for Christmas or any special occasion.

Indulge in the spirit of Barbados with each bite of this Bajan Black Cake, celebrating the island's culinary heritage and the joy of festive gatherings.

Nutritional Values

It's challenging to provide precise nutritional values for a recipe without specific brands and variations of ingredients. However, I can offer you a general estimate based on common nutritional information for each ingredient. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific product brands and preparation methods.

Nutritional Values (Per Serving, assuming 16 servings):

Mixed Dried Fruits:

• Calories: 150
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 25g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:

• -Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• -Provides natural sweetness and a variety of textures to the cake.

Dark Rum:

• Calories: 100
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• -Adds a distinct flavor and aroma to the cake.
• -May contribute to the preservation of the fruit mixture.

Red Wine:

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Sugars: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• -Enhances the depth of flavor with its rich, fruity notes.
• -Contains antioxidants and may have cardiovascular benefits in moderation.

Port Wine:

• Calories: 200
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Sugars: 5g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• -Adds complexity to the taste with its sweet and fortified character.
• -Contains antioxidants and may promote heart health in moderation.

Cherry Brandy:

• Calories: 100
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugars: 10g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• -Imparts a delightful cherry flavor to the cake.
• -Adds a layer of sweetness and complexity.

Unsalted Butter:

• Calories: 200
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• -Provides richness and moistness to the cake.
• -Contains healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Brown Sugar:

• Calories: 110
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugars: 27g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• -Adds sweetness and a rich caramel flavor.
• -Provides a source of energy and small amounts of minerals.

Large Eggs (each):

• Calories: 70
• Total Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 185mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Protein: 6g

benefits:

• -Contributes to the structure and texture of the cake.
• -Excellent source of high-quality protein and various nutrients.

All-Purpose Flour:

• Calories: 220
• Total Carbohydrates: 46g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 6g

benefits:

• -Serves as the main structure for the cake.
• -Provides carbohydrates and a small amount of protein.

Baking Powder:

• Calories: 2
• Total Carbohydrates: 1g
• Sodium: 488mg

benefits:

• -Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise.
• -Aids in creating a light and fluffy texture.

Ground Cinnamon:

• Calories: 6
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• -Adds warmth and depth to the cake's flavor.
• -Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Nutmeg:

• Calories: 12
• Total Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• -Enhances the overall spice profile.
• -May have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Allspice:

• Calories: 6
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• -Contributes to the cake's complex flavor profile.
• -Contains antioxidants and may have digestive benefits.

Salt:

• Calories: 0
• Sodium: 590mg

benefits:

• -Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• -Balances sweetness and supports various bodily functions.

Breadcrumbs:

• Calories: 110
• Total Carbohydrates: 21g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 4g

benefits:

• -Adds structure and absorbs excess moisture.
• -Provides additional texture to the cake.

Almond Meal:

• Calories: 240
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 8g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 9g

benefits:

• -Adds a nutty flavor and contributes to the cake's moistness.
• -Contains healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E.

Molasses:

• Calories: 60
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugars: 10g

benefits:

• -Adds a rich, robust flavor to the cake.
• -Contains iron, calcium, and other minerals.

Browning Sauce (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 40
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• -Adds a deep color to the cake for visual appeal.
• -Enhances the overall presentation.

Dark Rum (for soaking):

• Calories: 100
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• -Infuses additional rum flavor into the cake after baking.
• -Adds moisture and richness.

Total Estimated Nutritional Values (Per Serving):

• Calories: 2,300
• Total Fat: 125g
• Saturated Fat: 40g
• Cholesterol: 600mg
• Sodium: 1,200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 275g
• Dietary Fiber: 25g
• Sugars: 150g
• Protein: 30g

Keep in mind that these values are rough estimates, and actual nutritional content can vary based on specific brands and ingredient variations. It's always a good idea to consult specific product labels for the most accurate information.