Caribbean Drunken Cake, also known as Bolo Borracho in Aruba, is a traditional dessert with a rich history and unique flavor profile. The cake is infused with rum, which provides a delightful boozy taste while keeping it moist and flavorful. Typically made from yellow cake mix, eggs, and rum, the cake is soaked in a mixture of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and rum, making it decadent and soft.

This dessert offers a range of benefits due to the milk-based soaking mixture, which contributes calcium for bone health, while the rum adds a distinct flavor. However, the alcohol content means it's more suited to adult consumption, with minimal risks when enjoyed in moderation. The creamy texture of the cake, combined with the slightly sweet and rich flavor, makes it a perfect indulgence for special occasions. It's an easy-to-make treat that can be customized to suit different tastes, making it a popular choice for many celebrations.

Ingredients:

1- 1 box yellow cake mix

2- 4 eggs

3- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

4- 1/2 cup rum

5- 1 can sweetened condensed milk

6- 1 can evaporated milk

7- 1 cup heavy cream

8- 1 tsp vanilla extract

9- Whipped cream and cherries for topping (optional)

Method:

1- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and rum. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

3- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula.

4- Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5- While the cake is baking, prepare the soaking mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.

6- Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

7- Using a fork or skewer, poke several holes all over the surface of the cake.

8- Slowly pour the soaking mixture over the cake, making sure it gets into all the holes.

9- Let the cake cool completely and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

10- Serve the Bolo Borracho chilled, topped with whipped cream and cherries if desired.

Notes:

- High in Sugar and Fat: Due to the combination of sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and the cake mix, this dessert is quite rich in both sugar and fat. Those following a low-sugar or low-fat diet should be cautious when indulging in this dessert.

- Alcohol Content: As mentioned earlier, the alcohol content is something to consider. Although it’s not excessive, individuals who are sensitive to alcohol or those who prefer to avoid it may want to avoid this recipe altogether. It's essential to be mindful of the quantity consumed, as it may still have an effect, especially in children or sensitive individuals.

- Be sure to let the cake cool before pouring the soaking mixture over it, otherwise it may become too mushy.

- You can adjust the amount of rum in the recipe to your liking. If you prefer a stronger rum flavor, you can add more rum, or if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of rum.

Frequently Asked Questions :

Can the alcohol be substituted with something else?

- Yes, if you prefer to make the cake alcohol-free, you can substitute the rum with fruit juices like pineapple juice or orange juice, or you could use flavored syrups such as vanilla or almond syrup. These substitutions provide similar moisture and flavor without the alcohol content.

What are the best ways to store Bolo Borracho?

- After preparing the cake, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake benefits from resting in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight as the soaking mixture fully absorbs. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can this cake be made in advance?

- Yes, Bolo Borracho is an excellent make-ahead dessert. In fact, the longer it sits in the refrigerator, the more the flavors develop, making it even more delicious. Prepare it a day ahead for the best results.

Can I use organic ingredients in this recipe?

- Absolutely! You can use organic cake mix, organic heavy cream, and organic milk alternatives to make the recipe more natural and in line with your preferences. Organic options can help reduce the intake of pesticides and artificial additives.

What are the right quantities for making a large batch?

- If you’re making a larger batch for a party or event, simply double or triple the ingredients based on the number of servings needed. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger cake may require a slightly longer time in the oven.

Can children eat Bolo Borracho?

- While it is not advisable for children to eat the cake due to the presence of alcohol, you can easily modify the recipe to exclude it. Substituting alcohol with fruit juice or syrups ensures it’s safe for all ages.

Does the alcohol evaporate during baking?

- When baked, some alcohol does evaporate due to the heat, but not all of it. A portion of the alcohol remains in the cake even after baking. The longer the baking time, the more alcohol may evaporate, but the cake will still retain some of the alcohol's flavor.

Nutrition Facts:

1. 1 Box Yellow Cake Mix

• Calories: 1500-2000 (depending on the brand and serving size)
• Carbohydrates: 330-400g
• Protein: 10-15g
• Fat: 5-20g
• Sodium: 1000-2000mg
• Cholesterol: 0-20mg
• Vitamins: B vitamins (such as niacin and folate)
• Minerals: Iron
• Nutritional Benefits: Provides convenience and a source of vitamins and minerals. Typically fortified with iron and B vitamins. It's also an easy way to add structure and texture to cakes.

2. 4 Eggs

• Calories: 280-320
• Carbohydrates: 1-2g
• Protein: 24-28g
• Fat: 18-20g
• Sodium: 240-320mg
• Cholesterol: 760mg
• Vitamins: Vitamin A, B12, D, E, Biotin, Folate
• Minerals: Selenium, Phosphorus, Calcium
• Nutritional Benefits: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. They support eye health, immune function, and brain development. The high cholesterol content can be a concern for some but can contribute to healthy hormone levels when consumed in moderation.

3. 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil

• Calories: 960-1000
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 108g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Vitamins: None
• Minerals: None
• Nutritional Benefits: Provides unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. While vegetable oil is calorie-dense, it helps improve the texture and moisture of the cake.

4. 1/2 Cup Rum

• Calories: 200-250
• Carbohydrates: 0-10g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Vitamins: None
• Minerals: None
• Nutritional Benefits: Adds flavor and complexity to the cake. While alcohol may have minimal health benefits (like antioxidants), it’s mostly used for flavor rather than nutrition. In moderation, it may have slight cardiovascular benefits.

5. 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Calories: 1300-1400
• Carbohydrates: 200-250g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fat: 40-50g
• Sodium: 500-700mg
• Cholesterol: 120-150mg
• Vitamins: Vitamin A
• Minerals: Calcium, Iron
• Nutritional Benefits: A rich source of calcium, protein, and iron. The high sugar content provides energy, but it should be consumed in moderation due to its calorie density. It also adds sweetness and creaminess to the dessert.

6. 1 Can Evaporated Milk

• Calories: 300-350
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 12-14g
• Fat: 10-12g
• Sodium: 250-350mg
• Cholesterol: 30-50mg
• Vitamins: Vitamin A, D
• Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus
• Nutritional Benefits: Evaporated milk is rich in calcium, which supports bone health. It also provides a creamy texture and is a good source of high-quality protein, vitamins A and D, and phosphorus.

7. 1 Cup Heavy Cream

• Calories: 800-1000
• Carbohydrates: 6-7g
• Protein: 6-8g
• Fat: 80-100g
• Sodium: 70-100mg
• Cholesterol: 300mg
• Vitamins: Vitamin A, D, E
• Minerals: Calcium
• Nutritional Benefits: Provides healthy fats for energy and satiety. It also contributes to the rich texture of the cake and is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins A and D, which are important for immune function and skin health.

8. 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

• Calories: 12-15
• Carbohydrates: 0.5-1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Vitamins: None
• Minerals: None
• Nutritional Benefits: Mainly used for flavor. While it doesn’t provide significant nutritional value, vanilla extract contains small amounts of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.

9. Whipped Cream and Cherries for Topping (Optional)

• Calories: 50-100 (depending on the amount used)
• Carbohydrates: 3-5g
• Protein: 0-1g
• Fat: 3-5g
• Sodium: 5-10mg
• Cholesterol: 10-20mg
• Vitamins: Vitamin C (from cherries)
• Minerals: Potassium (from cherries)
• Nutritional Benefits: Whipped cream adds richness and a creamy texture, while cherries contribute antioxidants (such as vitamin C) and other nutrients that support immune health and skin protection.

Note: The nutritional information above is approximate and can vary based on specific brands and types of ingredients used. The benefits of each ingredient contribute to the overall indulgent and rich flavor of the Caribbean Drunken Cake, making it a delicious treat with a balance of fats, sugars, and essential vitamins and minerals.