Discover how to make Baba au Rhum, a delightful rum-soaked yeast cake that’s a beloved classic in the culinary world. This step-by-step recipe will guide you through creating a light, fluffy cake soaked in a rich rum syrup, perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat. Enjoy the traditional flavors and tips for a perfectly moist and flavorful Baba au Rhum.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

 - 1 cup (250 ml) whole milk

 - 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast

 - ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

 - 4 large eggs

 - 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour

 - ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 - A pinch of salt

For the Rum Syrup:

 - 1 cup (250 ml) water

 - 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

 - ½ cup (120 ml) dark rum

 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - Heat the milk until warm (not hot) and dissolve the yeast in it. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract.

  - Mix until a dough forms, then knead in the softened butter until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

  - Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

Bake the Cake:

  - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Baba au Rhum mold or individual molds.

  - Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared mold(s). Let it rise again until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.

  - Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

  - Let the cake cool in the mold for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Rum Syrup:

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

  - Remove from heat and stir in the rum and lemon juice. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.

Assemble:

  - Once the cake is cool, soak it in the warm rum syrup. For a more intense flavor, you can let the cake absorb the syrup overnight.

Serve:

  - Serve the Baba au Rhum with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, if desired.

Enjoy this classic dessert with its rich rum flavor and soft, moist texture!

Nutritional Values

Whole Milk:

   - Calories: 150

   - Protein: 8 g

   - Fat: 8 g

   - Carbohydrates: 12 g

   - Calcium: 276 mg

   - Vitamin D: 124 IU

Benefits: Whole milk is a rich source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. It also provides protein and vitamins D and B12, which are important for overall health and energy.

Active Dry Yeast:

   - Calories: 21

   - Protein: 2.5 g

   - Carbohydrates: 3 g

   - Fiber: 1 g

Benefits: Yeast provides B vitamins (like B1, B2, and B6) and is a good source of protein. It also helps in the fermentation process, contributing to the cake’s texture and flavor.

Granulated Sugar:

   - Calories: 774

   - Carbohydrates: 200 g

Benefits: While sugar provides a quick source of energy, it should be consumed in moderation. It enhances the flavor and texture of baked goods.

Eggs:

   - Calories: 70

   - Protein: 6 g

   - Fat: 5 g

   - Carbohydrates: 1 g

   - Vitamin D: 41 IU

   - Calcium: 28 mg

Benefits: Eggs are a high-quality protein source and contain essential nutrients like vitamins D and B12, as well as choline, which supports brain health.

All-Purpose Flour:

   - Calories: 455

   - Protein: 13 g

   - Fat: 1 g

   - Carbohydrates: 95 g

   - Fiber: 3 g

Benefits: Flour provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein. It also contains B vitamins, which are important for metabolism.

Unsalted Butter:

   - Calories: 102

   - Fat: 12 g

   - Saturated Fat: 7 g

   - Cholesterol: 31 mg

Benefits: Butter adds flavor and richness to baked goods. It contains vitamins A, D, and E, which are important for vision, immune function, and skin health.

Vanilla Extract:

   - Calories: 12

   - Carbohydrates: 0.5 g

Benefits: Vanilla extract adds flavor and may have antioxidant properties. It also contributes a subtle sweetness without additional sugar.

Dark Rum:

   - Calories: 64

   - Carbohydrates: 0 g

   - Alcohol: 22 g

Benefits: While rum is primarily an alcoholic beverage, it can add rich flavor to desserts. Moderate consumption can contribute to relaxation and enjoyment but should be consumed responsibly.

Lemon Juice:

   - Calories: 4

   - Carbohydrates: 1 g

   - Vitamin C: 7 mg

Benefits: Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. It also adds a refreshing tang to the syrup.

The ingredients in Baba au Rhum offer a mix of nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall health. However, due to the presence of sugar and butter, this dessert should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.