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**Christmas Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Dark Rum Glaze

One of the tricks to a flawless Bundt cake release is preparing the pan properly.

  • Generously grease the inside of the Bundt pan using softened butter or a baking spray that contains flour.

  • Make sure to get into every curve and crevice.

  • Lightly dust with flour and tap out any excess.

Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.


2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour

  • Ground ginger

  • Cinnamon

  • Nutmeg

  • Allspice

  • Baking soda

  • Baking powder

  • Salt

Whisking evenly distributes the spices, ensuring a balanced flavor in every bite.


3. Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer:

  1. Beat butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together.

  2. Mix until the blend is pale and fluffy — this takes about 3–5 minutes.

This step is essential for a tender cake with a beautiful texture.


4. Add Molasses and Eggs

Beat in the molasses until well incorporated. The mixture will turn dark and glossy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl to keep everything smooth.


5. Add Dry Ingredients and Water

Add the dry mixture in three parts, alternating with the water (or coffee):

  • Dry → Mix lightly

  • Water → Mix lightly

  • Repeat until combined

Avoid over-mixing — this cake stays soft when the batter is handled gently.


6. Bake the Cake

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.

  2. Tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles.

  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack.


7. Prepare the Dark Rum Glaze

The glaze is what elevates this cake from delicious to unforgettable. It’s glossy, buttery, and richly flavored with dark rum.

Instructions

In a small saucepan:

  1. Melt butter over medium heat.

  2. Add sugar and water.

  3. Simmer until the sugar dissolves completely.

  4. Remove from heat and stir in the dark rum.

Glazing the Cake

You can glaze in two ways:

  • For deep flavor: Brush the glaze onto the cake while it’s still warm, letting it soak in.

  • For a shiny finish: Reserve some glaze to pour over the cooled cake.

Doing both gives the best results: moist inside, glossy outside.


🎁 Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Bundt Cake

✔ Use good molasses

Unsulfured molasses gives the best flavor. Avoid using blackstrap molasses — it’s too bitter.

✔ Don’t over-mix

Over-mixing leads to a dense cake. Mix only until ingredients come together.

✔ Let the cake rest

Like many spiced desserts, gingerbread tastes EVEN BETTER the next day.

✔ Choose a simple Bundt design

Highly intricate pans may cause sticking. Opt for a smooth or moderately patterned pan for best results.

✔ Brush glaze in layers

Apply the glaze gradually — it helps the cake absorb more flavor.


🌟 Serving Suggestions

This gingerbread Bundt is incredibly versatile. Try serving it with:

  • A scoop of vanilla or rum-raisin ice cream

  • Homemade whipped cream

  • A dusting of powdered sugar

  • Warm custard or crème anglaise

  • Fresh berries for color

For holiday gatherings, place it on a cake stand with festive decorations such as cinnamon sticks, cranberries, or evergreen sprigs.


🎄 Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead

You can bake this cake up to 48 hours before serving. The spice flavor actually deepens over time.

Storage

  • Store covered at room temperature for 3–4 days.

  • Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

  • Freeze (without glaze) for up to 3 months.

To serve after freezing, thaw overnight and add fresh glaze.


❤️ Why This Cake Belongs in Your Holiday Tradition

This Christmas Gingerbread Bundt Cake is more than a dessert — it’s an experience. From the moment the spices fill your kitchen to the final drizzle of rum glaze, every step brings the nostalgic warmth of the season. It’s the kind of baking project that feels both comforting and celebratory, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just discovering your love for holiday recipes.

Guests will ask for the recipe. Family members will request it each year. And you’ll find yourself returning to it whenever the season calls for something cozy and magical.


🎅 Printable Recipe Card (Summary)

Christmas Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Dark Rum Glaze
Prep Time: 20 min
Bake Time: 45–55 min
Total: 1 hr 15 min
Servings: 12–16

Ingredients

(As listed above.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease Bundt pan.

  2. Whisk dry ingredients.

  3. Cream butter + sugars.

  4. Mix in molasses and eggs.

  5. Add dry ingredients alternately with water.

  6. Bake 45–55 minutes.

  7. Prepare rum glaze and brush over cake.

Serve warm or cooled — delicious either way.

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