This post may contain affiliate links.
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings a little extra joy to the table, this Rum Soaked Cake is the perfect choice.

Rum Soaked Cake: A moist and flavorful cake is soaked in a rich rum glaze that makes every bite melt in your mouth. With crunchy pecans on top and a bold rum flavor throughout, it’s a holiday dessert that everyone will love.
Imagine slicing into this beautiful bundt cake and seeing the golden cake batter studded with chopped pecans. The aroma of vanilla extract and dark rum fills the air, making your kitchen smell like a fancy bakery.
It’s super easy to make, even if you’re not a baking expert. So let’s roll up our sleeves, grab our large bowl and small saucepan, and get baking!
But wait, there’s more! Not only does this cake taste amazing, but it also looks stunning on any dessert table. The glossy rum glaze drips down the sides of the cake, making it almost too pretty to eat—almost.
Just remember, this rum cake is for the grown-ups, so maybe save the leftover batter licking for another time.
This cake is a delightful twist on traditional desserts like pound cake or sponge cake.
So next time you’re in the mood for something special, try this rum soaked cake. I’ve got detailed instructions for the cake with a kick!
Some of our other favorite CAKE RECIPES we have on our site include: Carrot Cake Loaf Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, Easy Layered Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe, and Easy Maple Cheesecake Bars Recipe.

Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE RUM SOAKED CAKE:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- WHAT KIND OF RUM IS THE BEST TO USE?
- IS THIS KID-FRIENDLY?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Easy Moist Rum Soaked Cake Recipe
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Easy Preparation: Using a yellow cake mix and instant pudding makes this recipe simple yet delicious.
- Bold Rum Flavor: The rum glaze soaks into the cake, giving it a rich and moist texture that’s full of flavor.
- Perfect for Celebrations: This rum-soaked cake is a showstopper for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Yellow cake mix
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Large Eggs
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Rum
- Chopped pecans
For the glaze:
- Butter
- Water
- Granulated sugar
- Rum

HOW TO MAKE RUM SOAKED CAKE:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Grease and flour a bundt cake pan well.
- Sprinkle the pecans all over the bottom of the pan.
- Mix the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water, oil, and rum in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
- Pour the batter carefully into the pan over the pecans.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Meanwhile, make the glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter.
- Stir in the water and sugar.
- Bring up to a boil for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the rum.
- When you remove the cake from the oven, immediately drizzle 1/3 of the glaze onto the cake.
- Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes.

- Gently Invert the cake onto your serving plate.
- Gently poke the cake with a fork or toothpick all over the cake.
- Drizzle the rest of the glaze all over the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely and soak in all the glaze. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT KIND OF RUM IS THE BEST TO USE?
Dark rum is the best choice for this recipe.
It adds a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
Brands like Bacardi or any good-quality dark rum will work well. I love a good Bacardi rum cake.
If you prefer a lighter taste, you can use white rum, but dark rum gives that classic bold rum flavor.
Remember, a cup of rum goes a long way!
IS THIS KID-FRIENDLY?
No, this rum cake recipe is not kid-friendly because it contains alcohol that doesn’t fully cook out.
The rum glaze soaks into the cake, leaving some alcohol content.
If you want to make a version for kids, you can substitute the rum with rum extract and milk to mimic the flavor without the alcohol.

ANY ADDITIONS?
Maybe you want a chocolate cake with rum.
Maybe a little coconut rum would hit the spot. You pick!
- Chocolate Chips: Add some to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Coconut Flakes: Mix into the batter for a tropical flair.
- Dried Fruit: Incorporate raisins or rum-soaked fruits for extra sweetness.
- Spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for warmth.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Drizzle on top of the cake for added richness.
- Caramel Sauce: Pour over the cake slices for an indulgent touch.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Sprinkle over the top of the cake for decoration.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries or raspberries on the side.
- Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop for extra creaminess.
- Chopped Almonds: Substitute or add to the pecans for a nutty crunch.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Yes, indeed! Let me know in the comments how it all turns out for you.
I’m sure you’re going to love it!
- Gluten-Free Cake Mix: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix for dietary needs.
- Almond Flour: Replace some of the purpose flour if making from scratch.
- Coconut Oil: Use instead of vegetable oil for a subtle coconut taste.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute some sugar in the glaze with maple syrup.
- Orange Zest: Add to the batter for a citrus note.
- Walnuts: Use instead of pecans if preferred.

HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
The rum flavor intensifies over time, making it even more delicious the next day!
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the cake (without glaze) in aluminum foil and then plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
It can be frozen for up to three months.
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then prepare and add the rum glaze before serving.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Grease the Bundt Pan Well: Make sure to grease and flour every nook and cranny of your bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and other ingredients mix better when at room temperature, leading to a smoother cake batter.
- Poke Holes Carefully: When pouring the glaze, gently poke holes in the top of the cake with a fork or toothpick to help it soak in.
- Let the Cake Cool Slightly Before Inverting: Allowing the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes helps it come out of the pan more easily.
- Stir the Glaze Constantly: When making the rum glaze, stir it constantly over medium heat to prevent burning.
- Serve with Extra Glaze: Keep some of the rum glaze to drizzle over slices when serving for extra moistness.

This Rum Soaked Cake is a simple yet indulgent cake that’s perfect for any gathering.
With its moist texture and rich flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite at your holiday dessert table.
So grab your bundt pan and get ready to impress your guests with this yummy treat with a kick!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Easy Moist Rum Soaked Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3.5 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup rum
Glaze
- 12 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup rum
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Grease and flour a bundt cake pan well.
- Sprinkle the pecans all over the bottom of the pan.1 cup chopped pecans
- Mix the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water, oil, and rum in a large mixing bowl until well combined.1 box yellow cake mix, 3.5 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix, 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup rum
- Pour the batter carefully into the pan over the pecans.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Meanwhile, make the glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter.12 tablespoons butter
- Stir in the water and sugar.1/4 cup water, 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Bring up to a boil for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the rum.3/4 cup rum
- When you remove the cake from the oven, immediately drizzle 1/3 of the glaze onto the cake.
- Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently Invert the cake onto your serving plate.
- Gently poke the cake with a fork or toothpick all over the cake.
- Drizzle the rest of the glaze all over the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely and soak in all the glaze. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Grease the Bundt Pan Well: Make sure to grease and flour every nook and cranny of your bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and other ingredients mix better when at room temperature, leading to a smoother cake batter.
- Poke Holes Carefully: When pouring the glaze, gently poke holes in the top of the cake with a fork or toothpick to help it soak in.
- Let the Cake Cool Slightly Before Inverting: Allowing the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes helps it come out of the pan more easily.
- Stir the Glaze Constantly: When making the rum glaze, stir it constantly over medium heat to prevent burning.
- Serve with Extra Glaze: Keep some of the rum glaze to drizzle over slices when serving for extra moistness.
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
Follow @ThisSillyGirlsKitchen on Instagram and @danadevolk on Pinterest for more!














