The Secret to the Best Belizean Black Cake
As the breeze gets chilly, decorations and iconic Christmas music fill the air, families prepare to make holiday favourites like Belizean black cake! Aside from opening gifts, indulging in yummy delicacies is a highlight for family gatherings. From a hearty plate of turkey dinna (dinner) to a glass of rum popo (eggnog with rum), and a slice of cake, good food sets the tone for a wonderful Christmas in Belize.
Creating the best Belizean black cake is a labor of love, requiring careful preparation and a touch of tradition. Here’s what makes this cake truly exceptional:
Soaked Mixed Fruits
Black cake is not complete without mixed fruits! These fruits—often a medley of red and green cherries—are soaked in wine for weeks to intensify the flavor. Walnuts are also added to complement the sweetness of the fruits.
The Right Blackening
A key ingredient for the cake’s signature dark hue and unique taste is the blackening (burnt sugar syrup). Blackening has a bitter taste, so a well-done cake will tantalize the taste buds with the complex flavors of the fruits and wine in the cake. It gives the cake its irresistible appeal. Your black cake should never taste like chocolate cake!
Wine instead of Rum
There’s no need to worry about how the black cake will fit in the refrigerator after cooking for Christmas. Sprinkling wine on top of the black cake helps to preserve it for days and even adds zest to the taste of the cake. Some locals swear by only using Ruby Rich wine, while others may use local wine for a bolder taste.
Use Purity Flour
Whether you’re baking a black or white Christmas cake, you always use purity flour! Locals use it to ensure the cake has the perfect consistency and springy texture. It’s a key ingredient for a soft yet sturdy and delicious cake!
What You Eat It With
Christmas isn’t complete without pairing a slice of cake with ham and soda. The intricate flavors of the black cake, with the juicy slices of ham and a tall glass of cold soda, are a mouth-watering combo to unwind during the holiday season.
Whether this is your first attempt at baking a black cake or you’d like to refine your recipe a bit, these will surely help when making and eating your cake. It is a staple to enjoy Christmas in Belize or even a slice of Belize wherever you are! So, get in the kitchen with your family and friends to add Belizean black cake to your holiday traditions.