Vanilla rum cake recipe stands out as a delightful choice due to its rich, moist texture and the unique warmth that the rum imparts.
When I first made it, I was impressed by how the combination of vanilla and rum elevated the flavor profile, making it both comforting and indulgent.
This cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, from fresh fruits like berries to a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Its versatility comes from the balance between sweetness and depth, allowing it to complement both festive meals and casual gatherings.
The vanilla rum cake recipe delicious base, enhanced by a buttery rum glaze, serves as an excellent foundation for endless flavor variations.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step of the vanilla rum cake recipe to create this mouthwatering cake.
I’ll also share some helpful Serving Suggestions, Tips And Variations to make sure it turns out perfect every time. Let’s dive right in!
How To Prepare Vanilla Rum Cake Reicpe?
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving (varies based on portion size)
- Yield: 10-12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 10-inch Bundt pan (or equivalent)
- Saucepan (for glaze)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack (optional, for cooling the cake)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 (3 1/2 ounce) package of instant vanilla pudding
- 1 (18 ounce) package of yellow cake mix
- 1/4 cup dark rum (or light rum for a milder flavor)
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but highly recommended for added crunch)
- 1/2 cup water
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and dark rum. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until smooth and well-combined.
3. Add Walnuts:
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts into the cake batter, if using.
4. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool the Cake:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate and allow the cake to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cake cools, make the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, dark rum, brown sugar, and water. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Glaze the Cake:
Once the glaze is ready, drizzle it over the cooled cake. Make sure to cover the cake evenly, allowing the glaze to soak into the cake.
8. Serve:
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the cake. Serve and enjoy!
Special Notes
❖ Alcohol content: The alcohol in the rum will cook off during baking, but some residual alcohol may remain in the cake. If you prefer to make a non-alcoholic version, feel free to replace the rum with extra vanilla extract or rum flavoring.
❖ Make it your own: Feel free to experiment by adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and flavor. You can also serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Serving Suggestions
This vanilla rum cake recipe is a showstopper on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a few simple additions. Try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
For a festive touch, top it with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a little extra elegance.
If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of chocolate syrup could take this vanilla rum cake recipe to another level!
Tips And Variations
Tips for Perfecting Your Cake
- Be sure to measure your flour correctly; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid using too much flour, which can make the cake dense.
- If you want an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced undertone.
- Let the vanilla rum cake recipe cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to the cooling rack to avoid it breaking apart.
Variations to Try
- For a twist on the flavor, you can swap the dark rum for spiced rum to bring an additional layer of complexity to the cake.
- If you’re not a fan of rum, you can substitute it with a little more vanilla extract and a splash of orange juice to create a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Try adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter for some added texture.
Storage & Make Ahead Tip:
To store the vanilla rum cake recipe, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
For make-ahead prep, you can bake the vanilla rum cake recipe a day or two in advance, and simply glaze it right before serving to maintain its moist texture and rich flavor.
I personally recommend letting the cake sit for a day before serving—it gives the flavors a chance to meld, making it even tastier! Just be sure to store it properly to keep it from drying out.
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Conclusion
Making vanilla rum cake recipe is easy, and the result is a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert that everyone will love.
The combination of vanilla and rum gives it a unique depth that makes it perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this vanilla rum cake recipe as much as I did. It’s a simple yet impressive treat that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
With its versatility, you can easily adapt the vanilla rum cake recipe to suit your tastes and preferences. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Vanilla Rum Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 10-inch Bundt pan (or equivalent)
- Saucepan (for glaze)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack (optional, for cooling the cake)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 3 1/2 ounce package of instant vanilla pudding
- 1 18 ounce package of yellow cake mix
- 1/4 cup dark rum or light rum for a milder flavor
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped walnuts optional, but highly recommended for added crunch
- 1/2 cup water
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and dark rum. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until smooth and well-combined.
Add Walnuts:
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts into the cake batter, if using.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate and allow the cake to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze:
- While the cake cools, make the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, dark rum, brown sugar, and water. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Glaze the Cake:
- Once the glaze is ready, drizzle it over the cooled cake. Make sure to cover the cake evenly, allowing the glaze to soak into the cake.
Serve:
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the cake. Serve and enjoy!