Easy Rum Bundt Cake
A rich, buttery rum bundt cake with a golden crumb and syrupy glaze that soaks in for deep flavor. Simple to make, beautifully aromatic, and even better the next day — it’s comfort, elegance, and nostalgia in one irresistible dessert.
Equipment
- Bundt Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Cooling Rack
- Spatula
Ingredients
Cake
- 1½ cups pecan pieces reserve 1/4 cup for topping
- 4 eggs for richness and structure
- ½ cup water keeps the batter light
- ½ cup canola oil for a moist, tender crumb
- ½ cup gold rum Bacardi recommended
- 1 box (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe recommended
- 1 box (1 oz) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix adds creaminess
Glaze
- 1 cup granulated sugar for the syrupy glaze
- ¼ cup water helps dissolve the sugar
- 1 stick butter for richness and shine
- ½ cup gold rum Bacardi recommended
Instructions
- Grease a Bundt pan generously and scatter the pecans across the bottom.
- In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, water, and rum until smooth. Add the pudding mix and cake mix, then beat on medium speed for 3–5 minutes until creamy and lump-free.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan over the pecans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes or until golden and springy.
- About 10 minutes before the cake finishes baking, make the glaze. Melt butter in a saucepan, add sugar and water, and bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in rum carefully.
- When the cake is done, keep it in the pan and poke small holes all over the surface. Pour half the warm glaze slowly over the cake to let it soak in.
- Invert the cake onto a serving plate. Poke a few holes on top and drizzle the remaining glaze evenly over the cake. Sprinkle the reserved pecans in the center.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it even more delicious the next day.
Notes
Rum cakes are classic comfort desserts that bridge simplicity and celebration. This version combines the ease of boxed mixes with the warmth of homemade flavor, inspired by both Caribbean and Southern American baking traditions.