I just want to quickly preface this post by saying although this is a cocktail inspired cake and the original recipe I’ve posted below calls rum, you can totally make this booze free! I know some people don’t want to run out and buy a bottle of rum just for one recipe. No problem! Just sub the rum in the cake for hot water and the rum in the icing for milk.
Will it taste exactly like a dark ‘N’ stormy? No. Will it be rich, chocolatey pound cake with flavor and personality for daaaaays? YES. Totally yes. See? Everybody wins 🙂
The pound cake foundation itself is so smooth it’s really like chocolate velvet! So soft and silky. And the flavors of molasses, ginger (x2), cloves, lime, and rum sink through in every bite, making each a kind of “Whoooooa” experience.
And the chocolate rum cream cheese frosting on top?!
RIDICULOUS! An experience all on its own.
Here’s the recipe! xo
Dark 'N' Stormy Chocolate Pound Cake
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- Zest of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 ground teaspoon cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 4 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon dark rum
- 1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Butter a large loaf pan, line with parchment paper, butter parchment paper, and set aside.
- In the body of a blender or food processor combine the sugar, lime zest, molasses, vegetable oil, and fresh ginger. Pulse until well blended. Pour mixture a large bowl and beat in eggs one at a time; set aside.
- In a large bowl combine flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves, pepper, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually pour the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently together with a rubber spatula.
- In a heatproof bowl combine boiling water and chopped chocolate, stir until chocolate is completely melted.
- Add chocolate/water mixture to cake batter, and stir to combine. Stir in rum.
- Pour batter into prepared cake pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Transfer cake to a cooling wrack and cool completely before topping with frosting.
- While the cake cools, make your chocolate rum buttercream frosting!
- In a large bowl cream together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Beat in rum. Gradually add the confectioners sugar and cocoa powder, beating until well combined.
- Once cake is cooled, spread icing evenly over the top of the cake, cut into slices, and serve.
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen says
This cake has my name allll over it! Way to start the week strong, I like your style 🙂
kristy @ the wicked noodle says
Make it booze-free?? Why would I do that? 😉 Seriously…looks delicious and I’m certain it’s delicious either way!
Ari @ Ari's Menu says
Ashley, I am in love with this cake, but I am even more in love with the photos! The lighting is so perfect, and they are just simple and beautiful!
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says
Annnd I’m sold, cocktail in a pound cake? Done and done!
Tieghan Gerard says
um…YES!! I could use this for breakfast, lunch and dinner today. It is already one of those days!
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs says
I love boozy desserts, and of course, chocolate! This cake looks phenomenal : )
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
Dark and stormy. Mmm. Makes me curious. Bet I’d love it. If it’s chocolate I’m in! 🙂
Have a sweet Monday!
Jenny @ BAKE says
I love dark and stormys! this is a brilliant idea for a cake!
Kathryn says
Can I use double the amount of rum to make up for anyone who leaves it out? ; )
bakerbynature says
oh YESSSS!
bakerbynature says
I like the way you think 😉
Taylor @ FoodFaithFitness says
Good thing this gal never runs out of rum! 😉 But, if i did, I would be running to store before you can say why is the rum gone!?
Girl, this looks amazing. Chocolate, booze, AND a rum cream cheese frosting?! You are my hero.
bakerbynature says
You’re my kinda girl 😉