Haitian cake, also known as Gateau Au Beurre, holds a special place in Haitian culture and cuisine. This buttery, rich dessert is often enjoyed during celebrations and family gatherings.
The key to a perfect Haitian cake lies in its unique blend of flavors. These include dark rum and evaporated milk, which give it a moist and fragrant texture.
I remember tasting my first bite of a Haitian cake at a friend’s birthday party, and I was instantly hooked. Each piece melted in my mouth with hints of nutmeg, lemon zest, and sometimes a touch of coconut. This delicious treat is often topped with a sweet glaze or creamy icing that perfectly complements the dense cake.
Making Haitian cake might seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and a bit of patience, it’s entirely doable.
From creaming the butter and sugar to adding the perfect amount of rum, every step is crucial for achieving that authentic taste.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, it’s worth every effort.
Key Takeaways
- Haitian cake is a rich, buttery dessert infused with dark rum and spices.
- Essential ingredients include butter, evaporated milk, lemon zest, and nutmeg.
- The cake is typically decorated with a sweet glaze or creamy icing.
Essential Ingredients
Haitian cake, known for its rich flavors and moist texture, relies on a balance of dry and wet ingredients, along with unique flavorings. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect cake.
Dry Ingredients
For the base of the cake, we need all-purpose flour. This provides the structure.
Baking powder is essential for helping the cake rise.
I mix in a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors, along with ground nutmeg to give a warm, aromatic touch.
Some recipes call for brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer taste. Granulated sugar, on the other hand, helps with sweetness and a better texture.
All these dry ingredients must be carefully measured and mixed for the best results.
Wet Ingredients
Starting with unsalted butter, which adds richness and moisture, I always make sure to use it at room temperature for easy mixing.
Large eggs are crucial for binding and adding structure, ensuring the cake isn’t too dense or too light.
For even more moisture, some use evaporated milk or coconut milk. These choices depend on the specific type of Haitian cake. Sometimes milk is used to balance the batter.
Mixing these wet ingredients correctly is key to a smooth batter.
Additional Flavorings
Vanilla extract is a must for that classic cake aroma.
Many recipes also call for lime zest or orange juice for a citrusy twist. These add fresh notes that brighten the flavor profile.
Some traditional versions include dark rum or Barbancourt rum, giving the cake a unique, rich flavor that’s distinct to Haitian cuisine.
For an extra touch, I might add almond extract. Sweetened shredded coconut can also be used as a topping or even in the batter for some tropical flair.
Baking The Perfect Haitian Cake
Baking the perfect Haitian cake involves careful preparation and attention to detail. The rich, buttery flavors characterizing these cakes come from traditional methods and ingredients.
Preparation Steps
First, preheat the oven to 350°F. This ensures the cake bakes evenly.
I like to use a bundt pan for a classic shape. Grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I find an electric mixer works best for this task.
Gradually add egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Combine dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. You can also add some nutmeg for a hint of spice.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This technique avoids lumps and ensures a smooth batter.
Baking Tips
When the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared bundt pan. Give the pan a slight shake to level the batter and release air bubbles. Place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for about 50 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes.
After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
For an extra touch, brush the cake with a simple syrup made of sugar and water or a glaze of lemon juice and powdered sugar. This keeps it moist and adds a shiny finish.
Decorating & Garnishing
Making a Haitian Cake beautiful and tasty is easy with a little effort. You can use simple glazes, icings, or creative garnishes to enhance the cake’s flavor and looks.
Simple Glazes & Icings
When I decorate my Haitian Cake, I often start with a simple glaze.
One easy option is to mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until it’s smooth. This gives the cake a light, zesty flavor. Sometimes, I add a bit of melted butter to make the glaze richer.
Powdered sugar dusting is another quick and elegant choice. Just sprinkle the sugar over the cake to create a sweet and delicate finish.
If I’m in the mood for something more creamy, I whip up a cream cheese frosting. It’s soft and tangy, which pairs well with the cake’s buttery texture.
For a tropical touch, I might add a lemon coconut glaze.
Mixing lemon juice, powdered sugar, and shredded coconut results in a delightful combination. This glaze not only tastes amazing but also adds a lovely texture to the cake.
Each of these options can transform a plain Haitian Cake into a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Haitian Cake Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: CaribbeanDifficulty: Easy8
servings20
minutes40
minutesExperience the vibrant flavors of Haiti with this traditional Haitian Cake recipe. Perfect for any celebration, it’s a must-try!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup water
Zest of 1 lime
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp ground nutmeg
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add the vanilla extract, lime zest, almond extract, and ground nutmeg, mixing until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the evaporated milk and water, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions people have about Haitian cake. You’ll find information on ingredients, recipes, bakeries, designs, and unique aspects of these delightful cakes.
What are the typical ingredients used in a traditional Haitian cake?
Haitian cakes usually include flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, and nutmeg. Some recipes also call for Barbancourt rum or Cremas. These ingredients create a rich and flavorful cake that’s distinctively Haitian.
Can you suggest a moist Haitian cake recipe?
For a moist Haitian cake, you can try the Buttery Haitian Cake with Cream Cheese Icing recipe. It incorporates a mixture of milk and flour that’s beaten to a creamy texture before the egg whites are folded in. This process helps keep the cake moist and fluffy.
Where can I find a bakery that offers Haitian cake?
To find a bakery that offers Haitian cake, I recommend checking local Haitian communities or searching online. Websites like Yelp or Google Maps can provide reviews and locations.
Additionally, asking for recommendations from anyone you know in the Haitian community can be very helpful.
What are some popular Haitian cake designs for special occasions?
Popular designs for special occasions include vibrant colors and intricate sugar work. Designs often feature traditional Haitian symbols and themes.
For birthdays and weddings, cakes may be decorated with flowers, geometric patterns, or custom toppers that reflect Haitian culture.
How is Haitian birthday cake unique from other cakes?
Haitian birthday cakes are unique due to their rich flavors and moist texture. The use of ingredients like rum and nutmeg adds distinctive taste elements that set them apart from standard birthday cakes.
They are also often elaborately decorated to celebrate special moments.
What is the recipe for a traditional Haitian cake icing?
For traditional Haitian cake icing, mix butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of evaporated milk until creamy.
This basic icing can be enhanced with flavors like cream cheese or rum, depending on your preference.
You can find a detailed recipe on the Buttery Haitian Cake with Cream Cheese Icing page.