How to make Haitian Cake

rum

🥗Healthier: coconut water

💰Cheaper: vanilla extract

Coconut water adds moisture without alcohol.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and adds a subtle flavor.

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: whole milk

Almond milk is lower in calories and can mimic the texture.

fresh fruit

🥗Healthier: dried fruit

💰Cheaper: canned fruit

Dried fruit adds sweetness and is shelf-stable.

Ensure unsalted butter is at room temperature (can make an indent with finger).

Cut butter into small pieces to help it reach room temperature quickly.

In a KitchenAid mixer, add the butter and 9 ounces of sugar.

Start mixing on slow speed, then increase to number 2 and finally to number 6 for about 5 minutes until creamed.

Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Add 1.5 teaspoons of lime zest, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the creamed mixture.

Mix on low speed until just incorporated.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing until no yellow is visible before adding the next egg.

Whip egg whites separately until peaks form (not specified how long).

Alternate adding flour and evaporated milk to the batter, starting with flour, then milk, and mixing until just incorporated.

Add remaining flour and milk, mixing gently to avoid overmixing.

Add reserved flour if batter is too wet, mixing briefly.

Fold in whipped egg whites to create air pockets for a fluffy cake.

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Pour half of the batter into a cake pan and use an ice cream scoop to fill cupcake liners with the remaining batter (about 2 scoops each).

Bake cupcakes for 18-20 minutes and the cake for 35-40 minutes, checking for doneness.

Once baked, let the cake cool before cutting.

Use a serrated knife to mark and cut the cake in half evenly.

Brush off crumbs from the cake to prepare for icing.

Spread a thin layer of buttercream filling between the cake layers and coat the outside with buttercream.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens