How to Bake a Black Cake

A black cake, also known as a Jamaican fruit cake, is a rich and flavorful dessert that is traditionally made for special occasions such as Christmas, weddings, and birthdays. Here is a recipe for baking a black cake:

Ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 4 large eggs, room temperature - 1/2 cup dark molasses - 1/2 cup dark rum - 1 cup raisins - 1 cup currants - 1 cup chopped prunes - 1 cup chopped candied cherries - 1/2 cup chopped candied citrus peel - 1/2 cup chopped almonds - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup red wine

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Stir in the molasses and rum until well combined.

5. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the red wine, and mix until just combined.

6. Stir in the raisins, currants, prunes, cherries, citrus peel, almonds, and breadcrumbs until evenly distributed.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Bake for about 2-2 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once the cake is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dry place for at least 1 week before serving.

11. Before serving, you can decorate the cake with frosting or royal icing, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious black cake!