Also known as Gateau Au Beurre, Haitian Cake is a delicious, buttery bake with a hit of dark Barbancourt rum. Double the recipe as you’ll want more after the first bite!
4eggs: divided into 2 egg yolks room temperature and 2 egg whites room temperature
½cupvegetable oil
1 ⅓cupsugar
½tsp.nutmeg
1 ½cupevaporated milk
1tbsp.distilled white vinegar
1tbsp.pure vanilla extractHaitian version if possible
3tsp.almond extract
2Tbsp.Haitian RumBarbancourt Rhum
Cream Cheese Icing
24Oz.Cream cheese Room temperature
4Tsp.Almond extract
2 ½CupPowder Sugar
¼CupMilk More if needed
Instructions
Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour two 8-inch round cake pan or bundt pan, then set it aside.Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the cakeflour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.Whisk gently to combine and set aside.Separate the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Place the egg yolks in one bowl and the egg whites in another clean bowl. Set them aside.Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, smooth, and fluffy. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes.Add the egg yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue mixing until the batter looks smooth and well combined.Add the oil and flavorings: Pour in the vegetable oil, then mix until fully incorporated.Next add:NutmegVanilla extractAlmond extractHaitian rumMix until everything is well blended and fragrant.Prepare the milk mixture: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the evaporated milk and white vinegar.Stir gently and allow it to sit for 1–2 minutes. This creates a quick homemade buttermilk effect that helps make the cake soft.Pour the mixture into the oil mixture. Continue to mix well until combined.
Combine the batter: Add the dry ingredients and milk mixture alternately into the batter.Start with a portion of the dry ingredients, then add some of the milk mixture. Continue alternating until everything is combined. Mix just until smooth—avoid overmixing.Beat the egg whites: Using a clean bowl and mixer, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. The egg whites should look glossy and hold their shape when the beaters are lifted.Fold the egg whites into the batter: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter using a spatula. Do this slowly in 2–3 additions, folding carefully so the batter stays light and airy.
Bake the cakePour the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before adding frosting or serving.
Cream Cheese Icing:
Add the cream cheese, powder sugar, almond extract, and milk.
Begin to blend slowly then gradually increase the speed. Blend to a smooth consistency. Place in the refrigerator until ready to be used.
Notes
💡 Tip:
The whipped egg whites are what help give this Haitian cake its soft, fluffy texture, so be sure to fold them in gently rather than stirring.**** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).*** Calories are estimated per servingDisclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. See our full Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation by clicking on the links and or making a purchase.