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Haitian Cake with cream cheese icing on white plate with fork
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Delicious Haitian Cake With Cream Cheese Icing

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!
Course Baking, Dessert, Desserts
Cuisine Haitian, International
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 1068kcal

Equipment

  • Cake pan
  • Cake Stand Mixer

Ingredients

Haitian Cake Batter

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour or cake flour sifted
  • ½ tsp. salt we used kosher salt
  • 2 ½ tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • 1 stick butter unsalted; room temperature
  • 4 eggs: divided into 2 egg yolks room temperature and 2 egg whites room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 ⅓ cup sugar
  • ½ tsp. nutmeg
  • 1 ½ cup evaporated milk
  • 1 tbsp. distilled white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. pure vanilla extract Haitian version if possible
  • 3 tsp. almond extract
  • 2 Tbsp. Haitian Rum Barbancourt Rhum

Cream Cheese Icing

  • 24 Oz. Cream cheese Room temperature
  • 4 Tsp. Almond extract
  • 2 ½ Cup Powder Sugar
  • ¼ Cup Milk 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 cake flour, 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:
    Nutmeg
    Vanilla extract
    Almond extract
    Haitian rum
    Mix 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. 
    how to make Haitian Cake (gateau au beurre) step by step guide
  • 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.
    how to make Haitian Cake (gateau au beurre) step by step guide
  • Bake the cake
    Pour 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.
    how to make Haitian Cake (gateau au beurre) step by step guide

Cream Cheese Icing:

  • Add the cream cheese, powder sugar, almond extract, and milk.
    Cream cheese and powder sugar
  • Begin to blend slowly then gradually increase the speed. Blend to a smooth consistency. Place in the refrigerator until ready to be used.
    cream cheese icing

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 serving
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Nutrition

Serving: 8servings | Calories: 1068kcal | Carbohydrates: 202g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 696mg | Potassium: 258mg | Sugar: 158g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 12mg