The smell of buttery pecans and sweet rum baking together is pure heaven. It fills the kitchen with warmth and a cozy sweetness. The first time I made this cake, I knew it was something special.

It’s soft, rich, and full of nutty caramel flavor in every bite. The rum gives it a smooth, deep taste that makes it feel like a holiday treat. I love how each slice melts in your mouth with that perfect crunch from the pecans.

If you like desserts that feel a little fancy but are easy to make, this one’s for you. It’s great for parties, cozy nights, or anytime you want a sweet moment. You’ll be surprised how fast it disappears once it’s on the table.

So, grab your pecans, rum, and a little butter—let’s bake this cake together. I promise this Pecan Rum Cake will be your new go-to dessert for any celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Rum Cake Recipe

Deliciously Moist: Thanks to the combination of yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding, and the soaking rum glaze, this cake is incredibly moist and flavorful.
Boozy Goodness: The rum adds an extra layer of flavor to the cake and the glaze, making this dessert perfect for adults.
Easy to Make: Using a yellow cake mix and some pantry staples makes this a quick and easy cake that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it.
Pecan Lovers’ Dream: The chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to both the cake and the glaze, giving you a contrast in texture with every bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family gathering, this cake will be the star of your dessert table.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s a list of tools you’ll need to make your Pecan Rum Cake:

Mixing bowls: For combining the cake ingredients.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: To ensure smooth batter consistency.
Bundt pan (10-inch): A traditional bundt pan gives the cake its signature shape and allows for even baking.
Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure all the ingredients.
Small saucepan: To make the rum glaze.
Cooling rack: For letting the cake cool down before glazing.
Brush or spoon: To apply the rum glaze to the cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

Yellow Cake Mix: The base of the cake. You can use any brand, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make a homemade cake mix.
Eggs (3): Eggs help bind the ingredients and contribute to the moist texture.
Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
Water (½ cup): Helps to thin out the batter and create a smooth consistency.
Vanilla Pudding Mix (1 package): Instant pudding mix gives the cake an incredibly smooth texture and keeps it moist.
Dark Rum (½ cup): This is what gives the cake its signature flavor. The rum flavor will cook out during baking, leaving just the essence of its deep, warm taste.
Chopped Pecans (½ cup): These will be folded into the batter, providing a delicious crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake.

For the Glaze:

Butter (½ cup): This forms the base of the glaze, providing richness and flavor.
Dark Rum (¼ cup): More rum for that lovely depth of flavor in the glaze.
Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and creates that syrupy consistency in the glaze.

Variations for Pecan Rum Cake

While this Pecan Rum Cake is amazing as is, here are a few ways you can put your own spin on it:

Add Coconut: You can add shredded coconut to the cake batter for a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with the rum.
Use Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can easily swap them for walnuts or almonds.
Try Different Rums: Dark rum adds a deep, rich flavor, but you could experiment with spiced rum or even a flavored rum (like coconut rum) for a unique taste.
Gluten-Free Option: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cake batter for an indulgent treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pecan Rum Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 10-inch bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray, making sure to coat all sides evenly to prevent the cake from sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and dark rum. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat everything together on medium speed until well combined and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

Once your batter is smooth, fold in the chopped pecans. Be careful not to overmix so the nuts stay evenly distributed throughout the batter.

2. Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep a close eye on the cake towards the end of baking to avoid overbaking.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, turn the pan upside down to release the cake and place it on a cooling rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Rum Glaze

While your cake is cooling, you can start preparing the rum glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the rum and sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the glaze comes to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Once the glaze has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

4. Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully pour the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Make sure to pour the glaze evenly so it soaks into the cake, adding flavor and moisture to every bite.

You can also brush the glaze on with a pastry brush if you want to ensure even coverage, especially if you’re using a Bundt pan with intricate details. The glaze will settle into the cake and create a beautiful, glossy finish.

5. Let the Cake Soak

Allow the cake to rest for about 30 minutes to an hour after glazing. This gives the rum glaze time to soak into the cake, making it even more delicious. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can drizzle even more glaze over the cake before serving!

How to Serve Pecan Rum Cake

This Pecan Rum Cake is so flavorful and rich that it can be served on its own without any need for additional frosting or decorations. However, if you want to elevate the presentation, here are a few ideas:

Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the cake’s warm rum flavor and adds a creamy element.
Top with More Nuts: If you want to bring out the pecans even more, sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top of the cake after glazing.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
Pair with a Hot Beverage: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. The warm, spiced flavor of the rum cake complements the richness of these beverages.

Storing Pecan Rum Cake

This cake is a great make-ahead dessert, and storing it properly ensures it stays fresh for days:

Room Temperature: If you’re going to eat the cake within a couple of days, it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay good for up to 1 week.
Freezing: You can also freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to serve.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fat	15g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	30g

Conclusion

This Pecan Rum Cake is a guaranteed showstopper for any event. Its moist texture, rich rum flavor, and sweet, buttery glaze make it a perfect dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, everyone will be asking for the recipe. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet impressive enough to look like you spent hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!