Jamaican Black Cake, also known as Jamaican fruitcake or Christmas cake, is a rich, dense cake that is typically made with dried fruits, spices, and rum. The cake is dark in color and has a deep, complex flavor that comes from the combination of ingredients and the extended soaking time. Jamaican Black Cake is a traditional dessert in Jamaica and is often served during special occasions such as weddings, Christmas, and other celebrations. The cake is typically made several weeks or even months in advance, allowing the flavors to mature and develop over time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. raisins
• 1 lb. prunes
• 1 lb. currants
• 1 lb. candied mixed peel
• 1/2 lb. cherries
• 1/2 lb. almonds
• 1/2 lb. breadcrumbs
• 1 lb. brown sugar
• 1 lb. butter
• 12 eggs
• 1 cup rum
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. allspice
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the raisins, prunes, currants, mixed peel, cherries, and almonds. Add the rum and red wine, and stir to combine. Let the mixture soak overnight.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, and then add them to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.
6. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
7. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
8. Fold in the soaked fruit mixture and breadcrumbs.
9. Grease a 9-inch cake pan, and pour the batter into the pan.
10. Bake for 2 to 3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
11. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan.
12. Once cooled, remove the cake from the pan and brush the top with additional rum or red wine.
13. Store the cake in an airtight container, and let it sit for at least a week before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
14. Enjoy your delicious Jamaican Black Cake!