black cake

noun

: a rich, dark cake of Caribbean origin containing dried or candied fruit soaked in rum or brandy and spices

Colwin's introduction to black cake came via her daughter's babysitter from the West Indies, where the cake is typically served for weddings and holidays.

—Diana Burrell, Boston Globe, 13 Dec. 2006

The moist, dense confection inside—which because of my Trinidadian background I knew is called black cake—exuded aromas of rum and spice.

—Ramin Ganesbraum, Saveur, December 2006

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

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