Pastel Borracho translates to drunken cake.This dessert is very easy to make, moist, rich and perfect for any occasion.
What is Pastel Borracho?
It is basically rum-soaked sponge cake, top with prunes and creme Anglaise. The rum syrup makes this cake rich and incredibly moist, without being soggy, and has a wonderful texture. This dessert is very popular in Colombia and other Latin American countries, every region and family has its own variation. This is my grandmother's recipe.
Pastel Borracho is the perfect cake for just about any occasion or celebration. It's very easy to make and you can use store bought sponge cake for the base.
How to Make Pastel Borracho
I made my sponge cake (bizcochuelo) from scratch and you can find the recipe here. But if you don't want to bake it, you can use a store bought pound cake or sponge cake instead and that will make this cake recipe even easier.
To make the Creme Anglaise
- Place the evaporated milk, cream, vanilla extract, yolks and sugar in the blender until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to simmer over low heat in a small sauce pan. Stir often until custard thickens, about 7 minutes (do not let it boil). Strain sauce into a bowl. Cover and place in the fridge until ready to use.
To Make the Rum Syrup:
- In a small pot, combine the water and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in the rum and prunes.
To Assemble the Drunken Cake
- Using a serrated style knife, cut the cake in half horizontally. Place 1 layer on a plate.
- Drizzle ½ of the rum syrup over the top, then drizzle half of the creme anglaise and top with half of the prunes.
- Top with another cake layer and repeat with the rest of syrup, creme anglaise and prunes.
- Serve immediately, or cover with a cake cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes & Tips
*Use your favorite and good quality rum for this cake.
*Serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.
*If you don't like prunes, just omit them. Keep the cake in the fridge until ready to serve.
More Cake Recipes
Torta Negra Envinada (Black Cake)
Chocolate and Dulce de Leche Cake
Pastel Borracho Recipe (Colombian-Style Drunken Cake)
Ingredients
- 1 sponge or pound cake
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup of water
- ½ cup dark rum
- 1 cup of pitted prunes
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar
Instructions
To make the creme anglaise:
- Place evaporated milk, cream, vanilla extract, yolks and sugar in the blender until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to simmer over low heat in a small sauce pan. Stir often until custard thickens, about 7 minutes (do not let it boil). Strain sauce into a bowl. Cover and place in the fridge until ready to use.
To make rum syrup:
- In a small pot, combine the water and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in the rum and prunes.
To assemble:
- Using a serrated style knife, cut the cake in half horizontally. Place 1 layer on a plate. Drizzle ½ of the rum syrup over the top, then drizzle half of the creme anglaise and top with half of the prunes.
- Top with another cake layer and repeat with the rest of syrup, creme anglaise and prunes.
- Serve immediately, or cover with a cake cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Joan Nova
I'm not much of a dessert eater, but this looks delicious to me. Reminds me of the Bacardi Rum Cake and I love the prunes.
Belinda @zomppa
A drunken cake sounds like it should be enjoyed all the time.
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz
You had me at rum infused lol. This cake looks awesome.
Heather @girlichef
This looks absolutely amazing! I know my hubby would love, I really need to give it a go!
grace
sponge cake is most definitely aptly named, as it just soaks up whatever liquids touch it. that rum syrup sounds awesome!
Jeannie
Reminds me of dulce de leche cake with all the soaking involved! Looks delicious!
lisaiscooking
The creme anglaise looks so good drizzled over this cake! I'm wishing I could have a piece for breakfast right now.
Ivy
You are making me drool. Wish I had some right now 🙂
Jose Lopez
I would like to know what is the name of the pan you used. I have been trying to find the pan that my Colombian friend used to use. He places the ingredients inside a pan/oven covered onto the stove top. What is the name and the brand of the pan/oven used to cook cakes.
Carlos
Las recetas maravillosas pero me llegan en ingles y yo no hablo ese idioma
Erica Dinho
Carlos, aquí te puedes subscribir en español https://madmimi.com/signups/subscribe/106816
Alan Bowman
Eating prunes can often have unwanted consequences due to their laxative effect so I would replace them with either raisins or fresh ripe plums.