Celebrate Hulu’s Black Cake series with Eleanor’s Black Cake recipe

As the highly anticipated Hulu series Black Cake is set to premiere on November 1, the excitement builds. While many people devoured the pages of Charmaine Wilkerson’s novel, the story is just one component that captivated the audience. Eleanor’s Black Cake recipe is the cultural gift that many people will want to savor.

While fans of Black Cake, both the book and the dish, appreciate the cultural reference, others might need a little more background. A staple in Carribean culture, the dessert has some similarities to plum pudding.

Often served around the holidays, some people might look at the cake and think fruit cake. It is not necessarily the same, but there is a similarity. The combination of dried fruits, sugars, and spices feel warm and comforting. It is slightly dense but quite satisfying.

For those unfamiliar with the book, the special Black Cake recipe is integral to bringing the characters together. It is similar to have other families use this dessert as a way to gather round the table, have a moment to converse, and keep traditions moving forward.

Ahead of the Hulu premiere, the streaming service has shared the authentic Black Cake recipe from the book. While it is a slightly complicated process, the flavor is worth the effort. Whether people enjoy a slice while watching the show or use the dessert as a new holiday tradition, it is more than just this particular cake that is part of the conversation. Having a food memory, a connection, and gathering around the table is vital for everyone. A recipe handed down from generation to generation can foster that concept.

Here’s how to make Eleanor’s Black Cake Recipe referenced in the Hulu Black Cake series.

Ingredients:

• ¾ lb. flour
• ¼ lb. breadcrumbs
• 1 lb. dark brown sugar
• (plus extra for the blacking)
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• 1 or ½ tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. mixed spice
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 lb. butter, room temperature
• 1 dozen eggs
• 5-6 cups of fruit, soaked at least 4 months
• (Raisins, prunes, soaked fruits, currants, dates soaked in white or dark rum and port)
• Add dates and maraschino cherries only at mixing time

Instructions:

• Mix all dry ingredients.
• In a separate bowl rub or mix on low: sugar, butter until smooth and fluffy.
• Add 1 egg, mix 1 ½ minutes, add ⅓ ounces flour-breadcrumbs mixture. Repeat until all eggs and flour are gone.
• Mix in the blacking.
• Make the blacking by cooking brown sugar in a saucepan on low heat until it’s caramelized. You will need more than you think!
• Chop up half the fruits in a blender. Combine and add to the mix.
• Grease 2 tin pans, cut wax paper to fit containers. Fill to ¾ full with batter.
• Bake: Place pans in 350 degrees Fahrenheit in an oven. Add a separate pan filled with water. Bake for 2 hours or less, until a knife inserted in the middle comes out dry (sometimes much less depending on the oven and the weather).