Baba Au Rhum (Rum Baba): A Classic French Dessert
Baba Au Rhum, also known as Rum Baba, is a classic French dessert that is typically served at special occasions and celebrations. This delicious dessert is a yeast cake soaked in a rum syrup and often topped with whipped cream or fresh fruit. In this article, we will explore the history of Baba Au Rhum, the ingredients used, and the steps required to make this delightful dessert.
History of Baba Au Rhum
Baba Au Rhum has its origins in Poland and was introduced to France in the 18th century. The dessert became very popular in France and soon became a favorite of the French aristocracy. The cake was traditionally soaked in a sweet syrup made from raisins and flavored with kirsch or rum. Over time, the recipe for Baba Au Rhum evolved, and the raisins were replaced with a simple syrup flavored with rum, which is the version of the dessert that is most commonly served today.
Ingredients for Baba Au Rhum
The ingredients required for making Baba Au Rhum include:
Yeast dough: A sweet yeast dough is used as the base of the cake.
Rum syrup: A sweet syrup flavored with rum is used to soak the cake.
Whipped cream: Freshly whipped cream is often used to top the cake.
Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries or other fresh fruit can be used as a garnish.
Preparation of Baba Au Rhum
Making Baba Au Rhum is a multi-step process that requires some time and effort. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delightful dessert:
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Dough
To make the yeast dough, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup of warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk and eggs.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Add the softened butter and knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
To bake the cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- Prepared yeast dough
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a baba mold or muffin tin with melted butter.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
- Place each ball of dough into a greased mold or muffin tin.
- Brush the top of each ball with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 3: Prepare the Rum Syrup
To make the rum syrup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of dark rum
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar.
- Heat the mixture over
Baba Au Rhum, also known as Rum Baba, is a classic French dessert that is typically served at special occasions and celebrations.
