Rum Cake Factory

The Rum Cake Factory is a Nassau highlight. Besides offering delectable and mouth-watering rum cakes, the shop also has a unique story. Today, it plays an important role in the Bahamas, both for tourists and locals. 

While travelers should try conch and Bahamian cracked lobster for lunch, ensure you save room for rum cakes for dessert. Originally a holiday dish, rum cakes have become famous year-round. And with a recipe so delicious it’s been coined the “Official Rum Cake of the Bahamas,” the Rum Cake Factory in Nassau is the place to try them. 

Rum Cake Factory: Try a Nassau Rum Cake

Bahamas Rum Cake Factory: A History

Like many things in the Bahamas, most experts believe that rum cakes originated with British colonists in the 18th century. As they settled in the archipelago, they brought along recipes for fruit cakes, puddings, and other desserts. Local bakers and chefs in the Bahamas (and other parts of the Caribbean) quickly became acquainted with these recipes and began modifying them. 

In the case of the rum cake, bakers added local ingredients, as well as rum, which is a local liquor. The result is the delectable dessert that people across the world enjoy today: rum cakes. 

In line with this diffusion of culinary practices, in 2000, a British man named George Bates created a rum cake recipe that would inspire the “original” flavor at the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory. This led him to open a shop, which has grown into the most popular rum cake brand in the years since. In 2014, the Bahamas recognized the cakes served as “the Official Rum Cake of the Bahamas.” 

Bahamas rum cake factory cakes are the perfect gifts for friends and family.

What to See and Do

Try the Free Samples

If you’re hesitant about bringing home a cake, the free sample section is a good place to start. You can try many of the flavors inside the store, including Original Rum Cake, Banana Rum Cake, Coconut Rum Cake, and more. 

Many travelers have reported that the cakes at the Rum Cake Factory taste better than those of other brands, like Tortuga Rum Cake. 

Purchase Cake Boxes

Once you decide on a flavor (or several), your next step is to select a couple of boxes to take home. If you’re trying to share some of the deliciousness with friends and family, a starter pack is a good option, as it comes with your choice of a couple of flavors. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with the Original Rum Cake, which is the most popular.

Most of the 6 oz cakes cost around $7.50 (as of 2023) and are the perfect size to travel with. That said, if you’re feeling indulgent, you can also get 20 oz options of certain flavors for $19. 

Tortuga Rum Cake is a popular competitor, but it’s not made by the Rum Cake Factory.

Getting in

The Bahamas Rum Cake Factory is right in Downtown Nassau, making it one of the most easily accessible attractions on the island. 

If you’re arriving in Nassau through the cruise port, it should take you just a couple of minutes to walk to the shop. Once you get on Bay Street, walk east for a couple of blocks and you’ll see it on the opposite side of the street. The store is right next to a hair salon and bank. 

For those staying in Nassau, taking a taxi to Downtown Nassau and then making a day trip out of exploring the area will probably be best. After visiting the store, you’ll be in the perfect position to then explore myriad other sites, such as the nearby beaches, downtown restaurants, and local historical sites. 

From Sunday to Saturday, the Rum Cake Factory Nassau is open from 9 am to 5 pm. On Saturday, the hours are from 8:30 am to 2 pm. 

Getting Around

Once you’re inside the shop, you’ll quickly realize that the Nassau Rum Cake Factory is just a room brimming with boxes of cakes, free samples, and delicious smells. While there’s not much else to see besides the mouth-watering merchandise and the workers getting the cakes ready to sell, you’ll want to spend time exploring the surrounding area. 

Our Travel Guide Suggests… 

When you’re at the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, make sure to take advantage of the free samples. Sampling the different flavors can help you identify which cakes you’ll want to buy. That said, many travelers have reported that the original is their favorite. 

Free samples are the best way to identify your favorite flavor.

Rum Cake Factory Nassau: A Taste of the Bahamas

Even if you’re not crazy for desserts, the Nassau Rum Cake Factory is one destination you won’t want to pass up on. With a unique history, free samples, and boxes of cakes to eat and share with family and friends back home, the factory is a must-visit attraction. 

Since it’s right downtown, you won’t have to worry about what to do after purchasing your Nassau Rum Cake. Attractions like Queen’s Staircase, Fins Up Water Park at Margaritaville, and Potters Cay are all just a short walk away. 

If you enjoyed this article, don’t just stop at rum cakes. Check out our other destination guides and interactive map to learn more about all of Nassau’s top destinations.