What is Jamaican black cake and why is it served at weddings?

Jamaican black cake is a dense, dark fruit cake made from dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas, currants and citron, macerated in rum, brandy or wine for weeks or months. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves give it its warm flavour, and it is often glazed with marzipan and decorated with festive motifs.

It is served at weddings because it represents joy, prosperity and the couple’s roots. Families often pass down recipes through generations, and some keep a cake for years to serve at future family celebrations. The alcohol in the cake also means it keeps well, so it can be prepared long before the big day.

Many couples order theirs from a specialist baker or make it themselves, and it is usually cut alongside or instead of a traditional wedding cake. Guests often take a slice home as a favour.