Cumberland Rum Butter
A brown-sugar rum butter for festive desserts, based on Delia Smith's Cumberland Rum or Brandy Butter, with her quantities retained and our own instructions.
Serves 8 · Source-based · Not kitchen-tested by Dilay
Based on Delia Smith — Cumberland Rum or Brandy Butter, from Delia's Happy Christmas. Ingredient proportions and the preparation sequence follow the source; the instructions here are written in our own words.
Ingredients
- 175g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 175g soft dark brown sugar
- 120ml rum (6 of Delia's 20ml tablespoons)
Delia defines a tablespoon as 20ml, not the usual modern UK 15ml measure. Six of her tablespoons therefore equal 120ml. Her recipe specifies unsalted butter and does not name a rum style or strength.
Method
- Put the softened unsalted butter and dark brown sugar in a bowl. Beat with an electric hand whisk, or blend in a food processor, until the mixture looks pale, smooth and creamy.
- Add the measured rum in small additions, beating thoroughly after each one until incorporated. Delia's source allows extra rum to taste; this version keeps the listed 120ml rather than treating an increased quantity as validated.
- Transfer the butter to a freezer box or freezer bag and put it in the freezer, as directed in the source. Delia does not specify a freezing duration or a thawing schedule on this recipe page; consult her linked guidance rather than assuming a shelf life.
Alcohol and allergens
This is an uncooked rum food and contains alcohol. It is not suitable for children, during pregnancy or for anyone avoiding alcohol. Freezing does not make it alcohol-free.
Contains: Milk. Check your ingredient labels.
Storage and serving
The source directs freezing in a freezer box or bag, but gives no recipe-specific storage duration or thawing instructions. No refrigerated shelf life is claimed here; rum is not a substitute for safe storage.
Changes needing kitchen testing
- Dilay spiced rum, a different rum strength or any increase beyond the listed 120ml has not been kitchen-tested by Dilay.
- Changing the butter, sugar type, proportions, freezing or thawing approach requires kitchen testing; no dairy-free version is validated.
Source and testing basis
Delia Online states that its recipes are thoroughly tested in its testing and measurement guidance. This is publisher-level evidence, not a testing record for this particular recipe. Dilay has not kitchen-tested this adaptation, any named rum substitution or alternative storage method.
Read the original recipe · Delia's freezing guidance
More from the rum kitchen
Cooking and baking with rum · Rum for Christmas pudding
18+. Please drink responsibly. Drinkaware.