The safety of foods consumed during pregnancy is of great concern as it could harm the baby, the mother, or both. Pregnancy comes with a lot of discomfort and many women find it difficult to avoid certain foods, including rum cake which begs the question, ‘Can Pregnant Women Eat Rum Cake?’.
Rum cake is a flavored desert and rum, an alcoholic beverage, is employed in its creation. Alcohol has negative effects on the growth of foetuses, the reason why pregnant women are asked to avoid alcohol. Lovers of rum cake may find it hard to avoid this snack but learning about the potential harm it could cause may help.
In this article, we will explore the effects of eating rum cake during pregnancy as well as some healthy alternatives you can explore.
Is The Alcohol In Rum Cake Cooked Out?
Most pregnant women who have trouble with getting rid of rum cake ask this common question: Is the alcohol in rum cake cooked out during its preparation? A lot of people believe the alcohol is removed completely making it safe for consumption during pregnancy but this is untrue.
Surely, the high temperature needed during the baking process will evaporate some of the alcohol content but not all of it. Learning more about the preparation process better will help in understanding the risks involved in consumption.
The alcohol in rum cake does not evaporate entirely during the baking process and the belief that it does is only a misconception. The amount of alcohol that evaporates during its preparation is dependent on a host of factors like the baking temperature, cooking time, and the amount of alcohol in the recipe.
From studies, we are made aware that after baking for a long time, a considerable amount of the alcohol remains. A research carried out by the US Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Data Laboratory showed that after one hour of baking, an approximate 25% of the alcohol content is left in the baked food. And, after baking for two and a half hours, about 5% of the alcohol still remains.
The amount of alcohol that may be contained in rum cake is largely dependent on the amount of rum needed, according to the recipe used. On average, rum cakes are made with a large amount rum. This gives it its flavor and moist feel. And, although the amount of alcohol can be reduced, it must be noted that alcohol even in the most minute quantity can harm your baby.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant women are to abstain completely from taking alcohol as it can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and other complications that can affect the baby’s growth and development. This can lead to physical, behavioral, and intellectual impairments that can last a lifetime.
The risks that can arise from this are too dangerous. This is why pregnant women are advised to completely abstain from rum cake and other foods or desserts that may contain alcohol.
Thankfully, there are healthier alternatives that women can make do with for the course of the pregnancy. Also recipes can be adjusted to include alternative extracts and flavorings with no trace of alcohol.
Read Also: Is Cream Cheese Safe During Pregnancy?
Is Rum Cake Good During Pregnancy?
The major concern with rum cake consumption during pregnancy is the alcohol it contains. Alcohol is completely harmful for the developing foetus. Its presence in the mother’s body can bring about lifelong consequences for the baby.
This is why health professionals and organizations unanimously warn against its consumption. Mothers who have a great love for this delicacy would likely have a hard time avoiding it. Working with a professional can help you overcome your desire for it. 9 to 10 months may be a long time to stay away from rum cake but then, you will be saving your baby from having to deal with health troubles.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Rum Cake?
Pregnant women cannot eat rum cake because it is injurious to their baby’s health. It affects brain growth and the development of other body functions. It’s best to abstain from rum cake completely during pregnancy to ensure the baby is safe and healthy.
What Kind of Cake Is Safe For Pregnancy?
Desserts are a common craving during pregnancy. When searching for rum cake alternatives, there are plenty of dessert options to chose from. However, these alternatives must be safe, healthy, and nutritionally beneficial. Here are some safe and healthy alternatives to choose from.
Simple Sponge Cake
Sponge cake is made with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. This fluffy cake is generally safe for consumption provided the eggs are well-cooked. Raw or undercooked eggs should be avoided to be safe from microbial infection. You can add healthy flavors of your choice and fresh fruits to improve the taste.
Fruit Cake
This cake alternative is packed with flavor and can be a good replacement for rum cake. It is commonly made with dried fruits like dates, and cherries. These fruits are good sources of essential nutrients like iron, antioxidants, and fiber. However, some fruit cake recipes may include alcohol as a flavoring agent or preservative. Remember to only go for options that are alcohol-free.
Carrot Cake
Carrots, an essential ingredient in carrot cake are rich in beta-carotene which is vital for the release of vitamin A. This vitamin helps with the development of the baby’s eyes, immune system, and the skin. In the preparation of carrot cake, the carrots must be washed thoroughly before they are grated. The batter should also be properly cooked. This helps to eliminate the chances of bacterial contamination.
Chocolate Cake
Chocolate cake can be consumed during pregnancy in moderate amounts. When making a choice of chocolate to go with, dark chocolate is a better choice as it has less sugar and more antioxidants compared to milk chocolate. Also, try to avoid cakes with too much toppings or additives.
Yogurt or Applesauce Cake
Yogurt or applesauce cakes are moist and light in texture and contain lesser fat and calories. Do ensure the yogurt used in the cakes are pasteurized and the applesauce should not contain artificial sweeteners or sugars.
Read Also: What is the Best Yoghurt for Pregnancy?
Whole Grain or Oatmeal Cake
Cakes prepared with whole grain or oatmeal can provide additional nutritional benefits. Grains like wheat flour are healthier alternatives to refined flour. Adding the oatmeal to the batter can help boost the fiber in the cake and give it a nutty flavor.
Nut-Based Cakes
Nut cakes provide healthy fats and protein. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and magnesium. However, be cautious with consumption if you have any nut allergies and see a doctor before consuming nut-based cakes during pregnancy.
Angel Food Cake
Angel food cake is made with egg whites, flour, and sugar making it a low fat and calorie cake alternative. Fresh fruits can be added to improve its nutritional value.
Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Cake
Both pumpkin and sweet potato are good sources of Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. Pureed pumpkin or pureed sweet potato are added to these cakes giving it its moist texture and flavor.
Meringue Cake
Pavlova or Meringue Cake is made from whipping egg whites and sugar together. It is often topped with fresh fruits. In making this cake, the eggs must be cooked properly to avoid contamination.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
A major ingredient for the Lemon Poppy Seed Cake are lemons. Lemons are rich in vitamin C which helps with iron absorption and boosts the immune system. The poppy seeds give it a nutty flavor. Using fresh lemons will help you get maximum flavor and nutritional benefits.
Coconut Cake
Coconut cake is made from coconut milk and shredded coconut. This gives it its characteristics flavor and creamy texture. Coconut cake can help fill in for your fat requirement as coconut contains healthy fat.
Chiffon Cake
Chiffon cake is made with flour, sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. It is moist and tender and comes in a variety of flavors like vanilla, lemon, and almond. It can be topped with fruits or a dusting of sugar.
Gluten-Free Cake
Pregnant women with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can eat gluten-free cake. This cake is made with gluten free flours like rice flour, almond flour, and oat flour. There are lots of recipes for gluten free cakes and you can take your time to glance through some.
Customized Homemade Cakes
Homemade cakes are regarded as the safest options during pregnancy as you get to bake it yourself and monitor the process. You also get to chose the flavors you desire and its nutritional composition.
Read Also: Can I Drink Boba Tea While Pregnant?
Conclusion on: Can Pregnant Women Eat Rum Cake?
Rum cake cannot be eaten by pregnant women during pregnancy because it contains rum which can be dangerously harmful to babies even in little quantities. While rum cake may not be a healthy option, there are lots of other cakes and recipes you can try. However, the sugar and fat in these cakes must be very little too as they can be unhealthy for mother and baby. Also, pay attention to your allergies and possible reactions. If you find anything discomforting, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
