Plum Cake

Plum cake is a classic dessert that beautifully balances the sweetness of ripe plums with a tender, buttery cake. Known for its rich flavor and delightful texture, plum cake is a versatile treat that can be served as a breakfast indulgence, afternoon tea companion, or after-dinner dessert. The natural tartness of plums complements the sugary batter, while their juicy consistency ensures the cake remains moist and flavorful.

Traditionally, plum cake is a staple in many European cuisines, especially during late summer and early autumn when plums are at their peak. However, it’s a year-round favorite thanks to its adaptability; you can make it with fresh plums when they’re in season or substitute dried or canned ones during the colder months.

This guide will take you through the process of making a delectable plum cake, offering insights on ingredient selection, step-by-step instructions, and tips for customization. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or a cozy night in, this plum cake recipe will quickly become a go-to in your repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tartness of plums complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Moist and Tender: The juicy plums keep the cake moist, ensuring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Versatile: Enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with whipped cream or ice cream for an elegant dessert.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh plums, this recipe is both easy and affordable.
• Customizable: Add spices, nuts, or a streusel topping to make it uniquely yours.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Cooling Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 10-12 slices
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
• 6-8 fresh plums, halved and pitted (or canned/dried plums if out of season)

Optional Toppings

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Equipment

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk or buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Arrange the halved plums cut-side up on top of the batter, gently pressing them in. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the plums for added sweetness and caramelization during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. Enjoy plain or with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Upside-Down Plum Cake: Arrange the plums cut-side down at the bottom of the pan, then pour the batter over them. Invert the cake after baking for a stunning presentation.
2. Streusel-Topped Plum Cake: Add a crumbly topping made of flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter for added texture and flavor.
3. Plum Tart: Use the batter as a base and layer thin slices of plums decoratively on top for a more elegant tart-like dessert.
4. Layered Plum Cake: Slice the cake in half horizontally and fill it with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for a layered version.
5. Mini Plum Cakes: Divide the batter among muffin tins and top each with a plum slice for individual servings.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Choose Ripe Plums: Use plums that are firm but slightly soft to the touch for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
2. Prevent Sinking Plums: Toss the plums in a little flour before arranging them on the batter to help prevent them from sinking.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature for smoother mixing and a better rise.
4. Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
5. Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Recipe Variations

1. Gluten-Free Plum Cake: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
2. Spiced Plum Cake: Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
3. Nutty Plum Cake: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped almonds or walnuts into the batter for added texture.
4. Vegan Plum Cake: Substitute the butter with vegan margarine, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and the milk with almond or oat milk.
5. Citrus Plum Cake: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist.

Freezing and Storage

1. Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. Refrigeration: Refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.
3. Freezing: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Reduce Sugar: Use only 1/2 cup of sugar in the batter and rely on the natural sweetness of the plums.
2. Whole Grain Option: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
3. Low-Fat Version: Use Greek yogurt or applesauce instead of butter for a lower-fat alternative.
4. Natural Sweeteners: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a less processed option.
5. Add More Fruit: Incorporate diced apples or pears into the batter for extra fruitiness.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Holiday Dessert: Serve plum cake as part of a dessert spread with custard, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
2. Afternoon Tea: Pair slices of plum cake with hot tea or coffee for a cozy tea-time treat.
3. Brunch Centerpiece: Add plum cake to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, quiche, and mimosas.
4. Potluck Favorite: Bring the cake to a gathering in a decorative dish—it’s easy to transport and serves a crowd.
5. Gift Idea: Bake the cake in mini loaf pans, wrap in parchment paper, and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Special Equipment

1. 9-Inch Pan: A round or square pan is ideal for baking this cake evenly.
2. Mixer: An electric or stand mixer ensures the butter and sugar are creamed properly.
3. Parchment Paper: Lining the pan makes removing the cake easier.
4. Spatula: Use a spatula to smooth the batter and scrape down the bowl.
5. Cooling Rack: Ensures even cooling and prevents the bottom of the cake from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned plums?
   Yes! Drain canned plums well and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
2. What if I don’t have a 9-inch pan?
   You can use an 8-inch pan or a loaf pan; just adjust the baking time accordingly.
3. Why did my plums sink?
   Tossing the plums in a bit of flour before placing them on the batter can help keep them from sinking.
4. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
   Absolutely. Use a plant-based butter and milk substitute, like almond milk, for a dairy-free version.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
6. Can I add other fruits?
   Yes! This recipe works well with peaches, cherries, or apricots as alternatives to plums.
7. What’s the best way to serve plum cake?
   Serve it warm or at room temperature with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or ice cream.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for a larger cake.

Conclusion

Plum cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tart sweetness of plums with the buttery richness of cake. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether served plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cake is sure to impress.

With its moist texture, simple preparation, and endless variations, plum cake is a timeless classic that deserves a place in your baking repertoire. Try it today and savor the comforting flavors of this easy yet elegant dessert!

Plum Cake

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• Author: Sophia
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 10-12 slices 1x

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
• 6–8 fresh plums, halved and pitted (or canned/dried plums if out of season)

Optional Toppings

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Equipment

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk or buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Arrange the halved plums cut-side up on top of the batter, gently pressing them in. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the plums for added sweetness and caramelization during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. Enjoy plain or with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes + Cooling Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 20g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g