A popular classic, plum cake is a rich, flavorful fruitcake that is typically served during the Christmas season. Packed with dried fruits like raisins, currants, and perhaps even candied peel, it’s a dense, delicious cake. Nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, are frequently used for flavor and texture.
Here’s a classic plum cake recipe:
Yields: 1 loaf cake
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Ingredients:
* 1 cup all-purpose flour (285g)
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (200g)
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar (450g)
* 2 large eggs
* 1 vanilla extract
* 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, dried cherries, etc.)
* 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
* 1 tablespoon brandy or rum (optional)
1 cup (120g) chopped fresh or dried plums (or a combination of both)
*For the Plum Topping*
– 1 cup (120g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) water
– 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
– 2-3 plums, sliced
Instructions
*Preparing the Plum Topping*
1. Combine the water, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat until the sugar melts, stirring regularly, over medium heat.
2. After bringing to a boil, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for around 5 minutes, or until the syrup has slightly thickened.
3. After turning off the heat, allow the syrup to cool a little.
4. After adding the sliced plums to the syrup, soak them for at least 30 minutes, or until the syrup has further thickened and the plums are soft.
*Making the Cake*
* Prepare the fruit: If using, soak the dried fruit in the brandy or rum for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9- inch (23 cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Gradually beat in the eggs, letting each one thoroughly combine before adding the next. Add vanilla extract and beat.
4. Reduce the speed of the mixer and stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients (raisins, currants, dried cherries, etc.) in three sections, starting with the flour mixture and ending with the chopped plums. Just till combined, beat.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
6. On top of each cake, arrange the plum slices from the plum topping, leaving a 1-inch (2.5-cm) border all the way around.
*Baking and Assembling the Cake*
1. If you stick a toothpick into the middle of each cake, it should come out clean. Bake the cakes for 40 to 45 minutes.
2. The cakes should be taken out of the oven and allowed to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before being moved to a wire rack to finish cooling.
3. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand after the cakes are fully cooled. Use some of the plum syrup to brush the cake’s top.
4. Serve the plum cake warm or at room temperature, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade plum cake!
Here are some delicious variations on the classic plum cake:
1. Spiced Plum Cake:
* Flavor : Warm and aromatic, with a hint of spice.
* Ingredients: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom.
* Tips: Use a combination of spices to create your own unique blend. You can also add a touch of orange zest for extra citrusy flavor.
2. Almond Plum Cake:
* Flavor : Rich and nutty, with a delicate almond flavor.
* Ingredients: Almond flour, almond extract, slivered almonds.
* Tips: Use a combination of almond flour and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. You can also top the cake with a sprinkle of sliced almonds before baking.
3. Chocolate Plum Cake:
* Flavor : Decadent and indulgent, with a rich chocolate flavor.
* Ingredients: Cocoa powder, chocolate chips, dark chocolate.
* Tips: Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor. You can also add a layer of chocolate ganache or frosting to the cake.
4. Lemon Plum Cake:
* Flavor : Refreshing and zesty, with a bright lemon flavor.
* Ingredients: Lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon extract.
* Tips: Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. You can also glaze the cake with a lemon glaze after baking.
5. Vegan Plum Cake:
* Flavor : Moist and flavorful, with a plant-based twist.
* Ingredients: Plant-based milk, plant-based butter, applesauce.
* Tips: Use a combination of plant-based milk and applesauce to replace eggs. You can also use vegan chocolate chips and vegan butter.
Additional Tips:
* Fruit Variations: Experiment with different types of plums, such as red plums, green plums, or Italian plums. You can also add other fruits, such as apples, pears, or berries.
* Nut Variations: Use a variety of nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts.
* Spice Variations: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract or almond extract for extra flavor.
* Topping Variations: Top the cake with a streusel topping, a crumble topping, or a glaze. You can also dust the cake with powdered sugar.
Remember, the best way to create a delicious plum cake is to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Have Fun and enjoy the process!
You can try also (chocolate choco chip cookies)
