Easy Christmas Plum Cake Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wanted to bake a rich, delicious plum cake but didn’t know where to start? Plum cake is a festive favorite, loved for its rich flavors, dried fruits, and warm spices. Whether it’s for Christmas or a cozy afternoon treat, this guide will walk you through a simple yet delightful plum cake recipe that you can easily bake at home.

In this blog, you’ll learn a full proof plum cake recipe, key ingredients, baking tips, and variations to make the perfect plum cake. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked goodness! Source [The Artistic Cook]

What is Plum Cake?

Plum cake is a traditional dessert made with dried fruits (like raisins, cherries, and prunes), warm spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg), and sometimes soaked in alcohol for extra richness. Despite its name, plum cake doesn’t always include fresh plums. The term “plum” historically referred to any dried fruit used in baking.

Now, let’s dive into the plum cake recipe!

Dry and Wet Ingredients for Plum Cake

For Soaking (Fruits)

Before baking, soak these fruits to infuse them with flavor and keep the cake moist:

Tip: Soak the fruits for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

For the Cake

Wet Ingredients

These ingredients form the moist, rich base of your cake:

Dry Ingredients

These ingredients give structure and flavor to the cake:

Step-by-Step Plum Cake Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Fruits

• In a bowl, combine the dried cranberries, apricots, black raisins, raisins, and tutti-frutti.
• Pour ½ cup orange juice over the fruits.
• Let them soak for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance their flavor and soften the fruits.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup soft butter and ¾ cup powdered brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add wet ingredients: Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tsp orange rind.
3. Add milk: Pour in 1 cup milk and mix until combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together:

• 1½ cups plain flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
• ⅛ tsp cloves powder
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg powder
• ¼ tsp dried ginger powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda

Step 4: Fold Everything Together

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
• Fold in the soaked fruits and ¾ cup chopped mixed nuts. Ensure the fruits are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
3. Pour the batter into the pan and level the top.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slice and enjoy your rich, delicious plum cake!

Tips for the Perfect Plum Cake

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Soak Overnight: For deeper flavor, let the fruits soak overnight.
• Check Early: Start checking for doneness after 40 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Enjoy the rich flavors of this festive plum cake and share it with loved ones. Happy baking!

Final Notes

Baking a rich and delicious plum cake is easier than you think! By following this simple plum cake recipe and using the right combination of soaked fruits, warm spices, and baking tips, you’ll create a cake that’s perfect for festive occasions or cozy treats. The key is to let the fruits soak for maximum flavor, mix the batter gently, and bake just until done.

For more festive cake ideas and inspiration, check out BloomsFlora’s cake collection.

Enjoy the warm, aromatic goodness of this homemade plum cake recipe and share it with family and friends. Happy baking and savor every bite of this classic delight!

FAQs

1. Can I make a non-alcoholic version of plum cake recipe?

Yes, you can! Instead of soaking the dried fruits in alcohol, use orange juice, apple juice, or even black tea for a non-alcoholic alternative. Let the fruits soak for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

2. What can I use if I don’t have tutti-frutti for my plum cake recipe??

If you don’t have tutti-frutti, you can substitute it with chopped dried pineapple, candied peel, or additional dried cranberries and raisins. These options will still give the cake a sweet, chewy texture.

3.How do I stop dried fruits from sinking in the plum cake recipe?

To keep the dried fruits from sinking, coat them in 2 tablespoons of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them distribute evenly throughout the cake.

4. How long can I store plum cake?

Plum cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

5. Can I make this plum cake recipe without eggs?

Absolutely! For an eggless plum cake recipe, replace each egg with ¼ cup of yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, or mashed banana. This will keep the cake moist and maintain its structure.