Delectable Plum Cake Recipes: From Classic to Creative Twists
Plum cake, a timeless classic, evokes memories of cozy evenings, festive celebrations, and the comforting aroma of spices wafting through the kitchen. This versatile dessert, enjoyed around the globe, offers endless possibilities for customization, from the type of plums used to the blend of spices and the addition of nuts or dried fruits. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide will walk you through various plum cake recipes, complete with detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure baking success. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure filled with the sweet and tangy goodness of plums!
The Allure of Plum Cake: A Brief History
Plum cake’s history is as rich and flavorful as the cake itself. While the exact origins are debated, fruitcakes and cakes with dried fruits have been enjoyed for centuries. The term “plum cake” originally referred to any cake containing dried fruit, regardless of whether it actually contained plums. Over time, the name became associated with cakes featuring plums as a primary ingredient, often incorporating spices and other dried fruits.
Today, plum cake remains a beloved dessert, adapted to various regional preferences and baking styles. From the dense and richly spiced plum puddings of England to the lighter and more delicate plum cakes of continental Europe, there’s a plum cake recipe to suit every palate.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Plum Cake
Before diving into specific recipes, let’s discuss the essential ingredients that contribute to a truly exceptional plum cake:
* **Plums:** The star of the show! Fresh plums are ideal when in season, offering vibrant flavor and moisture. Look for plums that are ripe but firm, with a deep color. Varieties like Black Beauty, Santa Rosa, or Italian prune plums are excellent choices. Canned plums, while convenient, may lack the intensity of flavor found in fresh plums. If using canned plums, drain them well and consider adding a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
* **Flour:** All-purpose flour is a common choice for plum cake, providing a tender crumb. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour or pastry flour.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps to create a tender cake. Brown sugar adds a molasses-like flavor and contributes to a moister texture. You can also use honey or maple syrup as natural sweeteners, adjusting the liquid content accordingly.
* **Butter/Oil:** Butter adds richness and flavor to plum cake. Use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe. Oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, creates a moister cake with a slightly different texture. For a healthier option, you can use applesauce to replace some of the butter or oil.
* **Eggs:** Eggs bind the ingredients together, add moisture, and contribute to the cake’s structure. Use large eggs at room temperature for best results.
* **Leavening Agents:** Baking powder and/or baking soda help the cake to rise and create a light and airy texture. Always check the expiration dates of these ingredients to ensure they are still active.
* **Spices:** Spices are what truly elevate plum cake to another level. Common spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend.
* **Liquids:** Milk, buttermilk, yogurt, or juice can be used to add moisture to the cake batter. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and tenderizes the gluten in the flour. Juice, such as orange juice or apple juice, complements the flavor of the plums.
* **Nuts (Optional):** Nuts add texture and flavor to plum cake. Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts are all excellent choices. Toast the nuts before adding them to the batter to enhance their flavor.
* **Dried Fruits (Optional):** Raisins, currants, dried cranberries, or chopped dates can be added to plum cake for extra sweetness and chewiness. Soak the dried fruits in rum, brandy, or juice before adding them to the batter to plump them up and prevent them from drying out the cake.
* **Extracts (Optional):** Vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon extract can be added to enhance the flavor of the cake. Use pure extracts for the best flavor.
Recipe 1: Classic Plum Cake
This recipe is a simple yet satisfying take on the classic plum cake, highlighting the natural sweetness and tartness of the plums.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup buttermilk
* 2 cups fresh plums, pitted and sliced
* Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Beat in Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Fold in Plums and Nuts:** Gently fold in the sliced plums and chopped nuts (if using).
7. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. **Serve:** Slice and serve the plum cake as is, or dust with powdered sugar for a more elegant presentation.
**Tips for Success:**
* Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
* Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
* Use ripe but firm plums for the best flavor and texture.
* If using a loaf pan, you may need to bake the cake for a longer period of time.
Recipe 2: Spiced Plum Cake with Brown Sugar
This recipe features a warm and inviting blend of spices, complemented by the rich flavor of brown sugar.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup milk
* 2 cups fresh plums, pitted and chopped
* Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square cake pan or a loaf pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Beat in Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Fold in Plums and Nuts:** Gently fold in the chopped plums and nuts (if using).
7. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. **Serve:** Slice and serve the plum cake, or dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor.
* Pack the brown sugar tightly when measuring.
* If using a loaf pan, you may need to bake the cake for a longer period of time.
Recipe 3: Plum and Almond Cake
This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of plums with the nutty flavor of almonds for a delightful treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ cup almond flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* ½ teaspoon almond extract
* ½ cup Greek yogurt
* 2 cups fresh plums, pitted and sliced
* ¼ cup sliced almonds, for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Beat in Eggs and Almond Extract:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract.
5. **Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the Greek yogurt, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Fold in Plums:** Gently fold in the sliced plums.
7. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and spread evenly.
8. **Sprinkle with Almonds:** Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the cake.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before releasing the springform sides and transferring the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. **Serve:** Slice and serve the plum and almond cake, or dust with powdered sugar.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use a springform pan for easy removal of the cake.
* Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake.
* Toast the sliced almonds before sprinkling them on top for a more intense flavor.
Recipe 4: Vegan Plum Cake
For those following a vegan lifestyle, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying plum cake that is free of animal products.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup packed brown sugar
* ½ cup vegetable oil
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 2 cups fresh plums, pitted and chopped
* Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square cake pan or a loaf pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, plant-based milk, and apple cider vinegar.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Fold in Plums and Nuts:** Gently fold in the chopped plums and nuts (if using).
6. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Serve:** Slice and serve the vegan plum cake, or dust with powdered sugar.
**Tips for Success:**
* Apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a light and airy texture.
* Use a good quality vegetable oil for the best flavor.
* Plant-based milk alternatives work well in this recipe.
Recipe 5: Plum Cake with Crumb Topping
This recipe adds a delightful crumb topping to the plum cake for added texture and sweetness.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Cake:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup milk
* 2 cups fresh plums, pitted and sliced
* **For the Crumb Topping:**
* ½ cup all-purpose flour
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square cake pan or a loaf pan.
2. **Prepare the Crumb Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients (Cake):** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. **Cream Butter and Sugar (Cake):** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. **Beat in Eggs and Vanilla (Cake):** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. **Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients (Cake):** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. **Fold in Plums (Cake):** Gently fold in the sliced plums.
8. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
9. **Sprinkle with Crumb Topping:** Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top of the cake batter.
10. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
12. **Serve:** Slice and serve the plum cake with crumb topping.
**Tips for Success:**
* Make sure the butter for the crumb topping is cold for the best texture.
* If the crumb topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the cake with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Plum Cake
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The flavor of your plum cake will only be as good as the ingredients you use. Choose fresh, ripe plums, good quality butter, and freshly ground spices.
* **Don’t overmix the batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix the batter until just combined.
* **Use the correct pan size:** Using the wrong pan size can affect the baking time and the texture of the cake. Use the pan size specified in the recipe.
* **Check for doneness:** The best way to check if your plum cake is done is to insert a wooden skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it comes out with batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
* **Cool the cake completely:** Allow the plum cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. This will prevent the cake from crumbling.
* **Storage:** Plum cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze plum cake for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.
Variations and Customizations
* **Add a glaze:** Drizzle the cooled plum cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
* **Incorporate citrus:** Add orange or lemon zest to the batter for a brighter flavor.
* **Use different types of plums:** Experiment with different varieties of plums, such as Italian prune plums, Santa Rosa plums, or Black Beauty plums.
* **Add other fruits:** Combine plums with other fruits, such as apples, pears, or cranberries.
* **Make mini plum cakes:** Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual servings.
* **Add a liquor:** Soak the dried fruits in rum, brandy, or other liquor for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Experiment with different spices:** Try adding cardamom, star anise, or black pepper to the spice blend.
* **Top with a streusel:** Instead of a crumb topping, top the plum cake with a streusel made from flour, butter, sugar, and oats.
Serving Suggestions
* Serve plum cake as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
* Enjoy a slice of plum cake with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Serve plum cake as part of a brunch spread.
* Pack a slice of plum cake in a lunchbox for a sweet treat.
* Give plum cake as a homemade gift.
Plum cake is a delightful and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in countless ways. With these recipes and tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the perfect plum cake for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the sweet and tangy goodness of homemade plum cake!