Effortless Plum Cake: A Simple Recipe for a Delicious Treat
Plum cake. The very name conjures up images of cozy autumn evenings, the comforting aroma of spices filling the air, and a slice of moist, fruity goodness enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. While many plum cake recipes seem intimidatingly complex, requiring days of fruit soaking and elaborate techniques, this recipe aims to shatter that perception. This is an *easy* plum cake recipe, perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike who are short on time but craving that classic plum cake flavor. We’re talking minimal fuss, readily available ingredients, and a straightforward method that yields a consistently delicious result. Get ready to impress your friends and family (or just yourself!) with this surprisingly simple and incredibly satisfying plum cake.
## Why This Recipe Works
This recipe focuses on several key elements that contribute to its ease and reliability:
* **No Fruit Soaking:** Traditional plum cake recipes often require soaking dried fruits in alcohol or juice for days or even weeks. While this process can enhance the flavor, it’s time-consuming. This recipe skips the soaking step, using a combination of warm spices and a moist batter to infuse the fruit with flavor and prevent it from drying out during baking.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You won’t find any obscure or hard-to-find ingredients here. This recipe relies on pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and readily available dried fruits.
* **One-Bowl Method (Optional):** For even easier cleanup, this recipe can be adapted to a one-bowl method. Simply melt the butter and then add all the remaining ingredients in the order listed, mixing until just combined.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite dried fruits and spices. Add a splash of rum or brandy for a more traditional flavor, or substitute the butter with oil for a dairy-free option.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients:
* **Dry Ingredients:**
* 2 cups (250g) All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure of the cake. Bread flour is not recommended, as it will result in a tougher cake.
* 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
* ½ teaspoon Baking Soda: Another leavening agent that reacts with the acidity in the batter to create a light and airy texture.
* 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
* ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Enhances the flavor profile with its sweet and nutty notes.
* ¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves (optional): Adds a deeper, more complex spice flavor. Use sparingly, as cloves can be overpowering.
* Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Wet Ingredients:**
* ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) Unsalted Butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. Make sure the butter is properly softened, but not melted, for best results. Margarine can be substituted, but butter will provide a superior flavor.
* ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
* 2 Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
* ½ cup (120ml) Milk: Adds moisture to the batter.
* **Dried Fruits:**
* 1 cup (150g) Mixed Dried Fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas, chopped dried apricots, etc.): The star of the show! Use a mix of your favorite dried fruits. Make sure to chop any larger pieces into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
* ½ cup (75g) Glace Cherries, halved (optional): Adds a festive touch and a chewy texture. These can be omitted if you don’t like glace cherries.
* ¼ cup (30g) Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): Adds texture and a nutty flavor. Other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts can also be used.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×5 inch Loaf Pan: The standard size for loaf cakes.
* Mixing Bowls: For mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately (unless using the one-bowl method).
* Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer): To cream the butter and sugar together.
* Rubber Spatula: For folding the ingredients together and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
* Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
* Parchment Paper (optional): To line the loaf pan for easy removal.
* Wire Rack: For cooling the cake.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious plum cake:
**Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Pan**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your oven rack is placed in the center position for even baking.
* Grease the 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
* For easier removal, line the bottom of the pan with a strip of parchment paper that extends up the sides. This will create a sling that you can use to lift the cake out of the pan after baking.
**Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
* In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Whisking ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
* Set the dry ingredients aside.
**Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar**
* In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for a light and tender cake.
* Creaming the butter and sugar can take several minutes, so be patient. You should notice the mixture becoming paler in color and increasing in volume.
**Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla**
* Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps prevent the batter from curdling.
* Stir in the vanilla extract.
**Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients**
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. This technique helps prevent overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake.
* Add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Then, add half of the milk and mix until just combined. Repeat with another third of the dry ingredients and the remaining milk. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
* Be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix only until the ingredients are just incorporated. A few streaks of flour are okay.
**Step 6: Fold in the Dried Fruits and Nuts**
* Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits, glace cherries (if using), and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using) into the batter. Use a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients in, being careful not to overmix.
* Ensure that the dried fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
**Step 7: Pour Batter into Prepared Pan**
* Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
* If desired, arrange a few extra dried fruits and nuts on top of the batter for a decorative touch.
**Step 8: Bake the Cake**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness at 50 minutes.
* If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
**Step 9: Cool the Cake**
* Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
* After 10-15 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you used parchment paper, you can use the sling to lift the cake out of the pan.
* Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
## Tips for Success
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Softened butter and room temperature eggs will emulsify more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Measure Accurately:** Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are crucial for success. Use measuring cups and spoons designed for baking, and level off the ingredients properly.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. Insert the skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
* **Cool Completely Before Slicing:** Allowing the cake to cool completely before slicing will prevent it from crumbling and will make it easier to slice cleanly.
## Variations and Adaptations
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment with different variations and adaptations to suit your taste:
* **Alcohol-Infused Plum Cake:** Add 2-3 tablespoons of rum, brandy, or whiskey to the batter for a more traditional flavor. You can also soak the dried fruits in alcohol for a few hours or overnight before adding them to the batter.
* **Spice Variations:** Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for a subtle kick.
* **Nut Variations:** Use different types of nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts. You can also add toasted nuts for a more intense flavor.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Glaze:** Drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
* **Dairy-Free Plum Cake:** Substitute the butter with oil (such as vegetable oil or coconut oil) and the milk with plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk).
* **Gluten-Free Plum Cake:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may also need to add a binder, such as xanthan gum, to help hold the cake together.
## Serving Suggestions
This easy plum cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **With Tea or Coffee:** The classic pairing! Enjoy a slice of plum cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
* **With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream:** Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
* **With Custard:** Serve the plum cake with a warm custard sauce for a comforting dessert.
* **Toasted:** Toast a slice of plum cake and spread it with butter or jam for a delicious breakfast or snack.
* **As a Dessert with Fruit:** Serve the plum cake with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced apples.
## Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store the plum cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the plum cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** Wrap the plum cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
## Conclusion
This easy plum cake recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, a straightforward method, and a few helpful tips, you can create a moist, flavorful, and satisfying plum cake that will impress everyone who tries it. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic treat. Happy baking!