Warm and Cozy: Spiced Plum Bread Recipe for Autumn Days

Autumn is the season of warm spices, comforting flavors, and the joy of baking. What better way to embrace the season than with a loaf of spiced plum bread? This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe plums with a blend of aromatic spices, creating a delicious and satisfying treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. It’s easier to make than you think, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply divine. Get ready to experience a taste of autumn in every slice!

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Plum Bread

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this spiced plum bread is a must-bake this fall:

* **Incredible Flavor:** The combination of sweet plums and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates a complex and delightful flavor profile.
* **Moist and Tender Texture:** The plums add moisture to the bread, resulting in a soft and tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. It’s perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or even with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also a wonderful gift for friends and family.
* **Perfect for Fall:** The flavors and aromas of this bread perfectly capture the essence of autumn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious spiced plum bread:

* **Plums:** 1 1/2 cups, pitted and chopped. Use ripe but firm plums for the best results. Any variety of plum will work, but Italian plums or black plums are particularly good.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 1/2 cups. Provides the structure for the bread. You can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.
* **Baking Powder:** 2 teaspoons. A leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
* **Baking Soda:** 1/2 teaspoon. Another leavening agent that works in conjunction with the baking powder to create a light and airy texture.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a warm and comforting spice flavor.
* **Ground Ginger:** 1/2 teaspoon. Provides a slightly spicy and warm note.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a warm and nutty flavor.
* **Ground Cloves:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Adds a strong, warm, and aromatic flavor. Use sparingly as it can be overpowering.
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened. Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup. Sweetens the bread and helps create a tender crumb.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Buttermilk:** 1 cup. Adds moisture and tanginess to the bread. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
* **Optional Toppings:** Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), turbinado sugar, or a simple glaze.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×5 inch Loaf Pan:** For baking the bread.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** Optional, but it makes mixing the batter easier.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the plums.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the bread.
* **Parchment Paper:** Optional, for lining the loaf pan to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious spiced plum bread.

**Step 1: Prepare the Plums**

* Wash the plums thoroughly.
* Pit the plums and chop them into small pieces, about 1/2 inch in size. Set aside.

**Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Loaf Pan**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

**Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves (if using).
* Make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

**Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar**

* In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
* Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure that all the butter and sugar are incorporated.

**Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla**

* Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
* Stir in the vanilla extract.

**Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients**

* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
* Add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Then, add half of the buttermilk and mix until just combined. Repeat with another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining buttermilk, and finish with the remaining dry ingredients.
* Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough bread.

**Step 7: Fold in the Plums**

* Gently fold in the chopped plums until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

**Step 8: Pour the Batter into the Loaf Pan**

* Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
* If desired, sprinkle the top of the bread with chopped nuts or turbinado sugar for added texture and flavor.

**Step 9: Bake the Bread**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
* If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.

**Step 10: Cool the Bread**

* Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for 10-15 minutes.
* After 10-15 minutes, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Step 11: Slice and Serve**

* Once the bread is completely cool, slice it with a serrated knife and serve.
* Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or with your favorite toppings.

Tips for the Best Spiced Plum Bread

* **Use Ripe Plums:** Ripe plums will add the most sweetness and moisture to the bread.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix the batter until just combined.
* **Measure Ingredients Accurately:** Accurate measurements are important for baking success. Use measuring cups and spoons to measure your ingredients.
* **Use Softened Butter:** Softened butter will cream more easily with the sugar, resulting in a lighter and fluffier bread.
* **Let the Bread Cool Completely:** Letting the bread cool completely before slicing will prevent it from crumbling.
* **Add a Glaze:** For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle the cooled bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
* **Add Nuts:** Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a nice crunch and flavor to the bread.
* **Adjust Spices to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, add a little more cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
* **Make it Vegan:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg), and the buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Variations and Add-Ins

Here are some fun variations and add-ins to customize your spiced plum bread:

* **Apple and Plum Bread:** Add diced apples to the batter along with the plums for a delicious fall combination.
* **Cranberry and Plum Bread:** Add dried cranberries for a tart and festive flavor.
* **Chocolate Chip Plum Bread:** Add chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence.
* **Orange Zest:** Add orange zest to the batter for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the batter for a tangy and refreshing flavor.
* **Poppy Seeds:** Add poppy seeds for a nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy texture.
* **Sour Cream:** Substitute the buttermilk with sour cream for a richer and more tangy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This spiced plum bread is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

* **Toast with Butter:** Toast a slice of the bread and spread it with butter for a simple and satisfying breakfast or snack.
* **With Cream Cheese:** Spread a slice of the bread with cream cheese for a creamy and tangy treat.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Top a slice of the bread with whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve a slice of the bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
* **As Part of a Brunch Spread:** Include the bread as part of a brunch spread with other baked goods, fruits, and savory dishes.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy a slice of the bread with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting afternoon treat.
* **Gift it to Friends and Family:** Wrap a loaf of the bread in cellophane and tie it with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
* **Freezer:** Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Spiced Plum Bread Recipe

**Yields:** 1 loaf
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 50-60 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 1/2 cups pitted and chopped plums
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup buttermilk
* Optional toppings: chopped nuts, turbinado sugar

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves (if using).
3. In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in chopped plums.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle with nuts or turbinado sugar, if desired.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
9. Let cool in pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and serve.

Enjoy your delicious homemade spiced plum bread! This recipe is sure to become a fall favorite. The warm spices, sweet plums, and moist texture make it the perfect treat for any occasion. Happy baking!