There’s something undeniably magical about a slice of plum cake; it’s like a warm hug from grandma, but with a fruity twist. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, rich cake filled with juicy plums that burst with flavor, creating a delightful explosion in your mouth. The sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen as it bakes is enough to make anyone weak at the knees, and let me tell you, this cake has been known to cause spontaneous dance parties in my home.
Now, picture this: It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, and the clouds are doing their best to ruin your mood. But wait! You whip out your mixing bowl and get ready to create something spectacular. Whether it’s an afternoon tea party or just a cozy moment for yourself, this plum cake is the perfect companion. Trust me; every bite will have you savoring the rich flavors while reminiscing about those cherished family gatherings filled with laughter and joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious plum cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers
- The combination of sweet and tart flavors creates a delightful balance that will leave everyone wanting more
- Its stunning golden hue adorned with plump fruit makes it visually appealing on any dessert table
- Versatile enough to enjoy any time of year, whether it’s a summer picnic or winter holiday gathering
Who would have thought that baking could bring such joy? I remember the first time I baked this plum cake; my friends devoured it in record time. They even offered to do my laundry if I promised to whip up another batch!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Plums: Choose ripe ones for maximum sweetness; they should give slightly when pressed.
All-Purpose Flour: Use good-quality flour for the best texture; sifted flour makes a lighter cake.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you can also experiment with brown sugar for richness.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together; room temperature eggs incorporate better into mixtures.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent gives the cake its rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal fluffiness.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; skip imitation for the best results.
Milk: Whole milk adds moisture; you can substitute with almond or oat milk if desired.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare plums: Wash and slice your fresh plums in half, removing the pits carefully. Set them aside while preparing the batter.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your cake.
Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy and light in color. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture along with vanilla extract until fully mixed, creating an airy batter that smells heavenly.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture into the creamed butter and egg mix while alternating with milk. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing for a tender texture.
Pour batter into pan: Spread half of your batter into the prepared pan evenly. Arrange sliced plums on top before dolloping remaining batter over them like fluffy clouds covering fruit.
Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean—resist opening the oven too early!
Cool & serve: Once baked, let your plum cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice generously and serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy every delicious crumb of this delightful plum cake!
You Must Know
- Plum cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of year
- The combination of sweet plums and warm spices creates a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen
- This cake pairs beautifully with tea or coffee, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one by one. Mix in your dry ingredients gradually while folding in the plums last to keep them intact.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap plums for other fruits like cherries or peaches for a different flavor. You can also add nuts or spices like cinnamon for extra depth.
Storing & Reheating
Store your plum cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To enjoy later, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing and texture
- Use fresh plums to enhance sweetness and moisture levels in your cake
- Always allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to achieve clean cuts
Baking this plum cake reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where her cakes brought our family together. The delicious aroma always meant love was in the air.
FAQ
Can I use frozen plums for plum cake?
Yes, just thaw them first and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when my plum cake is done?
Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
What can I serve with plum cake?
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream pairs perfectly!
Plum Cake
Indulge in the warmth of homemade Plum Cake, a delightful dessert that combines juicy plums with a moist, buttery texture. Perfect for any occasion, this cake fills your home with a sweet aroma, evoking cherished memories of family gatherings. Whether served at an afternoon tea or enjoyed as a cozy treat on a rainy day, every slice promises a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 ripe plums (sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Gradually blend dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk until just combined.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, layer sliced plums on top, then dollop remaining batter over.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 253
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 112mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 53mg
