There’s a certain magic in the air when the scent of freshly baked plum cake wafts through the kitchen. The sweet aroma of ripe plums mingling with warm spices fills your home, wrapping you in a cozy blanket of comfort. Every bite reveals a delightful balance of moist, tender cake and juicy plums, leaving you craving more.
Growing up, my grandmother’s plum cake was a staple during family gatherings. It wasn’t just dessert; it was a reason to come together and share stories while indulging in slices of pure bliss. Whether celebrating birthdays or simply enjoying a Sunday afternoon, this cake was always present to elevate the occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This plum cake recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive for seasoned bakers
- The flavor is a heavenly blend of sweet and tart, making it irresistible
- Visually, the vibrant plums create an eye-catching centerpiece on any table
- Perfect for any celebration or a sweet treat with your afternoon tea
When I first baked this plum cake for my friends, their faces lit up with joy as they took their first bites. Their laughter and compliments made my heart swell with pride.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ripe Plums: Choose firm, juicy plums for the best flavor and texture; they should yield slightly when pressed.
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All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour to ensure a light and fluffy cake; sift before measuring for extra fluffiness.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar works best here; it helps create that lovely caramelization when baking.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter; it allows you to control the saltiness and gives a rich flavor.
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Baking Powder: This is essential for leavening; make sure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
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Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature; they incorporate better into the batter.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth and enhances the sweetness of the cake.
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Milk: Whole milk provides moisture; feel free to substitute with plant-based milk if desired.
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Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices add aromatic depth, infusing each slice with cozy flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepping our delicious plum cake involves some simple yet crucial steps that bring out its best flavors.
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly from start to finish.
Prepare Your Baking Pan: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and dust it lightly with flour. This prevents sticking and makes for an easier release after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until thoroughly combined. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes – watch that transformation happen!
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until well incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and glossy.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients while alternating with milk. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense cakes!
Fold in Plums: Gently fold in chopped plums until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. You want those beautiful pieces peeking through every slice!
Finally, pour your batter into the prepared pan and pop it into the oven! Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This way, it retains its shape beautifully! Once cool, slice into generous pieces and serve plain or dusted with powdered sugar—the choice is yours! Enjoy every morsel of this delightful plum cake experience!
You Must Know
- This delicious plum cake is not just a dessert; it’s a hug in a slice
- The sweet aroma of plums mingling with warm spices will transport you to grandma’s kitchen
- Perfect for any occasion, it also freezes well for a rainy day treat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in dry ingredients while folding in the plums at the end to keep their shape. This sequence ensures a moist cake without overmixing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the plums with your favorite fruits like peaches or pears for a unique twist. You can also sprinkle some nuts on top for added crunch or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover plum cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe but firm plums for the best flavor and texture in your plum cake
- Always measure flour correctly; too much can lead to dryness
- Don’t skip letting the cake cool before slicing; it helps maintain its shape and moisture
I remember the first time I baked this plum cake; my friends devoured it and demanded seconds! Their smiles were worth every minute spent in the kitchen, reminding me why I love baking.
FAQ
Can I use frozen plums for this plum cake?
Yes, frozen plums work well too; just thaw them beforehand.
How do I know when my plum cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.
Can I make this plum cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for great results.

Delightful Plum Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this delightful plum cake, where ripe plums meet warm spices in a moist, tender cake. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe brings back cherished memories while creating new ones with every slice. Easy enough for novice bakers yet impressive enough to satisfy seasoned pros, this cake is bound to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 ripe plums (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and dust lightly with flour.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with milk until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the chopped plums.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (95g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg