Christmas is a time for joy, laughter, and, of course, indulgent treats. While festive decorations set the mood, the season feels incomplete without the traditional plum cake. This rich, moist, and flavorful cake, packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, holds a special place in Christmas celebrations. Loved by all, especially children who can’t resist its yumminess, plum cake is the quintessential dessert for the holidays. If you’re a fan of this classic treat, here’s a simple and delicious step-by-step recipe to add sweetness to your festive celebrations!
Ingredients for Plum CakeFor the Fruit Mixture: 1 cup dried plums (prunes), chopped
1 cup raisins
½ cup candied orange peel, chopped
½ cup dried cherries or cranberries
½ cup almonds, chopped
½ cup walnuts, chopped
½ cup dark rum or orange juice (for soaking)
For the Cake Batter: 1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
½ teaspoon nutmeg powder
½ teaspoon ginger powder
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons caramel syrup (optional, for color and flavor)
How to Make Plum CakeStep 1: Begin by preparing the fruit mixture. Chop 1 cup of dried plums (prunes), 1 cup of raisins, ½ cup of candied orange peel, and ½ cup of dried cherries or cranberries. Add ½ cup of chopped almonds and ½ cup of walnuts. Soak the entire mixture in ½ cup of dark rum or orange juice in a large bowl, ensuring all the fruits are well coated. Cover and let it sit for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan. Line the pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. In a separate bowl, sift together 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg powder, and ½ teaspoon of ginger powder.
Step 3: In another large mixing bowl, cream ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with ½ cup of milk, until the batter is smooth and well combined. Stir in 2 tablespoons of caramel syrup if you wish to enhance the cake's color and flavor. Finally, gently fold the soaked fruit mixture into the batter, including any remaining liquid.
Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: For the best results, wrap the cooled cake in parchment paper and store it in an airtight container for a day or two to let the flavors mature. Serve your plum cake with a cup of coffee or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly festive treat. This traditional Christmas delight is perfect for sharing with family and friends, spreading joy and cheer throughout the season. Merry Christmas! 🎄