5 Easy Plum Cake Recipes for Baking Success

The delightful scent of freshly baked plum cake can fill any home with warmth and cheer. Plum cake isn't just a treat; it's an experience that combines the lusciousness of plums with the comfort of a freshly baked cake. Whether you're an amateur baker or someone looking to enhance your baking skills, these five easy plum cake recipes will set you up for baking success. Each recipe is crafted to cater to different tastes and baking preferences, ensuring there's a plum cake for every occasion. Let's dive into the world of plum cakes!

1. Classic Plum Cake

The classic plum cake is the essence of simplicity, showcasing the fruit’s natural flavors. Here’s how you can bake this timeless favorite:

• Ingredients:
  • 200g plums, halved and pitted
  • 200g all-purpose flour
  • 200g sugar
  • 150g unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp vanilla extract
• Method:
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one by one, mixing well.
  4. Sift in flour, baking powder, and cinnamon, then gently fold into the mixture.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Pour batter into a greased baking tin.
  7. Arrange plum halves on top, cut side up.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

2. Gluten-Free Plum Almond Cake

For those avoiding gluten, this gluten-free plum almond cake provides a delicious alternative:

• Ingredients:
  • 10 plums, quartered
  • 150g almond flour
  • 100g sugar
  • 100g unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
• Method:
  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (347°F).
  2. Mix almond flour, sugar, and lemon zest.
  3. Add melted butter and almond extract.
  4. Whisk eggs until fluffy and fold into the mixture.
  5. Pour into a parchment-lined cake tin.
  6. Arrange plum quarters on top.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

3. Vegan Plum Cake

Vegan baking is not just trendy; it’s a thoughtful approach to plant-based living. Here’s a vegan plum cake recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 ripe plums, sliced
  • 1 cup soy milk
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ³⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¹⁄₂ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• Method:
  1. Mix soy milk with apple cider vinegar to make vegan buttermilk.
  2. In another bowl, combine dry ingredients.
  3. Add melted coconut oil, sugar, and vanilla to the buttermilk, mixing well.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a batter.
  5. Pour into a greased cake pan.
  6. Top with sliced plums.
  7. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes.

4. Upside-Down Plum Cake

This upside-down plum cake brings a delightful twist to traditional cakes:

• Ingredients:
  • 10 plums, halved and pitted
  • ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ¹⁄₂ cup milk
  • 1 tsp baking powder
• Method:
  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Spread melted butter on the bottom of a cake pan, sprinkle with brown sugar, and arrange plum halves cut-side down.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar, then add milk.
  4. Sift in flour and baking powder, fold to combine.
  5. Pour batter over plums in the cake pan.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
  7. Let cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

5. Spiced Plum and Chocolate Cake

Adding spices and chocolate creates a unique plum and chocolate fusion:

• Ingredients:
  • 8 plums, pitted and chopped
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cocoa powder
  • ¹⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp each of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves
• Method:
  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl: flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and spices.
  3. Combine wet ingredients in another: eggs, milk, and melted butter.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients to make a batter.
  5. Fold in chopped plums.
  6. Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Now you have a selection of plum cake recipes that will make your baking journey delightful and your home aromatic. Each recipe was designed to bring out the best in plums, whether through traditional methods or innovative twists. Remember, baking is as much about the love you pour into your recipes as it is about the ingredients. So, grab your apron, your freshest plums, and let's bake cakes that will be remembered for generations!

Can I use frozen plums for these recipes?

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Yes, you can use frozen plums, but they might release more moisture. Consider thawing and draining them before use to adjust for this, or expect a slightly different texture and cook time.

What can I substitute for plums if they are out of season?

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Peaches, nectarines, or apricots work well as they have similar textures and moisture content. For a different flavor profile, try berries or apples, adjusting the sugar if needed.

How can I make these cakes more nutritious?

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You can increase the nutritional value by substituting part of the flour with whole wheat flour or adding ingredients like flax seeds, chia seeds, or oats. Consider reducing the sugar or using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.