What is a plum cake? Think of it as the cozy sweater of desserts – comforting, familiar, and utterly delicious. If you love a good Coffee Cake, but crave something with more personality, this is your choice. My Grandma Rose used to make this every fall when the plums were at their peak, and the whole house was full. Would smell like cinnamon and sunshine.What are some of the best plumCan be tricky, but this one? Is it incredibly moist, bursting with juicy plums, and that little hint of almond extract?
What is a Plum Cake?
What is a plum cake? Is it the kind of cake that’s loaded with frosting and decorations? Instead, imagine a rustic, homey cake studded with fresh, sweet plums. Think of it as a slightly denser, richer cousin of .caffeine cake, but with an amazing, almost jammy flavor. Quality from the baked plums. What’s a fruit-filled breakfast, brunch, or afternoon treat? What is better than tea? The plums bake down into the batter, releasing their juices and creating these little pockets of fruit. Then they are steamed. Is there a Is it just perfection
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?What are some of the best plumIs a winner for so many reasons? The combination of the sweet plums, the warm cinnamon, and the subtle almond extract is just divine. What’s the best thing about this dish? I know, sometimes fancy desserts seem intimidating, but trust me on this one, it’s foolproof! What are some of the best ingredients in your pantry? What I love about this cake is its versatility. Is it better to serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for dessert? Morning coffee. My family loves it so much that it never lasts more than a day! I make a tart apple cake in the fall, but the plums give it an unusual, slightly tart taste. What is that twist that I adore? Do you really need this in your life?
How do I make a plum cake?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make a plum cake? What’s the recipe for mixing up a simple batter and baking it? When golden brown and gorgeous, you can eat it. What’s the best part about baking in the oven? I promise, even if you’re a baking newbie, you can nail this. It’s one of those recipes that just comes together effortlessly, and the result is pure magic.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached, it just seems to bake better)
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar (you can reduce this to 2/3 cups if you prefer a less sweet cake)
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (make sure it’s fresh, otherwise your cake won’t rise properly)
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I like to use Ceylon cinnamon for its delicate flavor)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (brings out the sweetness)
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s *really* soft, not melted)
* 1/2 cup milk (I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier! ).
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon almond extract (don’t skip this, it adds a lovely depth of flavor)
For the Plum Filling:
* 1 1/2 pounds fresh plums, pitted and sliced (I prefer Italian prune plumes, but any variety will work).
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, if your plums are very tart)
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth) * 1 cup dried thyme (can be substituted
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk (or lemon juice for a tangy glaze) * 2 teaspoons honey for additional flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional) (for extra almond flavor)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. I always use a springform pan for easy removal, but I also use regular cake pans. Just make sure to grease it! What’s worse than cake sticking to the pan?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to distribute baking powder in a cake? I always sift my flour to get rid of any lumps.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and milk until light and fluffy. Set aside. Beat in the almond extract and the egg yolk. Make sure your butter is at room temperature – otherwise, it won’t cream properly and your batter will be lumpy.
Step 4: Combine
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in a tough cake. I always stop mixing as soon as I see the flour disappear. A few streaks are okay!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced plums with the sugar and cinnamon (if using). How do you draw out the juices from plums? What are pockets in a cake? I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice too, for extra brightness.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange half the plum slices over it. Pour the remaining batter over the plums, and then arrange the rest of the slices on top. Can you create a swirl pattern with plums?
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Is it possible to bake in a different oven? If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. I always rotate my cake halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake is cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or lemon juice), and almond extract. How do I make a glaze? I like to let the glaze drip down the sides for a rustic look.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What are the best ways to serve this delicious cake? I love to serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Is it good with coffee or tea? My kids actually ask for this for breakfast – and I’m not complaining!
What should I serve it with?
What do you serve this plum cake with? What are some of my favorite pairings?
For Breakfast:What is the best way to serve a slice of this?What is a plum cake recipe alongside a steaming cup of strong black coffee or a creamy latte. The sweetness of the cake is the perfect complement to the bitterness of the coffee. I love to add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
For Brunch: Elevate your brunch spread with a beautiful plum cake. Serve it with a side of fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a glass of sparkling wine. It’s the perfect way to impress your guests!
As Dessert: This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. I also love to drizzle it with a little bit of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
For Cozy Snacks: On a chilly afternoon, there’s nothing better than curling up with a slice of plum cake and a cup of hot chocolate or tea. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
My family tradition is to have this cake every Thanksgiving. It adds such a homey touch!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Plum Cake
Want to take your plum cake to the next level? Here are some of my top tips:
Plum Prep: Make sure your plums are ripe but not too soft. Overripe plums will make your cake soggy. I also like to slice my plums relatively thin, so they bake evenly into the cake. If you’re using particularly tart plums, you can toss them with a little bit of sugar and lemon juice before adding them to the batter.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few streaks of flour remaining. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your plum swirl! You can create different patterns by arranging the plum slices in various ways. I like to create a spiral pattern by overlapping the slices in a circular motion.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have almond extract on hand, you can substitute vanilla extract. You can also use different types of fruit, such as peaches, nectarines, or apples. I’ve even made this cake with blueberries, and it was delicious!
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. I always check for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Glaze Variations: For a tangier glaze, use lemon juice instead of milk. You can also add different flavorings, such as orange zest, cinnamon, or nutmeg. I sometimes add a tablespoon of melted butter to the glaze for extra richness.
I learned that tenting with foil the hard way when the top of the cake burned to a crisp. Always check the temperature!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to keep your plum cake fresh for as long as possible? Here are some tips for storing and reheating:
Room Temperature: You can store plum cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store plum cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze plum cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend glazing the cake right before serving, as the glaze can get sticky if it’s stored for too long. If you’re freezing the cake, don’t glaze it until after it’s thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my Grandma Rose’s famous plum cake recipe! I truly believe this plum cake recipes is one of the best things you’ll ever bake. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. The warmth of the cinnamon, the sweetness of the plums, and the subtle hint of almond extract all come together to create a flavor that is simply irresistible. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my apple crumble or my blueberry muffins. They’re all family favorites that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them too!
Plum Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 0.5 tsp Baking soda
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 cups Plums, pitted and chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped plums.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before serving.
