Plum Cake: A Classic Holiday Treat
A plum cake is a type of cake that traditionally contains dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and sometimes candied fruits. Surprisingly, it doesn’t usually contain plums. The name “plum cake” is historical and stems from the fact that, in older times, the term “plum” referred to a variety of dried fruits, not just the specific fruit we know today.
Key Characteristics of a Plum Cake
Dried Fruits
The defining feature of a plum cake is its inclusion of various dried fruits. These can include raisins, currants, sultanas, candied citrus peel, dried apricots, and sometimes even dried cherries. The dried fruits are often soaked in alcohol, such as brandy or rum, to plump them up and infuse them with flavor.
Spices
Plum cakes are typically spiced with warm and aromatic flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. These spices contribute to the cake’s rich and festive aroma.
Nuts
Some variations of plum cake also include chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans, adding texture and flavor to the cake.
Batter
The cake batter is usually made with ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and sometimes molasses. The soaked dried fruits, spices, and nuts are incorporated into the batter.
Baking
The cake is baked at a relatively low temperature for a longer period, resulting in a dense and moist texture.
Aging
Many plum cake recipes call for aging the cake by periodically brushing it with alcohol, which not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the cake’s longevity.
Decorating
Once the cake is baked and aged, it can be decorated in various ways. Some plum cakes are frosted or glazed, while others are left plain and dusted with powdered sugar.
Holiday Tradition
Like Christmas fruit cakes, plum cakes have a history deeply intertwined with holiday traditions, often associated with festive celebrations and family gatherings.
It’s worth noting that while the name “plum cake” might seem misleading to those expecting actual plums, the cake’s popularity and tradition have persisted over time. Variations of plum cakes can be found in different cultures, each with its unique twists and ingredients. The cake’s dense texture, rich flavor, and combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices make it a beloved treat during the holiday season and beyond.
Plum Cake Recipe
Ingredients
1. For Caramel Syrup
- Sugar – 3/4 cup
- Hot water – 1/2 cup
2. Dry Fruits (Soaked)
- 3-color tutti frutti – 1/2 cup
- Cherry – 1/4 cup
- Black raisins – 1/4 cup
- Golden raisins – 1/4 cup
- Chopped dates – 1/4 cup
- Chopped cashew nuts – 1/4 cup
- Chopped almonds – 1/4 cup
- Total dry fruit mix = 2 cups
3. Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 1.5 cups + 2 tablespoons
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda – 1/4 teaspoon
- Cinnamon powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Dry ginger powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
4. Wet Ingredients
- Eggs – 3
- Melted butter – 3/4 cup
- Vanilla essence – 1 teaspoon
Method of Preparation
1. Preparing Caramel
- Add 3/4 cup of sugar to a pan and switch on the flame.
- When the sugar starts to melt, prepare 1/2 cup of hot water. Keep the flame between medium to low.
- Once the sugar melts completely and turns golden brown, add hot water slowly and carefully.
- Boil the caramel for 5 minutes and then switch off the flame.
- Allow the caramel to cool down.
2. Preparing Dry Fruit Mix
- If you have pre-soaked fruit mixture in rum or wine, use two cups of that dry fruit mix.
- Otherwise, soak the freshly chopped dry fruits in a small portion of the caramel kept aside.
3. Mixing Dry Ingredients
- In a sieve, add all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon powder, dry ginger powder, and salt.
- Sieve these dry ingredients 2 to 3 times and keep them aside.
4. Preparing Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add 3 eggs.
- Using an egg beater or spatula, mix until fluffy.
- Add vanilla essence and mix well.
- Add powdered sugar and mix again.
- Now, add melted butter and mix everything properly.
- Add the prepared caramel syrup and mix gently.
5. Preparing the Plum Cake
- Mix the dry fruits with 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to prevent them from settling at the bottom of the cake.
- To the wet ingredients mixture, add the dry flour mix kept aside.
- Mix the dry ingredients using a spoon or spatula (do not use a beater).
- Add the dry fruit mix to the batter and mix everything well.
- Line a 7-inch cake tin with butter paper.
- Pour the batter into the cake tin.
- Preheat the oven for 10 minutes at 170°C.
- Bake the cake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick or skewer inserted at the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before cutting it into slices.
Enjoy your homemade plum cake!
