This Plum Cake is a delightful treat with a tender crumb and a sweet, fruity flavor. Topped with a buttery crumble, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Last week, I bought some fresh plums and wanted to turn them into a delicious dessert. I kept searching until I found this perfect Plum Cake recipe. When I looked at the ingredients, I was thrilled to see how simple they were, including flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. I found everything right in my kitchen.

Since I love making cakes, I was excited to try this one. For this Plum Cake, I decided to add a crumble topping, which gives it a wonderful texture and extra sweetness. My little sons love this cake, and honestly, I do too. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

What is Plum Cake?

Plum Cake is a moist, flavorful cake made with plums and a blend of spices. Often enjoyed during the holiday season, it features a rich batter that incorporates fresh or dried plums, along with ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs.

The cake can be spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and sometimes includes nuts or dried fruit for added texture. Plum Cake is known for its slightly tangy and sweet flavor, making it a delightful treat for dessert or with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 6-8 ripe plums, pitted and sliced

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

How to make Plum Cake Recipe with Crumble

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4:

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the yogurt or sour cream. Mix until just combined.

Step 5:

Combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon for the crumble topping in a separate bowl. Add the cold cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 6:

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the plum slices on top of the batter in a circular pattern, slightly pressing them into the batter. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the plums.

Step 7:

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8:

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve the plum cake warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Plum Cake

• Use Ripe Plums: Choose ripe but firm plums for the best flavor and texture. Overripe plums can become too mushy when baked.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter, eggs, and yogurt (or sour cream) are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and a tender crumb.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.

• Arrange Plums Carefully: Arrange the plum slices in a neat, overlapping pattern on the batter. This not only makes the cake look beautiful but also ensures even distribution of fruit.

• Crumb Topping: Make sure the butter for the crumble topping is cold. This helps create the perfect crumbly texture.

• Use Parchment Paper: Lining the bottom of your cake pan with parchment paper makes removing the cake without sticking it easier.

What to serve with Plum Cake

My favorite way to serve plum cake is with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Try drizzling warm vanilla custard over the cake if you like something more indulgent. For kids, try pairing it with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries, and add a spoonful of crème fraîche for a tangy twist.

How to store

To store your plum cake, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

If you want to store it even longer, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake at room temperature before serving

Recipe variations

Almond Plum Cake: Swap out the regular flour for almond flour and add a handful of sliced almonds to the batter for a nutty twist.

Spiced Plum Cake: Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the batter for a cozy, spiced flavor that complements the plums perfectly.

Citrus Plum Cake: Incorporate the zest of a lemon or orange into the batter to add a bright citrusy note that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the plums.

Plum Upside-Down Cake: Arrange sliced plums on the bottom of the cake pan with a layer of caramel or brown sugar before adding the batter. Bake and then flip for a beautiful upside-down presentation.

FAQ

Can I use canned plums instead of fresh ones?

• Yes, you can use canned plums, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

• Absolutely! Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a gluten-free version.

What can I use instead of sugar?

• You can substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol.

Do I need to peel the plums before using them on the cake?

• Peeling is optional. If you prefer a smoother texture, peel the plums. Otherwise, leaving the skins on adds color and texture.

Can I add other fruits to the cake?

• Yes, you can mix in other fruits like apples, pears, or berries for a more complex flavor.

Why did my cake turn out dense?

• Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can result in a dense cake. Be sure to mix gently and measure ingredients carefully.

Conclusion

Now you have it—a delicious Plum Cake recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea or serve it with ice cream, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone. Happy baking!