The Enchanted Plum Cake
This whimsical and delightful cake brings together the perfect blend of fruity flavors with a rich, moist texture. Infused with plums and a hint of aromatic spices, this cake is perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall and winter months when plums are in season. It’s a cake that can truly enchant your taste buds with every bite!
Ingredients:
2 cups of plums (pitted and chopped)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the plums with the lemon juice and zest.
Set them aside to macerate while you prepare the cake batter.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
You can use an electric mixer or a whisk.
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
Then, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk.
Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Fold in the plums, including any juices, and the nuts and chocolate chips (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Description:
The Enchanted Plum Cake is a tender, spiced cake that beautifully balances the tartness of plums with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. The addition of almond flour gives it a slight nuttiness, while the chopped walnuts (or pecans) and chocolate chips add texture and richness.
This cake is soft and moist, perfect for an afternoon tea or as a holiday treat.
Tips:
Plum preparation: Make sure to chop the plums into small, uniform pieces to ensure they distribute evenly in the batter.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg amounts to suit your taste. You can also experiment with adding a dash of ginger or allspice.
Butter substitute: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or oil.
Storage: The cake stays fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Variations:
Tropical Plum Cake: Add shredded coconut and some chopped dried pineapple for a tropical twist.
Citrus Plum Cake: Incorporate orange zest along with the lemon zest for a more citrus-forward flavor.
Spiced Plum Cake: For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Correction:
If your cake is browning too quickly on the top before it’s cooked through, you can tent the top with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while it continues to bake.
If the batter is too thick, you can add a little more milk to achieve a smoother consistency.
Enjoy!
Indulge in a slice of The Enchanted Plum Cake, letting the rich, spiced flavors transport you to a place of warmth and comfort. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly afternoon or share it with loved ones at a gathering, this cake is sure to leave everyone enchanted!