Plum Cake Recipe Easy: The Perfect Fall Treat You Can Bake Today!

The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the craving for warm, comforting desserts is officially here! What better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious and easy plum cake? This recipe delivers a moist, flavorful cake bursting with the sweet-tart taste of ripe plums. Forget complicated baking methods – this is a recipe designed for simplicity and maximum flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend baking session. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this effortlessly delicious fall treat!

Why This Recipe Works

This plum cake recipe stands out because of its simplicity and reliability. Here’s why it’s a guaranteed success:

• Easy Mixing Method: We use a straightforward mixing method that doesn’t require any fancy equipment. A simple bowl and whisk (or a stand mixer if you prefer) will do the trick.
• Minimal Ingredients: The ingredient list is short and sweet, focusing on pantry staples and readily available plums. No need to hunt down obscure ingredients!
• Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of oil and buttermilk (or yogurt) ensures a beautifully moist and tender cake that stays fresh for days.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The natural sweetness of the plums is balanced by a touch of acidity, creating a flavor profile that’s irresistible.
• Adaptable: This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. You can use different types of plums, add spices, or even top it with a simple glaze.

Ingredients

• Plums: 1.5 lbs (about 6-8 medium) ripe plums, halved, pitted, and sliced
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
• Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
• Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup (canola, sunflower, or any neutral oil)
• Buttermilk: 1 cup (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or almond extract for added flavor
• Optional Topping: Turbinado sugar or slivered almonds for sprinkling on top

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add cinnamon if using.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using).
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay.
5. Fold in Plums: Gently fold in the sliced plums into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
7. Add Topping (Optional): Sprinkle turbinado sugar or slivered almonds over the top of the cake for added texture and visual appeal.
8. Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your pan. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes.
9. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve: Slice and serve the plum cake on its own, or with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your plum cake turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Ripe Plums: Ripe plums are essential for the best flavor and texture. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, leaving a few lumps.
• Adjust Sugar to Taste: If your plums are particularly tart, you may want to add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the batter.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. This will prevent it from crumbling.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to customize the flavor of your cake.
• Add a Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness and shine, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cake. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage Instructions

To keep your plum cake fresh and delicious, follow these storage instructions:

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezer: You can also freeze the plum cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about making plum cake:

• Can I use frozen plums? Yes, you can use frozen plums. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
• Can I substitute the buttermilk? Yes, you can substitute the buttermilk with plain yogurt or sour cream. You can also make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Can I use a different type of fruit? Yes, you can use other fruits like peaches, nectarines, or apples in place of plums.
• Why did my cake sink in the middle? This could be due to several factors, including overmixing the batter, using too much liquid, or not baking the cake long enough. Make sure to follow the recipe carefully and check for doneness before removing the cake from the oven.

Conclusion

This easy plum cake recipe is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall. Its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it a perfect baking project for beginners and experienced bakers alike. The moist, tender texture and the sweet-tart taste of the plums will leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that’s sure to become a new favorite! Enjoy!