Plum Cake Recipe: A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

What Is Plum Cake?

Plum cake is a type of fruitcake that is typically made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. It is a rich and moist cake that has a dense texture and is usually dark in colour. Plum cake is traditionally made with plums or prunes, but the term "plum cake" can also refer to any fruitcake that contains dried fruits such as raisins, currants, or figs.

In India, plum cake is a popular dessert during the Christmas season and is often gifted or served at holiday gatherings. It is also commonly enjoyed as a sweet treat with tea or coffee. The cake may be prepared with or without alcohol, depending on personal preference, and can be customized with various spices and flavourings to suit different tastes. Overall, plum cake is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is loved by many in India and around the world.

Plum Cake Recipe

How To Make Plum Cake At Home?

Here is an easy and delicious recipe for making a plum cake at home without alcohol, microwave or oven:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (Maida)

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts)

• 1/2 cup chopped mixed dry fruits (raisins, dates, figs)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

• 1 tsp cinnamon powder

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup milk

Plum Cake Recipe

Cooking Instructions:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.

• Add the oil, vanilla essence, and milk to the mixture and mix well.

• Sift in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.

• Fold in the chopped nuts and dry fruits.

• Preheat a heavy bottomed kadhai or a deep pot with a tight-fitting lid on medium heat.

• Grease a 6-inch round cake pan and pour the batter into it.

• Carefully place the cake pan inside the preheated kadhai or pot and cover it with a tight-fitting lid.

• Cook on low heat for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

• Remove the cake pan from the kadhai and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.

• Run a knife around the edges of the cake and invert it onto a plate.

• Slice and serve the plum cake warm or at room temperature.

This easy and delicious plum cake recipe is perfect for those who do not have an oven or microwave at home. The cake turns out moist and flavourful, and can be enjoyed as a dessert or a tea-time snack.

Plum Cake Recipe

FAQ:

Q 1) Why is Christmas cake called plum cake?

The term "plum cake" is actually a bit of a misnomer, as the cake doesn't necessarily contain plums. In fact, the original "plum cake" did include plums, but they were dried plums, which are also known as prunes. These were a common ingredient in fruitcakes in England in the 16th century, and the cake was often referred to as "plum cake" or "plum pudding".

Over time, the recipe for the cake evolved, and other dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and figs were added to the mix. However, the name "plum cake" stuck, and it became a popular dessert for special occasions such as Christmas.

Today, "plum cake" is often used as a catch-all term for any fruitcake that contains dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The cake may or may not contain actual plums, but it is always a rich and indulgent treat that is enjoyed by many during the holiday season.

Q 2) What is plum cake in India?

In India, plum cake is a type of fruitcake that is popular during the Christmas season. It is a rich, moist cake that typically contains dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and candied orange peel. The cake is often flavoured with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and may also contain nuts like almonds and cashews.

In India, plum cake is usually made with a combination of wheat flour and all-purpose flour, and is often flavoured with rum or brandy. However, non-alcoholic versions are also popular, especially in households that do not consume alcohol.

Plum cake is a beloved holiday treat in India and is often gifted to friends and family members during the Christmas season. It is typically served as a dessert, and may be accompanied by tea or coffee. Some people also enjoy eating plum cake as a sweet snack throughout the year.