If you’re looking to dazzle your taste buds (and maybe a few impressed guests) with an unforgettable bake, this Moist Plum Cake is your new secret weapon. Unlike the usual fruit cakes, it’s tender, brimming with juicy, jewel-toned plums, and carries just the right balance of sweetness and tang. Every bite is a celebration of late-summer fruit and warm spices, all wrapped up in a cake that stays incredibly moist for days. Whether you serve it as dessert, for tea, or sneak a slice for breakfast, this plum beauty is about to become a house favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Moist Plum Cake lies in its simple pantry staples paired with luscious plums. Each ingredient has a key role, whether it’s adding moisture, flavor, or that irresistible golden crumb you can’t wait to sink your fork into.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives your cake structure and a soft, tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, so you get that light, airy texture.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the sour cream to give the cake a gentle lift and perfect softness.
- Salt: Balances all the sweet and fruity flavors to keep every bite interesting.
- Cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth that complements the plums without overpowering them.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, moist base and enhances flavor throughout.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps it turn golden in the oven.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients and give the cake its lovely texture.
- Sour cream: The secret to that ultra-moist crumb; adds tang and tenderness.
- Milk: Loosens the batter so it’s just the right consistency and keeps the cake moist.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the fragrant aroma.
- Lemon zest: Lifts the fruitiness of the plums and brings a burst of brightness.
- Fresh plums (pitted and sliced): The star ingredient, providing juicy pockets of tart-sweet flavor in every slice.
- Brown sugar: Sprinkled on top for a caramelized finish that pairs deliciously with the plums.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A pretty finishing touch for serving, dusted on just before you dig in.
How to Make Moist Plum Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the batter is. For best results, use a 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan. Coat it thoroughly with butter or oil, then dust it lightly with flour—this helps the cake pop out easily later and keeps the sides golden and neat.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This not only combines the essentials but also helps avoid over-mixing when they meet the wet ingredients later. Set aside—this step guarantees a uniform, fluffy crumb in your Moist Plum Cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Place the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This essential step incorporates air for a lovely, rising cake and helps dissolve the sugar before baking.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. The batter might look slightly curdled—don’t worry, it’s normal! You’re building the perfect flavor base for your Moist Plum Cake here.
Step 5: Combine the Batter
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing only until you no longer see streaks of flour. Be careful not to over-mix—this keeps your cake tender and prevents it from becoming dense. The batter will be fairly thick, so use a spatula to smooth it nicely into your prepared pan.
Step 6: Top with Plums and Sugar
Arrange the sliced plums in a circular pattern on top of the batter, slightly overlapping for a beautiful, mosaic look. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the plums. Not only does this give the cake a gorgeous, caramelized finish, but it also draws out lovely juices from the plums.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake is deeply golden, the plums have sunken in seductively, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before carefully removing it. A final dusting of powdered sugar finishes the masterpiece.
How to Serve Moist Plum Cake
Garnishes
This Moist Plum Cake looks irresistible straight from the pan, but a delicate snow of powdered sugar really brings out its charm. For a special touch, crown each slice with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. A few torn mint leaves or extra lemon zest are lovely if you want a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a cup of aromatic Earl Grey tea or a strong Italian coffee for a lovely afternoon affair. If you’re serving it as dessert, consider fresh berries or a chilled fruit compote on the side. The cake’s gentle flavors let you get creative without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Moist Plum Cake shines at dinner parties served right from the pan, still warm. Or, cut it into wedges and stack them artfully on a vintage cake stand. You can also slice it into elegant bars for a brunch buffet spread, or wrap individual pieces in parchment for sweet, rustic favors at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps its moistness for several days, making it perfect to bake ahead. Simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store at room temperature if you’ll finish it within two days, or pop it in the fridge for up to five days—just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Moist Plum Cake is freezer-friendly! After cooling completely, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature whenever you need a quick, delectable treat.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. If you’ve frozen it, defrost first before reheating. A gentle warm-up brings back that irresistible just-baked aroma and soft crumb, making leftover cake taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Absolutely! While nothing beats the signature tang of Moist Plum Cake, swapping in peaches, nectarines, or apricots works beautifully. Just ensure you use ripe but firm fruit so it holds up during baking.
How do I know when my cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—no wet batter. The edges will pull slightly away from the pan and the top will have a golden, caramelized sheen from the brown sugar.
Can I make Moist Plum Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite one-to-one gluten-free baking blend. Check baking powder and other ingredients to confirm they’re gluten-free, and enjoy just as much tenderness and flavor.
Should I peel the plums?
No need! The plums’ skin softens beautifully as the cake bakes and adds extra color and nutrients. Just make sure to pit and slice them evenly for the prettiest presentation in your Moist Plum Cake.
What’s the best way to transport this cake?
Let the cake cool completely before wrapping it snugly in plastic or storing in a cake carrier. If you’re worried about mess, use a springform pan with a secure lid for easy and safe transport, making it simple to share Moist Plum Cake at potlucks or outdoor picnics.
Final Thoughts
Whether you bake it for a celebration or just because, Moist Plum Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again. It’s created for sharing, full of cozy flavor, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews. Give it a try—you’ll discover just how effortless and rewarding homemade fruit cake can be!
Print
Moist Plum Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-Inspired, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Moist Plum Cake, a perfect dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh plums with a tender, moist cake base. This recipe is a wonderful way to showcase seasonal fruit in a simple and comforting treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Additional:
- 2 cups fresh plums, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in sour cream, milk, vanilla, and lemon zest.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Pour batter into pan, arrange sliced plums on top, sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake for 40-45 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm plums for the best results.
- This cake stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day.
- Enjoy warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *