Christmas Cakes

Indian Plum Cake Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious and unique dessert to impress your friends and family, then you've come to the right place. Today, we're going to explore the delightful world of Indian Plum Cake.

This flavorful eggless Alcohol Free Plum Cake is one of my family’s favorite cakes to make during the holiday season. As the days go by, the flavor and taste of the cake enhance! The wonderful aroma of this cake has a magical and enchanting effect that is perfect for a Christmas family dinner.

If you're looking for a delicious and unique dessert to impress your friends and family, then you've come to the right place. Today, we're going to explore the delightful world of Indian Plum Cake. This recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional fruitcake, filled with a delectable combination of dried and candied fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Stick around as we take you through the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering treat!

What Is Indian Plum Cake Recipe?

When it comes to the Indian plum cake recipe, it's all about the perfect combination of succulent dried and candied fruits, along with an array of Indian spices and unique seasoning.
The recipe calls for a mix of raisins, chopped dried dates and figs, cherries, currants, tutti frutti, dried cranberries, and more, which are then combined with a blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, and ginger powder.
The result is a rich and flavorful cake that's bursting with traditional Indian flavors and textures. It's the perfect treat for any occasion and a delightful way to enjoy a taste of India.

Why You'll Love Indian Plum Cake Recipe?

Deliciously Moist Texture: The combination of buttermilk and brown sugar in this Indian plum cake recipe creates a moist, tender texture that is sure to delight your taste buds with every bite.
Packed with Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: With a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this plum cake is not only flavorful but also packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Great for Digestion: The addition of fennel seeds and ginger powder in the recipe not only adds a unique flavor but also aids in digestion, making it a great dessert option after a heavy meal.
Boosts Energy Levels: The dried fruits and nuts in the plum cake are a good source of natural sugars and healthy fats, providing a quick energy boost when you need it the most.
Supports Immune Health: Loaded with dried cranberries, cherries, and other fruits rich in antioxidants, this cake can help support your immune system and overall health.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a festive celebration or a cozy afternoon tea, this Indian plum cake is the perfect treat to enjoy with friends and family, and it's easy to make, too!

Ingredients for Indian Plum Cake Recipe

All-Purpose Flour: The main dry ingredient that forms the base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Spices (Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Cloves, Fennel Seeds, Dry Ginger): These spices add a warm and aromatic flavor to the cake, enhancing its overall taste.
Dried and Candied Fruits (Raisins, Dates, Figs, Cherries, Currants, Tutti Frutti, Cranberries): These fruits add a burst of sweetness and chewy texture to the cake, making it rich and flavorful.
Cashew Nuts: Adding a crunch and nutty flavor, the cashew nuts complement the sweetness of the fruits in the cake.
Buttermilk: A key wet ingredient that adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the cake, ensuring it stays moist and tender.

How To Make Indian Plum Cake Recipe?

To make Indian Plum Cake, start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees C and preparing a 9-inch loaf pan with butter, flour, or cooking spray and parchment paper.
In a wide bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, including all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and a variety of spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and fennel seeds. Add in the dried and candied fruits, as well as chopped cashew nuts, and toss to coat.
In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients, including brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla essence, and buttermilk. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, and pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, and enjoy a delicious Indian Plum Cake!

The key steps for a flavorful experience include properly coating the fruits and nuts with the dry ingredients, as well as ensuring the butter and buttermilk are at the correct temperature before mixing. Additionally, following the baking time closely is crucial for a moist and perfectly baked plum cake.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Tea or Coffee: This Indian plum cake goes great with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect snack or dessert option.
Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve slices of this delicious cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Fruit Compote: Accompany the plum cake with a side of fruit compote, such as a mix of stewed apples, pears, and cinnamon for a refreshing contrast in flavors.
Custard: Drizzle some warm custard over the cake slices for a creamy and indulgent dessert option.
Milk or Hot Chocolate: For a cozy and comforting combination, serve the cake with a glass of milk or a mug of hot chocolate.
Nuts and Berries: Garnish the plum cake with a sprinkle of chopped nuts and fresh berries for added texture and a burst of fruity flavors.

Tips for Making Indian Plum Cake

Preparation Duration: This Indian plum cake recipe requires some prep time, especially for chopping and preparing the dry fruits and nuts. Make sure to factor in enough time for this before you start baking.
Mixing and Baking Techniques: When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, ensure that the batter is well combined, but avoid overmixing as it can result in a dense cake. Additionally, when baking the cake, keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent it from overbaking.
Importance of Garnishing: Garnishing the plum cake with some extra nuts, cherries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a beautiful touch to the presentation. It not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a little extra flavor and texture to the cake.
Testing for Doneness: To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, with no batter sticking to it, and the edges of the cake start to pull away from the pan, it's ready to be removed from the oven.
Cooling the Cake: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before removing it. This helps the cake to set and makes it easier to remove without falling apart.
Storing and Serving: After the cake has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. This cake tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld together. Serve slices of this delicious Indian plum cake on beautiful plates, and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Variations for Indian Plum Cake Recipe

Fruit Variations: Experiment with different dried and candied fruits such as apricots, pineapple, or mango for a tropical twist to the traditional plum cake.
Nut Variations: Try using different nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to add a unique flavor and texture to the cake.
Spice Variations: Explore different spices like cardamom, allspice, or star anise to create a new and exciting flavor profile for the cake.
Liquor Infusion: For an adult twist, soak the dried fruits in rum or brandy overnight before adding them to the cake batter. This will impart a rich and boozy flavor to the cake.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version of the Indian plum cake.
Vegan Option: Replace the butter and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk for a vegan-friendly version of this classic recipe.

How to Store Indian Plum Cake Recipe

Proper Storage for Key Ingredients: To maintain the freshness of the dried and candied fruits, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent the fruits from drying out or becoming stale.
Keeping Nuts Fresh: Store the chopped cashew nuts in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This will ensure that the nuts do not lose their crunch and flavor.
Maintaining Buttermilk Freshness: After opening the buttermilk, make sure to seal it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Use it within the expiration date for the best results in your plum cake recipe.
Preserving the Flavors of Spices: Store the nutmeg powder, cinnamon powder, cloves powder, fennel seeds, and dry ginger powder in airtight containers away from direct sunlight to preserve their flavors for the plum cake recipe.
Storing the Baked Plum Cake: Once the plum cake has cooled completely, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing it in an airtight container. This will help retain the moisture and keep the cake fresh.
Freezing for Later: If you want to store the plum cake for a longer period, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer. Thaw it at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use different types of dried fruits and nuts in this plum cake recipe?

Yes, you can easily customize the dried fruits and nuts in this recipe based on your preference. You can use a combination of raisins, chopped dried dates, figs, cherries, currants, tutti frutti, dried cranberries, or any other dried fruits you like. Similarly, you can choose your favorite nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios.

Can I substitute buttermilk with any other ingredient?

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own buttermilk alternative by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles, and then it's ready to use in the recipe.

Is it necessary to use parchment paper to line the loaf pan?

Using parchment paper to line the loaf pan will make it easier to remove the cake after baking, but if you don't have parchment paper, you can simply butter and flour or spray the loaf pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

Can I make this plum cake without nuts?

Yes, if you prefer a plum cake without nuts, you can simply omit them from the recipe. The cake will still turn out delicious with a slightly different texture.

How long can I store the Indian plum cake?

This Indian plum cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life.

You may also like my other Christmas Cake Recipes such as Orange Chiffon Cake, Yogurt Lemon Cake, Coffee Cake, Pineapple Cake, Eggless Sponge Cake, Chocolate Chiffon Cake, Vanilla Cupcakes and Red Velvet Cake.

Indian Plum Cake Recipe 2017-12-14 04:22:18

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