Secret Plum Cake Recipe

 

Grandma's Secret Plum Cake Recipe: A Delightful Fusion of Spices and Sweetness

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely chopped dried plums (prunes)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds), toasted

For the Plum Soak:

• 1 cup dried plums (prunes), pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup dark rum or brandy

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons dark rum or brandy

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Plum Soak:

• In a bowl, combine chopped dried plums and dark rum (or brandy). Let them soak for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This enhances the flavor and moistness of the cake.

2. Making the Cake Batter:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
• Stir in vanilla extract.
• Fold in the soaked dried plums and toasted nuts into the batter until evenly distributed.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

3. Baking the Cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Making the Glaze (Optional):

• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and rum (or brandy) until you achieve a smooth glaze.

5. Glazing the Cake:

• Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
• Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.

6. Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the plum cake slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

7. Storage:

• Store any leftover plum cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The flavors tend to deepen, making it even more delicious over time.

Enjoy the rich, spiced goodness of Grandma's Plum Cake—a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth that captures the essence of the holiday season. This timeless recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your family for years to come!