If you’ve been dreaming of a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Moist Plum Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a tender, fluffy cake infused with subtle spices and studded with juicy, sweet plums that burst with every bite. The balance of rich butter, fresh fruit, and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg creates a symphony of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and a little bit special. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake is a delightful celebration of plums that you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this cake is a simple joy. Each one plays its own vital role in achieving that perfect, moist crumb and deep, inviting flavor. From the creamy butter that creates richness to the fresh plums that provide juicy bursts, every ingredient is essential to crafting this show-stopping dessert.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds our cake together with a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for that light texture.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to achieve a perfect lift and brown crust.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy note that pairs wonderfully with plums.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle hint of spice without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor depth.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture that makes the cake so tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly and helps with browning.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor with its sweet, aromatic essence.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a slight tanginess.
- Fresh plums, pitted and sliced: The star ingredient that makes this truly a plum cake by providing juicy sweetness and color.
- Brown sugar (for topping): Creates a beautifully caramelized crust over the plums as the cake bakes.
How to Make Moist Plum Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This preparation is key for an easy release once your cake is baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Combining the spices with the dry ingredients now ensures they are evenly distributed and infuse every bite of your cake with that warm, aromatic flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar well helps trap air, giving your cake a wonderfully tender texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Yogurt
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt until the batter is perfectly smooth. The yogurt is the secret weapon here, adding moisture and a slight tang that enhances the overall flavor.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing can make the cake dense. This is the moment your batter comes together into something luscious and ready for the plums.
Step 6: Arrange Plums and Brown Sugar
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Arrange the plum slices in a circular, slightly overlapping pattern to create a beautiful presentation. Then sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the plums, which will melt and caramelize during baking, adding a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. The delightful aroma of spices and plums will fill your kitchen, signaling that your cake is close to ready.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. It’s best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, inviting you to dive into its moist, fruity goodness.
How to Serve Moist Plum Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, but you can also dollop on whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Fresh plum slices or a sprig of mint can brighten the presentation and hint at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for afternoon tea or brunch. For a more festive touch, serve alongside a dollop of crème fraîche or a drizzle of honeyed mascarpone for a creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of plum syrup or warmed berry compote to elevate the dessert experience. You can also cut the cake into squares for a charming finger food option at parties. The beautiful plum topping makes each slice a visual treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover plum cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay moist and fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for about 4 days without drying out.
Freezing
This Moist Plum Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes. Reheating brings back that delectable fresh-from-the-oven softness that makes this cake so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen plums for this recipe?
Yes, frozen plums work well if fresh plums are out of season. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Is Greek yogurt necessary?
Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness, but you can substitute it with sour cream or buttermilk if needed.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour for a delicious gluten-free version.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
Can I add nuts or other fruits?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, and you can mix other fruits like berries or apples with the plums for a creative twist.
Final Thoughts
This Moist Plum Cake Recipe is a heartfelt way to celebrate the sweet and juicy goodness of plums with tender cake and cozy spices. Whether for a weekend bake or a special occasion, it promises to bring smiles to your table and warmth to your kitchen. So grab those plums, and let’s get baking—your taste buds will thank you!
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: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Moist Plum Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the tartness of fresh plums with a tender, spiced cake base. The cake is lightened with Greek yogurt for extra moisture and a subtle tang, while cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth of flavor. Topped with sliced plums and a sprinkle of brown sugar, this cake is ideal for an afternoon treat or dessert that impresses with its vibrant fruit topping and soft crumb.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
Fruit Topping
- 4–5 fresh plums, pitted and sliced (about 2 cups)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or alternatively line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the batter for a lighter cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and plain Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Assemble Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly. Arrange the sliced plums in a circular overlapping pattern on the surface of the batter. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the plums to add a sweet caramelized topping when baked.
- Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened—not melted—for proper creaming with the sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent the cake from becoming dense.
- Fresh ripe plums work best for sweetness and moisture.
- The brown sugar topping adds a lovely caramelized crust on the plums after baking.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream if desired.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
