Plum Cake with Spiced Batter and Brown Sugar Topping Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that combines the tender richness of plums with warm, cozy spices, then you’re in for a treat with this Plum Cake with Spiced Batter and Brown Sugar Topping Recipe. This cake is a perfect balance of moist, fluffy cake and juicy fruit, all crowned with a delightful brown sugar topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a comforting, nostalgic dessert that feels both indulgent and oh-so-satisfying—ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying on a quiet afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, well-selected ingredients is key to creating the magic behind this recipe. Each element plays a vital role in bringing out the perfect texture, flavor depth, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen when baking this Plum Cake with Spiced Batter and Brown Sugar Topping Recipe.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and light crumb essential for a soft cake.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your cake rises evenly and stays airy.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Inject warm, autumnal spices that enhance the plums and add complexity.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors in the batter.
- Unsalted butter: Offers richness and moisture, creating a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning and texture.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure while keeping the cake moist.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the spice notes perfectly.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and moisture, resulting in a velvety batter.
- Fresh plums: The star ingredient—juicy and tart, providing bursts of flavor.
- Brown sugar (for topping): Caramelizes in the oven, creating a sweet, crunchy crust over the plums.
How to Make Plum Cake with Spiced Batter and Brown Sugar Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready when your batter is mixed. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Spices and Flour
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. This mixture is where the fragrant spiced flavor starts developing, so take a moment to enjoy the scent before moving on.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a larger bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes and is crucial for a tender, airy cake texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Greek Yogurt
Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain that smooth texture. Then stir in the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt until everything is well combined and silky. The yogurt brings a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the spices and plums.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the spiced flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently to avoid overmixing. The key here is to just combine everything so your cake stays light and fluffy.
Step 6: Arrange Plums and Add Brown Sugar Topping
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface. Place your fresh plum slices in a circular pattern on top, slightly overlapping to create a pretty, rustic look. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the plums—the sugar will melt and caramelize while baking for a delightful crunch.
Step 7: Baking
Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of warm spices and sweet fruit.
Step 8: Cooling
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps set the cake and ensures those luscious plums stay perfectly tender.
How to Serve Plum Cake with Spiced Batter and Brown Sugar Topping Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top just before serving or add a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A few mint leaves can add a pop of color and refreshing aroma, elevating the presentation to suit any occasion.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, enhancing its warmth with a creamy cold contrast. For a cozy breakfast twist, a cup of spiced chai or strong black coffee complements the spices beautifully and rounds out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake in individual ramekins or mini pans for charming personal portions. Alternatively, cut the cake into squares and stack them with layers of mascarpone or cream cheese frosting for a festive dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the moisture and prevents the spiced aroma from fading.
Freezing
This Plum Cake with Spiced Batter and Brown Sugar Topping Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy your favorite treat any time.
Reheating
To revive the cake’s fresh-baked warmth, reheat individual slices in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This will melt the brown sugar topping slightly again and bring back that tender softness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen plums for this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before arranging on the batter to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the cake’s texture.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
Plain yogurt or buttermilk works well as a substitute and will still keep the cake moist and tender.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, and check that your baking powder is gluten-free to make this recipe safe for gluten sensitivities.
Can I reduce the sugar in the topping?
You can decrease the brown sugar topping slightly according to taste, but keep in mind the caramelized sugar adds a lovely texture and flavor contrast that complements the plums beautifully.
How do I store leftovers for best flavor?
Keep the cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Plum Cake with Spiced Batter and Brown Sugar Topping Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little seasonal magic into your kitchen. It’s warm, inviting, and a true crowd-pleaser that’s straightforward to make but feels so special. I can’t wait for you to try baking it and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Plum Cake with Spiced Batter and Brown Sugar Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This delightful Plum Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring fresh plums arranged on a tender cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced batter. Enhanced with Greek yogurt for added moistness and topped with a sprinkling of brown sugar for a caramelized finish, this cake is perfect for any occasion and serves 8 generous portions.
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 and 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 line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and plain Greek yogurt until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain cake tenderness.
- Assemble the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly. Arrange the sliced plums in a circular overlapping pattern on top of the batter, then sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the fruit.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when ready.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cake can be served warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter once you add the flour to keep the cake tender.
- Fresh ripe plums provide the best flavor; make sure to pit and slice evenly.
- Use parchment paper lining for an easier cake release if you do not want to grease and flour the pan.
- Brown sugar on top adds a lovely caramelized crunch to the fruit when baked.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
