Moist Plum Cake Slice Recipe
Get ready for This plum cake slice is packed with flavor and is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings. Find out how to make this easy recipe now.
Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked plum cake slice wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn morning. This delightfully moist and fruity dessert combines juicy, seasonal plums with a tender, buttery cake base that melts in your mouth. Fun fact: plums have been cultivated for over 2,000 years, making this recipe a delicious nod to culinary history!
This plum cake slice is incredibly special because it transforms simple pantry staples into an elegant dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and satisfying. Unlike our popular apple crumble bars, this recipe requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor in every bite.
What is Plum Cake Slice?
Ever wondered why we call it a “slice” when it’s clearly cake? Well, this delightful dessert gets its name from how it’s traditionally served – cut into perfect rectangular portions that showcase those gorgeous plum pieces nestled throughout.
Picture your grandmother’s coffee morning treats, but with a modern twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this plum cake slice is definitely the scenic route! Ready to create some kitchen magic and fill your home with irresistible aromas?
Why You’ll Love This Plum Cake Slice
Rich, Buttery Flavor with Juicy Plum Bursts
This plum cake slice delivers an incredible contrast of textures and flavors. The tender, vanilla-scented cake base provides the perfect canvas for sweet, juicy plum pieces that burst with natural fruit flavor in every bite. The combination creates a sophisticated dessert that’s neither too sweet nor too tart.
Budget-Friendly Home Baking
Making this plum cake slice at home costs significantly less than purchasing similar desserts from bakeries. With basic pantry ingredients and seasonal plums, you can create an elegant dessert that serves 8-12 people for under $8. Plus, you control the quality of ingredients and sugar content.
Versatile and Customizable Toppings
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Top with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Unlike our chocolate chip cookies, this cake actually improves in flavor after a day, making it perfect for meal prep. Why not give it a try and discover your new favorite homemade dessert?
How to Make Plum Cake Slice
Quick Overview
This plum cake slice is surprisingly simple to make and requires just basic baking skills. The moist, tender crumb pairs beautifully with sweet-tart plums for a balanced flavor profile.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Serves: 8-12 slices
Key Ingredients for Plum Cake Slice
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Plums:
- 1½ pounds (680g) fresh plums, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional: sliced almonds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. This ensures your plum cake slice won’t stick and comes out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Plums Wash, pit, and slice your plums into ¼-inch thick wedges. In a medium bowl, toss the sliced plums with 2 tablespoons sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the cake batter. This step helps draw out the natural juices and enhances the plum flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent throughout your cake.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and 1½ cups sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This incorporation of air creates the tender texture we want in our plum cake slice.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and pale yellow.
Step 6: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with milk in two additions. Begin and end with flour mixture. Mix just until combined – overmixing leads to tough cake.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Arrange the macerated plums on top, pressing them gently into the batter. Sprinkle with sliced almonds if using.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and the edges should start pulling slightly from the sides.
Step 9: Cool and Serve Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before lifting out using parchment paper overhang. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
What to Serve Plum Cake Slice With
This versatile dessert pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Serve warm slices with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent treat. For afternoon tea, pair with Earl Grey or chamomile tea. Coffee lovers will appreciate how well this cake complements a rich espresso or cappuccino.
For a more elegant presentation, drizzle individual slices with crème anglaise or serve alongside fresh berries. The cake also works wonderfully as part of a dessert buffet, complementing other fruit-based desserts like berry tarts or apple crisp.
Top Tips for Perfecting Plum Cake Slice
Choose the Right Plums
Select plums that are ripe but still firm to the touch. They should give slightly when pressed but not be mushy. Red, purple, or yellow varieties all work well, but avoid overly juicy varieties that might make the cake soggy.
Room Temperature Ingredients Matter
Ensure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing without overworking the gluten in the flour.
Don’t Skip the Macerating Step
Letting the sliced plums sit with sugar and lemon juice for 15-20 minutes draws out their natural juices and intensifies their flavor. This step is crucial for the best-tasting plum cake slice.
Test for Doneness Properly
The toothpick test is your friend, but remember that fruit cakes often have moist crumbs due to the fruit juice. Look for crumbs that cling to the toothpick rather than wet batter.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Greek yogurt can replace some of the butter for a lighter texture. Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds deeper caramel notes.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper Storage Methods
Store your plum cake slice covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week. The cake actually improves in flavor after the first day as the fruit flavors meld with the cake.
Freezing Instructions
This cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Individual slices can be wrapped and frozen for quick single servings.
Reheating Guidelines
For best results, bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving. If you prefer warm cake, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1/12 cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbs | 52g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 38g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen plums instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen plums, but thaw and drain them first. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make your cake soggy.
Why did my cake turn out dense?
Dense cake usually results from overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Mix just until ingredients are combined and ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent plums from sinking to the bottom?
Toss the plum slices in a small amount of flour before arranging on top of the batter. This helps them stay suspended during baking.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup, but remember that sugar contributes to the cake’s moisture and texture, not just sweetness.
What other fruits work well in this recipe?
Apples, pears, peaches, or mixed berries all work beautifully. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the fruit’s moisture content.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly done?
The top should be golden brown, edges pulling slightly from the pan, and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes better the next day. Make it up to 2 days ahead and store covered at room temperature.
Pro Baking Tips for Extra Success
Consider investing in an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature, as many home ovens run hot or cold. Rotating your pan halfway through baking ensures even browning. For the most professional-looking slices, use a sharp, clean knife and wipe it between cuts.
This plum cake slice recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary desserts. The combination of tender cake and juicy fruit makes every bite a delightful experience that’ll have your family and friends requesting the recipe. Happy baking!
