Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further! This Kerala Plum Cake recipe is a delightful blend of spices and fruits, resulting in a truly unforgettable dessert. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a delicious and satisfying homemade treat. This recipe offers a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, making it a versatile choice for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, cranberries, chopped plums – feel free to use your favorites!)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans – your choice!)
- 1 tablespoon brandy or rum (optional, for extra flavor)
- Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily after baking.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be achieved with a good amount of elbow grease using a hand mixer or even a wooden spoon.
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Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Fold in Fruits & Nuts: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, and brandy (if using).
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with icing sugar (optional) and slice to serve.
Tips for the Best Kerala Plum Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures even mixing and a better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check if the cake is baked through. If the skewer comes out with moist crumbs, bake for a few more minutes.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an extra layer of flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate plum cake.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a more accurate nutritional breakdown, use a nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients. However, you can expect a slice to contain approximately:
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This delicious Kerala Plum Cake is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and delicious dishes. It’s a perfect treat for tea time, holidays, or any special occasion. Enjoy!