Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this spiced plum custard cake! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. I first came across this gem during a late-summer gathering, where plums were practically falling off the trees. I couldn’t resist picking a few and bringing them home! The combination of juicy, spiced plums nestled in a creamy custard-like batter is simply divine. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes? Wow, it’s enough to make your mouth water!

What I love most about this cake is its moist texture and the delightful contrast of the sweet plums with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s perfect for a cozy dessert after dinner or even as a sweet treat with your morning coffee. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! And the best part? It’s super easy to whip up, so you can impress your friends and family without breaking a sweat. Let’s dive into the ingredients so you can get started on this delicious creation!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients to create your spiced plum custard cake. Each one plays a vital role in delivering that moist, flavorful experience we all love. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake, providing structure. Make sure to spoon and level it to avoid packing too much into your measuring cup!
1 cup sugar: This sweetness is essential for balancing the tartness of the plums. You can use granulated sugar for the best results.
1/2 cup butter, softened: I always use unsalted butter because it lets me control the salt level. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
2 large eggs: They help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake. Let them sit out for a bit to reach room temperature too!
1 cup milk: Whole milk works best for a rich texture, but you can use any milk you have on hand. Just keep it at room temperature to avoid shocking the batter.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor. I like to use pure vanilla for the best taste!
1 teaspoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent that will help the cake rise and become fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the plums beautifully. Feel free to adjust to your taste!
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way! This adds a subtle nuttiness that rounds out the flavor profile.
3 cups plums, pitted and sliced: You can use any variety of plums you like. Just make sure they’re ripe for that juicy burst of flavor!

Now that you’ve got everything, you’re ready to create your masterpiece! Let’s get baking!

How to Prepare the Spiced Plum Custard Cake

Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making this scrumptious spiced plum custard cake! This process is straightforward, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a delightful dessert that fills your home with the most amazing aromas. So, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be pale and aerated!
Add the eggs: Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate them fully into the batter, ensuring a rich texture.
Mix in the milk and vanilla: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, and stir until everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy at this point.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the cake.
Merge wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Prepare the baking dish: Grease your baking dish (a 9×13 inch works beautifully). Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
Top with plums: Now for the star of the show! Arrange the sliced plums on top of the batter, pressing them in gently. They’ll sink into the cake as it bakes, creating that lovely custard effect.
Bake: Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and serve: Once baked, let the cake cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes before serving. I recommend enjoying it warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream!

And there you have it! You’ve prepared a stunning spiced plum custard cake that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and Flavorful: This cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the juicy plums and creamy custard texture that keeps each bite rich and satisfying.
Perfectly Spiced: The blend of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm, cozy flavor that makes it perfect for any occasion, especially during the colder months.
Simple to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you can whip this up even on a busy day. It’s a go-to recipe for any home cook!
Versatile Delight: Enjoy it warm as a dessert or as a sweet companion to your morning coffee. It’s delicious any time of day!
Impressive Presentation: The beautiful arrangement of plums on top not only looks stunning but also gives a hint of the delightful flavor awaiting inside.

Tips for Success

To make sure your spiced plum custard cake turns out perfectly every single time, here are a few of my tried-and-true tips! First, always use ripe plums for the juiciest flavor. Not only do they taste better, but they also help keep the cake moist. If you’re unsure about your baking powder’s freshness, give it a quick test in warm water—it should fizz! This ensures it will help your cake rise beautifully.

When mixing, be careful not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are totally okay! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, airy texture we want. And remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking. If you notice the top browning too fast, you can gently cover it with aluminum foil. Lastly, let it cool for a bit before slicing; it helps the cake set up and makes for cleaner slices!

Variations on the Spiced Plum Custard Cake

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your spiced plum custard cake! For starters, you can swap out the plums for other fruits like juicy peaches, sweet cherries, or even tart apples. Each fruit brings its unique flavor, and you’ll be amazed at how delicious they all are!

Feeling a bit more exotic? Try adding a handful of blueberries or raspberries for a burst of color and tanginess. You could also mix in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and richness. If you want to switch up the spices, a dash of cardamom or ginger can add a lovely twist to the flavor profile. And don’t forget about the toppings! A sprinkle of shredded coconut or a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving can elevate your cake to a whole new level. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!

Nutritional Information

When you indulge in a slice of this delightful spiced plum custard cake, you’ll want to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per slice (based on 8 servings):

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoying this cake in moderation can be part of a balanced diet, so dig in and savor each bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your spiced plum custard cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but I recommend allowing it to come to room temperature before serving again for the best flavor.

When it comes to reheating, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until it’s warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold, but trust me, a warm slice with a dollop of whipped cream is simply heavenly! Enjoy every last crumb!

FAQ About the Spiced Plum Custard Cake

Can I use frozen plums instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen plums work just fine, but make sure to thaw and drain them well beforehand. This helps avoid excess moisture in the cake. Just keep an eye on the bake time, as frozen fruit can change things a bit!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just check the blend you’re using to ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum. This way, you’ll still get that lovely texture!

How do I know when the cake is done?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go! The top should be a lovely golden brown.

Can I add nuts to the cake?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and pair beautifully with the plums. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the baking dish.

How should I serve this cake?
I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also delicious on its own or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance!

Spiced Plum Custard Cake: A Comforting Nostalgic Delight

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A moist and flavorful cake with spiced plums and creamy custard.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Stir in milk and vanilla.
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
Arrange sliced plums on top of the batter.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool before serving.

Notes

Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Experiment with other fruits if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: spiced plum custard cake

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