The Enchanted Plum Cake sounds like something straight out of a fairytale—moist, spiced, and rich with juicy plums, perhaps with a magical twist like a hidden flavor or aroma. Here’s a poetic yet practical take on a recipe that could live up to that name:
✨ The Enchanted Plum Cake
Fragrant, tender, and just mysterious enough for teatime magic.
🧾 Ingredients
Dry:
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1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground cardamom (or nutmeg for warmth)
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Pinch of salt
Wet:
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup (150g) sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 lemon or orange (enchantment begins here)
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½ cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
Fruit:
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4–5 ripe plums, halved and pitted
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Optional: a splash of rosewater or almond extract for a magical aroma
Topping (Optional but divine):
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp slivered almonds or chopped pistachios
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Dusting of powdered sugar or edible rose petals after baking
👨🍳 Instructions
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Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Butter and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
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Add Eggs & Flavor: Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla, zest, and almond or rosewater if using.
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Add Yogurt & Flour: Gently mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with yogurt, beginning and ending with flour. Do not overmix.
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Pour & Arrange: Pour batter into pan and smooth the top. Press plum halves cut-side up into the batter (they’ll sink slightly during baking).
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Sprinkle Topping: Scatter brown sugar and nuts over the top for crunch and caramelization.
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Bake for 40–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Dust: Let cool 15 mins, then dust with powdered sugar or decorate with dried edible flowers.
🌙 Serving Suggestion:
Serve slightly warm with crème fraîche, whipped cream, or a scoop of honey-lavender ice cream for full enchantment.
Would you like a gluten-free or vegan version of this enchanted cake?