This simple plum cake recipe brings a nostalgic touch to your kitchen with a fuss-free method that requires no scales—just an easy spoon-measure approach. Using fresh plums enveloped in a tender lemony batter topped with a buttery crumble, this cake is ideal for those who want a straightforward dessert with a homemade feel. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates fruity cakes that aren’t overly sweet and want a quick way to create a delicious treat. Since it’s made with basic pantry ingredients and fresh fruit, it makes for a pleasant, balanced occasional sweet that can be enjoyed with family or guests.
Why This Recipe Is Helpful
- Measures ingredients easily using tablespoons, making it accessible for any home cook without a scale.
- Combines fresh fruit with a moist, lemon-infused batter that is quick to prepare yet satisfying.
- The crumble topping adds texture and a touch of buttery sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
Best For
This cake is great for home bakers of any skill level looking for a spring or summer dessert. It’s also a wonderful option for casual gatherings or afternoon tea when fresh seasonal plums are available.
Be Careful If
This recipe contains a moderate amount of sugar and oil, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially for those monitoring sugar intake.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 8 tablespoons (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 8 tablespoons (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 8 tablespoons (120 ml) milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 8 tablespoons (120 ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 8 tablespoons (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 400 grams (about 14 oz) fresh plums
- 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 3 tablespoons (22 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) cold unsalted butter
Ingredient Notes
- Using fresh, ripe plums gives the cake the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness; choose firm but juicy fruit.
- Cornflour helps prevent the plums from sinking and keeps the batter from becoming soggy.
- Lemon zest and juice brighten the flavor profile, balancing the sweetness and adding natural freshness.
- Vanilla sugar can be substituted with vanilla extract if preferred; just use one teaspoon.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric whisk or hand whisk
- Measuring spoons (tablespoon and teaspoon)
- 18 x 26 cm (7 x 10 inch) baking pan
- Knife and chopping board
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease your baking pan with butter or oil.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together briskly until frothy and lighter in color. This ensures a light texture.
- Add the vanilla sugar (or extract), a pinch of salt, vegetable oil, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Gradually sift in the flour and baking powder, folding carefully until you get a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Pit half of the plums and dice them into small pieces. Toss these diced plums in the cornflour, then fold them gently into the batter to distribute evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the crumble topping by rubbing together the flour, sugar, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Pour the batter into your greased baking pan and smooth the surface gently with a spatula.
- Slice the remaining plums and arrange the slices evenly on top of the batter.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the crumble browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil after 30 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing, so it sets nicely and slices cleanly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips
- Make sure the plums are coated well in cornflour to keep the batter from becoming watery.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor — bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same freshness.
- Don’t overmix the batter once flour is added to keep the cake tender and light.
- If you don’t have vanilla sugar, a good quality vanilla extract works perfectly.
Lighter Swaps
- Substitute the vegetable oil with a light olive oil or melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
- Use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk for a dairy-free option.
- For less sugar in the crumble topping, reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon; the plums add natural sweetness.
Common Mistakes
- Not properly coating the diced plums with cornflour; this can cause the batter to turn soggy.
- Overbaking, which results in a dry cake—check starting at 35 minutes.
- Using very soft or overripe plums can lead to excess moisture and affect cake texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert option.
Storage Instructions
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating Tips
Warm slices gently in a microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven before serving to refresh the texture.
Nutrition Estimate (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 290–320 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 12 g
Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion size.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: European homestyle
Course: Dessert
Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen plums for this recipe?
A: You can, but thaw and drain them well before adding, and toss in extra cornflour to prevent excess moisture.
Q: Is this cake suitable for gluten-free diets?
A: Not as is, but you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and check the baking powder for gluten content.
Q: Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping a day in advance and keep it chilled until ready to use.
This plum cake is a delightful mix of simplicity and flavor that makes it a valuable recipe to have on hand. Its easy method means you can get a fresh homemade cake on the table with minimal fuss, perfect for those moments when a quick, comforting dessert is needed.