Christmas Plum Cake

Christmas may not be a celebratory festival for everyone but the vibes are truly magical. At my home decorating the tree, having good food and making the yummy Rum flavored plum cake is my all time favorite memory. This ritual is still on and if I am home, I bake. Making this beauty is a time consuming process that required soaking everything (dates, berries, dried grapes, raisins, etc.) in a generous amount of Rum for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Followed by 1 hour baking time.

Every year during Christmas I go to my school just to revive the old memories of school day, (not excellent memories, not that I am complaining) the good ones obviously. So yes, it is always fun and talking to the sisters at the convent is always like a breath of fresh air with all their positivity and blessings.

I have read a few recipes of plum cake since I have started baking, but my favorite is mine own with my twist. I have also heard many people asking me that plum cake means plum in it but no plum cake is not only about plum, its about a lot of chewiness of dried fruits, berries and the crunchiness of nuts and the best is cashews for me, I must add. Here is the recipe below that will not require any occasion or Christmas specifically but any happy occasion in the family or when you are in the mood of making something filled with goodness that is best for the winter season providing you with the warmth, this cake will be your go to recipe to impress your family or even your guests.

Ingredients and Method: 

Step 1

1 cup Dried berries of choice (Blue berries, cranberries, apricots, etc)

Half a cup fresh Mejdool dates (since they are my favorite) 

Half cup Raisins 

A pinch of nutmeg powder

Half a teaspoon dried ginger powder

90 ml Dark Rum

10 ml water

Soak all the above ingredients in a covered big glass bowl for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 2

Pre-heat the oven at 200 degree Celsius.

Line a baking tin with butter paper or grease well with butter and keep it aside.

Step 3

6 tbsp Rice flour

2 tbsp wheat flour

1 teaspoon clove powder

Half a teaspoon ginger powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

Sift in all the above ingredients into your soaked mixture.

Add chopped cashews and almonds.

Step 4

1 tin Amul condensed milk

3-4 tbsp Dark brown sugar

3-4 tbsp melted ghee/butter

Water as required to make a batter

Make a nice non runny smooth batter. Check the sugar/sweetness and adjust it accordingly.

Pour the batter in a line baking tin and Decorate the top with halved cashews. Bake the cake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Bake it at 200 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes and decrease it to 180 degree for rest of the time.

Allow the cake to rest or cool completely before remolding it.