last minute plum cake (christmas fruit cake)

If you’re looking for a quick and easy last-minute plum cake for Christmas, you can try this simplified recipe. While traditional fruitcakes benefit from longer soaking and aging, this version aims to capture the essence of a festive plum cake without the extended preparation.

Quick Last-Minute Christmas Plum Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, etc.)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc.)
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Fruits:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits and orange juice. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until the fruits absorb some of the liquid. Allow it to cool.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Add Fruits and Nuts:
   • Fold in the soaked dried fruits and chopped nuts into the batter.
8. Adjust Consistency:
   • If the batter is too thick, add milk gradually until you achieve a dropping consistency.

1. Pour into Pan:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

1. Cool and Serve:Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2.  
3. Optional: Dust with Powdered Sugar
   • Once cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

This quick and easy plum cake captures the spirit of Christmas without the lengthy preparation. Serve it as a delightful treat for your festive celebrations!