Spiced Plum Coffee Cake - knedir Recipes

This Spiced Plum Coffee Cake is the perfect blend of rich, buttery cake with the tangy sweetness of fresh plums and a crunchy cinnamon topping. The combination of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves makes it the ultimate fall treat. The moist cake pairs beautifully with the crunchy walnut topping for the perfect texture contrast.

Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it as an afternoon treat, this spiced plum coffee cake is sure to impress. The plums add a burst of freshness, balancing out the spiced flavor. It’s an ideal dessert for any fall gathering, brunch, or cozy night in. The ease of preparation makes it a go-to dessert whenever you need a comforting homemade treat.

Full Recipe:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups fresh plums, chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (for topping)
1/4 cup flour (for topping)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped plums.
For the topping, combine the brown sugar, chopped walnuts, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the cake batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Introduction to Spiced Plum Coffee Cake

If you love warm, comforting desserts with a bit of a twist, then this Spiced Plum Coffee Cake will quickly become one of your favorites. Combining the rich, spiced flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves with the sweet and tangy taste of fresh plums, this cake is a perfect fall treat. The delicate crumb of the cake, paired with a crunchy walnut topping, creates a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or sharing it with friends and family, this spiced plum coffee cake is sure to impress.

This cake also provides an opportunity to showcase the versatility of plums, a fruit often underrated in the world of baked goods. Their natural sweetness and tartness balance perfectly with the aromatic spices, making them a fantastic addition to this dessert. The blend of fresh fruit with the richness of the cake creates a satisfying experience that will leave you craving more.

The Origin of Coffee Cake and Its Evolution

Coffee cakes, as we know them today, have their origins in Europe, where they were traditionally served during afternoon tea. Over the years, the American version of coffee cake has evolved, often incorporating various fruits, nuts, and spices to enhance the flavor profile. The inclusion of plums in this spiced plum coffee cake recipe is a modern twist that brings freshness and a touch of seasonal flair.

Unlike the dense, overly sweet cakes we often associate with desserts, coffee cakes are typically lighter, moist, and perfect for pairing with a warm beverage like coffee or tea. While many people enjoy coffee cakes at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, this particular version with plums and warming spices can be a year-round favorite. It’s a great way to incorporate seasonal fruits into your baking, ensuring you enjoy fresh produce no matter the time of year.

Why Spiced Plum Coffee Cake Is Perfect for Fall

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, there’s something special about the flavors of autumn that everyone looks forward to. Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves—common spices in fall baking—bring that quintessential autumn aroma and warmth to this spiced plum coffee cake. Combined with the juicy sweetness of plums, this cake captures the essence of the season.

The addition of plums also offers a nod to the harvest time. Plums are a fall fruit, making this the perfect way to celebrate the changing seasons and embrace the bounties of autumn. The juicy, tart plums help cut through the richness of the cake, balancing the sweet and spiced elements in a way that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

The Role of Spices in This Cake

The blend of spices used in this cake plays an important role in defining its flavor profile. Cinnamon is the most prominent spice, adding warmth and a familiar scent that evokes feelings of comfort. Ginger introduces a touch of heat and sharpness, while cloves give the cake a deeper, more complex flavor. Together, these spices create a rich, layered taste experience that perfectly complements the plums.

Spices in baking serve more than just flavoring purposes—they enhance the overall eating experience. The aromatic properties of cinnamon and cloves, for example, can trigger positive emotional responses, making them ideal for cozy, fall-inspired desserts. This spiced plum coffee cake offers the perfect balance of comforting spices without overpowering the natural flavors of the plums.

The Importance of Fresh Plums

When it comes to baking with fruit, the quality of the fruit can make or break a dish. Fresh plums bring a burst of natural sweetness and a slight tartness, which contrasts beautifully with the sugar and spices in the cake. Unlike canned or dried fruit, fresh plums maintain their juiciness, which contributes to the cake’s moist texture.

Choosing ripe, in-season plums is key to ensuring the best flavor. During late summer and fall, plums are at their peak, making this the ideal time to incorporate them into your baking. The plums not only enhance the flavor but also add visual appeal, with their deep purple skin and vibrant red flesh.

How to Customize Spiced Plum Coffee Cake

One of the beauties of this spiced plum coffee cake is how adaptable it is. While the base recipe is a crowd-pleaser, it can be customized in many ways to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For example, if you’re looking for a lighter version, you could swap out some of the butter for applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content while maintaining moisture.

For a more decadent version, consider adding a cream cheese frosting or drizzle of caramel to top the cake. If you’re looking for a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts in the topping or replace them with another crunchy element, such as granola or oats. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to make it your own while still retaining its comforting essence.

Perfect Pairings for Spiced Plum Coffee Cake

Spiced plum coffee cake is delightful on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a warm beverage or enjoyed as part of a brunch spread. For a more traditional pairing, enjoy it with a cup of hot coffee, either black or with a touch of cream and sugar. The rich flavor of the coffee complements the sweetness and spice of the cake, creating a harmonious breakfast or afternoon snack.

For those who prefer tea, a nice black tea or chai would pair wonderfully with this cake. The robust flavor of the tea will balance out the richness of the cake, while the spices in both the tea and cake will create a cohesive flavor experience. If you’re hosting a brunch, serve the cake alongside a selection of other baked goods, fresh fruit, and some light cheeses for a well-rounded spread.

Storage Tips for Spiced Plum Coffee Cake

While this cake is best enjoyed fresh, it stores well for a few days if kept in an airtight container. You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, but if you want to keep it longer, it’s best to refrigerate it. The cake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, ensuring you have a ready-to-eat treat whenever the craving strikes.

If you have leftovers and want to keep them for an extended period, this coffee cake freezes beautifully. Simply wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw a slice at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds. Freezing the cake helps preserve its freshness and makes it easy to enjoy later.

Healthier Alternatives and Modifications

Although spiced plum coffee cake is a delicious treat, you might be looking for ways to make it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. Here are a few modifications to consider:

Whole Wheat Flour: Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a more rustic texture.
Reduce Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Just be mindful that this may alter the cake’s texture slightly.
Non-Dairy Options: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or oil, and use a non-dairy yogurt or sour cream alternative.
Nuts and Seeds: If you need a nut-free option, you can substitute the walnuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.

These small changes will make the cake a bit healthier while still keeping its delicious flavor intact.

Conclusion

Spiced Plum Coffee Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, combining the cozy flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves with the sweetness of fresh plums. It’s an easy-to-make, yet impressive cake that will delight your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for the perfect treat to serve with your morning coffee or a cozy dessert for a fall gathering, this cake fits the bill perfectly.

Its versatility allows for numerous adaptations, and its ability to pair beautifully with both coffee and tea makes it a delightful option for any occasion. With its moist crumb, crunchy topping, and the burst of fresh fruit, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So, grab some plums and start baking—this spiced plum coffee cake is one treat you don’t want to miss.