Kerala Style Christmas Plum Cake Recipe
The Kerala Style Christmas Plum Cake is a rich, moist dessert that’s perfect for the festive season, offering a delightful combination of dried fruits and warm spices. This traditional recipe embodies the spirit of celebration, providing a wonderful way to share love and joy during the holidays. With its aromatic flavors and vibrant colors, this cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it a centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raisins | 100 grams |
| Glazed Cherries | 100 grams |
| Dried Figs | 100 grams |
| Tutti Frutti | 100 grams |
| Almond (Badam) | 50 grams |
| Cashew Nuts | 50 grams |
| Rum or Orange Juice | 100 ml (adjust to taste) |
| Unsalted Butter | 100 grams |
| Ghee | 125 grams |
| Caster Sugar | 300 grams |
| Egg Yolks | 4 |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Candied Orange Peel | 3 tablespoons |
| Caramel Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Orange | 1 (for juice) |
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 250 grams |
| Baking Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Baking Soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cloves (Laung) – powdered | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Ginger Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Egg Whites | 4 |
| Lemon Juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 4 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 45 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 22 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 160 minutes
- Servings: 6
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Fruit Mixture
To kick off the festive baking adventure, begin by preparing the dried fruits. Line a 9-inch cake tin with greaseproof paper and set it aside. In a large bowl, soak the raisins, glazed cherries, dried figs, tutti frutti, almonds, and cashews in either rum or the juice of three freshly squeezed oranges. Ideally, allow the mixture to soak for a month, but if you’re pressed for time, a day in advance will suffice. After soaking, drain the fruits, reserving the liquid for later use.
Step 2: Cooking the Soaked Fruits
Next, transfer the soaked fruits to a saucepan and add the juice of one orange. Cover the pan and place it over medium heat, allowing the mixture to cook until the juice is absorbed. For those opting for a non-alcoholic version, soak the dried fruits in orange juice overnight or for at least a couple of hours, cooking them in the same juice until fully absorbed.
If you’re short on time, you can also quickly soak and cook the fruits in a 50-50 mixture of rum and orange juice for an intense flavor. However, pre-soaking is highly recommended for the best results. Once cooked, spread the fruits out on a plate to cool completely.
Step 3: Preheating and Mixing Dry Ingredients
While the fruits are cooling, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and all the aromatic spice powders: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and dry ginger. This blend of spices will contribute to the cake’s warm, festive flavor.
Step 4: Preparing the Batter
Add the cooled, cooked dried fruits into the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This technique prevents the fruits from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking, allowing for a beautifully studded fruit cake.
In another bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, ghee, egg yolks, and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the flour-fruit mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Be sure to start and finish with the flour mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until everything is uniformly blended.
Step 5: Whipping Egg Whites
Now, it’s time to whip the egg whites! Using a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add four tablespoons of sugar and lemon juice while continuing to beat the mixture until it’s glossy and well combined. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter, ensuring to retain the airiness of the mixture.
To add a special touch, fold in the caramel sauce and candied orange peel, mixing gently with a spatula.
Step 6: Baking the Cake
Pour the plum cake batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you desire an uneven, rustic top, feel free to save a small handful of floured dried fruits to sprinkle on top or arrange blanched, peeled almonds in a decorative pattern.
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 90 to 105 minutes. Start checking for doneness after 60 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it.
Step 7: Cooling and Flavoring the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the tin. While still warm, drizzle approximately 1/8 cup of rum or brandy over the cake to enhance its flavor. Carefully remove the cake from the tin and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, for the best flavor, sprinkle a bit more alcohol over the top, cover it tightly with cling film, and wrap it in aluminum foil or brown paper. Store it in a cool, dark place, allowing the flavors to deepen over time. It’s recommended to sprinkle a little more alcohol every four days or weekly to maintain the moisture and flavor.
Step 8: Storing and Serving
If you choose to refrigerate the cake, it will keep well for at least three months. Just remember to thaw it a day before serving, especially if you’re planning to showcase it during the Christmas celebrations.
This Kerala Style Christmas Plum Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a cherished tradition, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the festive season. Slice it up, serve it alongside a warm cup of tea, and enjoy the wonderful flavors that this cake has to offer. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
Feel free to make adjustments as needed to fit your preferences or dietary requirements, and enjoy the delightful journey of creating this exquisite festive cake!
