Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spiced Plum Custard Cake is a luscious dessert that combines the sweet tartness of plums with warm spices and a creamy custard layered into a moist cake base. It’s a perfect treat for late summer or early autumn, offering a comforting, spiced flavor profile and an elegant appearance. Ideal for dinner parties or a cozy weekend indulgence, this cake delivers both sophistication and homey charm.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
plumsall-purpose flourgranulated sugareggsmilkbuttervanilla extractcinnamonnutmegclovessaltbaking powder
directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
Slice the plums and set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
Add melted butter and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and arrange the sliced plums on top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool slightly before serving to let the custard set.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 35-40 minutesCooling time: 15 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
Use peaches or apricots instead of plums for a different fruit flavor.
Add orange zest to the batter for a citrusy note.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top before baking for crunch.
storage/reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Bring to room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.You can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use canned plums?
Yes, but drain them well and reduce added sugar slightly.
Why is my custard layer too soft?
Ensure the cake is fully cooled before slicing and don’t overbake.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but keep some for flavor balance, especially with tart plums.
Do I need to peel the plums?
No, the skin adds texture and color, but you can peel if preferred.
Can I use other spices?
Yes, try cardamom or allspice for a twist on the spice mix.
Should I serve it warm or cold?
It’s delicious both ways—warm for comfort, cold for a firmer custard texture.
What kind of pan works best?
A 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan is ideal.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, though the spice level can be adjusted to suit young palates.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan and adjust baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Spiced Plum Custard Cake offers a harmonious blend of tender fruit, creamy custard, and aromatic spices in each slice. It’s an inviting dessert that feels both rustic and refined, making it a versatile favorite for any occasion. Whether served warm with ice cream or chilled with coffee, it’s a sweet way to enjoy the season’s bounty.
PrintSpiced Plum Custard Cake
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40–50 mins (2 stages)
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6–9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist, spiced fall cake with a buttery base topped with spiced fresh plums and a creamy custard layer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all‑purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 egg
- 2–2½ cups pitted and sliced plums
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- For custard: ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9‑inch springform or cake pan.
- Toss sliced plums with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg; set aside.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. Cut in butter until coarse crumbs form.
- Stir in cream, egg, and vanilla until combined.
- Press dough into pan bottom. Arrange spiced plums over dough.
- Bake for 20–25 min until edges set.
- Meanwhile, whisk together custard ingredients: cream, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla.
- Pour custard over baked plums and base. Return to oven and bake 20–25 min more until custard is set.
- Cool before serving. Serve warm or chilled, store in the fridge.
Notes
- Use a sheet pan under the cake to catch any custard drips.
- Can be made a day ahead; flavor improves overnight.
- Chill fully for firm custard texture.
- Adapt pan size: 8‑inch pan yields thicker cake, 9‑inch yields thinner.