Easy Christmas Plum Cake Recipe Without Alcohol

Hello, foodies! 🎄❤️

It's that magical, Christmassy time of the year when our homes fill with the aroma of freshly baked cakes, warm spices, and delicious goodies. And what better way to celebrate the season than by baking a homemade plum cake with simple ingredients that are easily available at home?

This easy Christmas plum cake recipe without alcohol is packed with crunchy nuts, juicy raisins, sweet dates, and chopped orange peel. Instead of the traditional rum or brandy, I've used apple or grape juice to soak the fruits, making this a lovely option for those who prefer an alcohol-free Christmas cake.

This recipe is also extra special to me because it was my first baking challenge with Baking Partners! It was an exciting opportunity to learn, bake, and share my love for baking with fellow food enthusiasts.

So, put on your aprons, gather your ingredients, and let's bake a delicious homemade plum cake together. You don't need fancy ingredients to create something truly special!

Ingredients for Easy Plum Cake

• 100 g butter

• 125 g maida (all-purpose flour)

• 125 g powdered sugar

• 3 teaspoons sugar, for caramelising

• 6 teaspoons water, for caramelising

• ¼ cup boiling water, for the caramel syrup

• 2 eggs, separated into yolks and whites

• 125 g mixed nuts and dried fruits (cashews, pistachios, almonds, raisins, chopped dates, and chopped orange peel)

• 1 small packet of apple or grape juice, as needed for soaking the fruits

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Preparations Before Baking

1. Soak the dried fruits

Chop the nuts, dates, raisins, and orange peel into small pieces. Place the dried fruits and nuts in a clean container, add enough apple or grape juice to coat and soak the fruits, and refrigerate for up to one week.

Traditional plum cakes often use rum or brandy, but I chose fruit juice for this version. It adds fruity sweetness while keeping the recipe alcohol-free.

Before baking, drain the soaked mixture well and reserve the liquid if desired.

2. Prepare the caramel syrup

Add 3 teaspoons of sugar and 6 teaspoons of water to a deep, heavy-bottomed pan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves and the syrup gradually turns golden brown.

Avoid stirring once the sugar starts caramelising. Watch it carefully, as caramel can darken quickly.

Switch off the heat and carefully add the ¼ cup of boiling water in small amounts, swirling the pan gently. The mixture will bubble and splutter, so keep your hands and face away from the pan. Stir carefully until the caramel dissolves, then allow it to cool.

3. Prepare the flour mixture

Sift the maida and baking powder together into a bowl. Add the drained nuts and dried fruits, mixing gently until they are coated with flour. This helps distribute the fruit throughout the cake.

How to Make Christmas Plum Cake

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and creamy.

Step 2: Add the egg yolks

Add the two egg yolks to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined.

Step 3: Beat the egg whites

In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg whites until fluffy and foamy. Gently fold them into the butter mixture.

Step 4: Add the caramel syrup

Pour in the cooled caramel syrup and mix gently until evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Add the flour and fruits

Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and fruit mixture. Fold gently until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing the batter.

Step 6: Bake the cake

Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease and line a suitable cake tin with baking paper. Pour in the batter and level the top.

Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Baking time may vary dep