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Healthier Christmas Plum Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 45-50 minutes (Including soaking time)
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: Approx 2 hours
- Yield: 12 portions (1 whole cake) 1x
Description
This version of a plum cake reduces the added sugar content by replacing syrup with naturally sweet dates. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that is lighter on sugar but still indulgent enough for the festive season.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients (Full Cake – Serves 12 Portions)
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 g) whole wheat flour (or almond/ragi flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- ½ tsp nutmeg powder
- ½ tsp ginger powder
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 g) unsweetened applesauce (or mashed overripe banana)
- 1 cup (200 g) pitted dates, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes and blended into a paste
- ½ cup (120 ml) almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ons:
- ½ cup (80 g) raisins (soaked in orange juice for 30 minutes)
- ½ cup (50 g) chopped walnuts or almonds
- ½ cup (80 g) chopped dried apricots, figs, or cranberries
Instructions
Instructions
- Prepare Add-ons: Soak dried fruits in orange juice to enhance flavor and retain moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: Blend soaked dates into a smooth paste. Mix applesauce, date paste, almond milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir in the soaked dried fruits and nuts.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch cake pan. Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 40–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Yield and Storage
- Servings: This recipe makes a full cake that can be divided into 12 portions.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze individual slices for up to a month.
Notes and Exciting Facts
- Why Dates? Dates provide natural sweetness, fiber, and a caramel-like flavor that complements the warm spices of the cake.
- Nutritional Highlights:
- Soaked Raisins: Retain moisture while providing iron and antioxidants.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds fiber and nutrients for satiety and digestion.
- Nuts: Offer crunch and healthy fats to balance sweetness.
- Substitutions:
- Replace dates with prunes for a different natural sweetener.
- Use pecans or hazelnuts in place of walnuts.
This refined-sugar-free plum cake allows you to celebrate the holidays guilt-free while savoring a nutrient-packed festive treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Nutrition Per Portion (1/12 of Cake)
- Calories: 176 kcal
- Sugar: 12
- Fat: 2.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 35.2 g
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 3.5 g
