Kerala Plum Cake
A dark, dense, boozy Christmas cake made with dried fruits and nuts soaked in brandy or rum for weeks before baking, then spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Syria Christian families in Kerala have baked versions of this for over two centuries — each household guards its recipe.
Cuisines
Travancore
Kerala Christian
Best for
Dessert
Snacks
Recipe
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 60 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
| 1/2 cup | mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, cherries, and dates) |
| 1/4 cup | orange juice |
| 1/4 cup | rum or brandy |
| 1/2 cup | all-purpose flour |
| 1/4 teaspoon | baking powder |
| 1/4 teaspoon | baking soda |
| 1/4 teaspoon | ground cinnamon |
| 1/4 teaspoon | ground nutmeg |
| 1/4 teaspoon | ground cloves |
| 1/4 cup | unsalted butter |
| 1/4 cup | brown sugar |
| 1 | egg |
| 1/2 teaspoon | vanilla extract |
| 1/4 cup | chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or walnuts) |
Instructions
- 1 Soak the mixed dried fruits in orange juice and rum or brandy for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- 2 Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a small cake tin.
- 3 In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- 4 In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- 5 Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture.
- 6 Gradually fold in the flour mixture into the wet ingredients.
- 7 Stir in the soaked fruits along with any remaining liquid and the chopped nuts.
- 8 Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
- 9 Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 10 Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
For a richer flavor, soak the fruits for a longer time and use dark brown sugar.