Eggless Christmas Plum Cake

1. Prepare the Soaked Fruits:

• Mix the dried fruits with orange juice (and rum, if using) in a bowl.
• Cover and let them soak overnight or for at least 6 hours. This enhances the flavors.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a cake tin and line it with parchment paper.

3. Prepare the Caramelized Sugar (Optional):

• Heat 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 tablespoon water on medium flame until it turns deep amber.
• Add 2 tablespoons hot water carefully and mix. Let cool.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, melted butter (or oil), vanilla, and sugar.
• Add the caramelized sugar for a richer flavor (optional).

6. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while alternating with milk.
• Fold gently with a spatula until smooth (don’t overmix!).

7. Add Fruits and Nuts:

• Fold in the soaked fruits and chopped nuts.
• Ensure the fruits are evenly distributed.

8. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared tin.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

9. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes.
• Remove from the tin, let cool completely, and slice.

Tips for the Perfect Eggless Plum Cake

1. Soak the Fruits Well:
   • Soaking fruits overnight = better flavor.
2. Substitute Options:
   • Yogurt = natural egg substitute.
   • Applesauce = adds moisture.
3. Caramelized Sugar:
   • Adds rich color + deeper flavor.
4. Don’t Overmix:
   • Overmixing = dense cake.
5. Check for Doneness:
   • Toothpick should come out clean.
6. Storage:
   • Wrap in cling film and store at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Variations for Eggless Plum Cake

1. Alcohol-Free Version:
   • Replace rum with orange or apple juice.
2. Gluten-Free Plum Cake:
   • Use almond flour or gluten-free flour.
3. Vegan Plum Cake:
   • Replace yogurt with vegan alternatives like coconut yogurt.
   • Use plant-based milk.
4. Extra Spices:
   • Add a pinch of ginger powder or allspice for extra warmth.

Conclusion

This Eggless Christmas Plum Cake is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season without compromising on flavor. Rich, moist, and bursting with dried fruits and nuts, it’s sure to become a holiday tradition.

Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or gifting homemade treats, this recipe delivers a showstopper every time. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let the baking magic begin!

What’s your favorite Christmas cake tradition? Drop it in the comments, and happy baking!

Wishing You a Sweet and Joyous Christmas!