Delight in the festive charm of a **Nut-Free Traditional Plumcake**, a moist and flavorful treat perfect for joyous gatherings or indulgent afternoons. This recipe swaps traditional nuts for a medley of plump dried plums, apricots, and two types of raisins, creating a fruity richness with every bite. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and brightened by orange juice and lemon zest, this plumcake is a symphony of balanced flavors. A gentle simmer of the dried fruits in orange juice ensures they’re irresistibly tender, while the buttery batter bakes to perfection in just 90 minutes. Whether served as a celebratory centerpiece or a comforting slice with tea, this nut-free classic offers a crowd-pleasing alternative for those with nut allergies. Enjoy this easily stored cake for up to five days, keeping the holiday spirit alive all week long!
Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine the dried plums, apricots, golden raisins, and dark raisins with the orange juice. Heat over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes until the fruits absorb the liquid and soften. Set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula to combine. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in the cooled fruit mixture. Add the milk to adjust the consistency of the batter – it should be thick but spoonable.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 80-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover the cake loosely with foil if it begins to brown too quickly.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve as a dessert or with tea. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Serving size | 1522.7 grams (1522.7g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 4734 |
Total Fat 187.90g | 241% |
Saturated Fat 110.80g | 554% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g | |
Cholesterol 1185mg | 395% |
Sodium 2216mg | 96% |
Total Carbohydrate 739.80g | 269% |
Dietary Fiber 35.50g | 127% |
Total Sugars 460.50g | |
Protein 68.40g | 137% |
Vitamin D 187IU | 933% |
Calcium 586mg | 45% |
Iron 23mg | 126% |
Potassium 4823mg | 103% |
Source of Calories