Delightful Plum Cake with Crumble Topping Recipe

I absolutely love this Delightful Plum Cake with Crumble Topping Recipe because it perfectly blends the juicy tartness of fresh plums with a buttery, tender cake base and a sweet, crunchy crumble on top. It’s one of those desserts that feels both comforting and a little fancy, making it a wonderful treat for weekend brunches or cozy afternoon teas. Whenever I bake this, the whole kitchen fills with this amazing mix of vanilla, cinnamon, and fresh fruit scents that just invite everyone to gather around.

You’ll find that this plum cake works especially well when plums are in season, bringing out the best natural flavors, but even frozen plums do the trick if you adjust for moisture. The crumble topping adds a fantastic texture contrast that makes every bite delightful—hence why I’ve made it my go-to recipe when I want something a bit special but still straightforward to pull together.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a special role in making this Delightful Plum Cake with Crumble Topping Recipe sing. From the buttery softness of the cake to the fresh plums’ tang, it’s all about layering simple flavors for a stunning result. Make sure to grab fresh plums if possible, as they add the best texture and flavor.

• Plain flour: The foundation for both the cake and crumble—use good quality for the best texture.
• Baking powder: Gives the cake that lovely rise and fluffiness you want in every bite.
• Superfine/caster sugar: Dissolves beautifully in batter and topping, creating even sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, rich aroma—don’t skip this as it deepens the flavor.
• Lemon zest: Brightens the cake and balances the sweetness with a fresh citrus kick.
• Butter (softened): Key to a tender cake and crumbly topping—make sure it’s softened, not melted.
• Eggs (room temperature): They bind everything together and add richness.
• Plums (washed and halved): The star fruit here—look for ripe but firm plums to keep a nice texture.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the crumble with a gentle warmth that complements the plums perfectly.

Variations

I love how flexible this Delightful Plum Cake with Crumble Topping Recipe is, so I often play around with it depending on the season or what I have handy. It’s a great base recipe you can easily personalize.

• Spiced Up: Once, I added a pinch of nutmeg and cloves to the crumble for a cozy fall twist that my family adored.
• Mixed Berries: Substituting plums with mixed berries can make for a tangier flavor that still works beautifully with the crumble topping.
• Gluten-Free: I’ve successfully swapped plain flour for a gluten-free blend for friends with dietary needs without compromising texture.
• Vegan Version: Using vegan butter and a flax egg works well if you want to keep this recipe plant-based.

How to Make Delightful Plum Cake with Crumble Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Tin

Preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) is crucial for even baking—so set this first and give yourself space. Greaseproof a springform cake tin (ideally 20cm or 8 inches) for an easy release later. I learned that using a springform really helps avoid any cake breakage when you remove it, especially with juicy fruit involved, so trust me on this one.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients for the Cake

In a bowl, stir together plain flour and baking powder. This ensures the raising agent is distributed evenly—one of those little steps that pays off in fluffier cake. Set this aside and get ready for the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients with Dry

Add the superfine sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, softened butter, and eggs to the bowl with dry ingredients. I like to use a low-speed mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon here. Mix until the batter comes together smoothly and you don’t see any flour at the bottom of your bowl. It should be soft but hold its shape when scooped.

Step 4: Arrange the Plums

Pour the batter into your prepared tin and smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Now press the plums cut side down into the batter in a single layer so every slice gets a juicy chunk of fruit. The fruit slightly sinks in during baking, which is exactly what you want for neat slices and balanced flavor.

Step 5: Craft the Crumble Topping

For the crumble, mix plain flour, superfine sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Add the cubed softened butter and cut it into the dry ingredients until the mix looks like chunky breadcrumbs. This part is so satisfying—I love rubbing the butter in by hand to get just the right texture.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy

Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the plums and bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end—you’re aiming for a lightly golden top and a set cake center. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the tin so it holds together beautifully. Then slice up and enjoy!

How to Serve Delightful Plum Cake with Crumble Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple because the cake shines on its own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar looks gorgeous and adds a touch of sweetness. Sometimes, I dollop on freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if I want to turn it into a more indulgent dessert. A sprig of fresh mint can also brighten up the plate beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal afternoon treat. For a brunch spread, try it alongside some creamy Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey or with a bowl of fresh berries to complement the plum flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this plum cake in rustic wedges on wooden boards with tiny bowls of extra crumble nearby so guests can add more if they want. Another fun idea is plating individual portions with a swirl of plum compote or warm caramel sauce. It’s small touches like these that turn it into a memorable dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, and the cake remains moist and flavorful. Beyond that, I pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh but let it come to room temperature before eating to enjoy the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing slices of this plum cake works well—wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When I’ve done this, the cake thaws beautifully overnight in the fridge without losing its gorgeous texture or crumble crunch. It’s perfect for prepping ahead or saving some for later indulgence.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I gently reheat slices in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 10-15 minutes. This revives the crumble’s crispness and softens the cake slightly, making it taste freshly baked again. Just avoid the microwave if you want to keep that texture contrast intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Delightful Plum Cake with Crumble Topping Recipe a try soon! It’s really become one of those easy but show-stopper treats I reach for whenever I want to impress without stress. Trust me, once you taste that combination of juicy plums, buttery cake, and crunchy crumble, you’ll be hooked. So gather your ingredients, have fun in the kitchen, and enjoy the wonderful smells and smiles this recipe brings to the table.

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