Eggless Plum Cake Recipe - Easy Step‑by‑Step Christmas Guide

Quick Recipe Overview:

This moist and flavorful eggless plum cake is perfect for Christmas celebrations. Loaded with dry fruits soaked in orange juice, warm spices, and completely alcohol-free, it's a healthier take on traditional fruit cakes.

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Nothing captures the spirit of Christmas quite like the warm, spiced aroma of a freshly baked plum cake filling your home. This eggless plum cake recipe delivers all the festive magic without eggs, making it perfect for vegetarian celebrations and those with egg allergies. Packed with jewel-toned dry fruits, aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the bright citrus notes of orange zest, this cake is wonderfully moist and incredibly flavorful. What makes this recipe special is its healthy twist - it's completely alcohol-free, uses natural sweeteners, and can be adapted with whole wheat flour. Whether you're a beginner baker or experienced in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you create a show-stopping Christmas dessert that's both festive and wholesome.

Why You'll Love This Healthy Eggless Plum Cake

Traditional plum cakes are delicious but often loaded with rum and eggs. This version maintains all the rich, fruity flavor while being lighter and more accessible. The secret lies in proper dry fruit soaking (using orange juice instead of alcohol), yogurt for moisture, and a perfect blend of warming spices. You can customize the sweetness level, swap flours for added nutrition, and even bake it without a conventional oven. This christmas plum cake recipe stays fresh for weeks, making it ideal for holiday gifting or enjoying throughout the festive season.

How to Make Eggless Plum Cake – Step by Step

Step 1: Soak the Dry Fruits

Combine all the dry fruits and nuts in a bowl. Pour the orange juice, water, and lemon juice over them. Add orange zest and mix well. Cover and let them soak for at least 2-3 hours or overnight for best results. The fruits will plump up and absorb all those beautiful citrus flavors. Drain excess liquid before using (save it for brushing the cake later).

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan thoroughly with oil or butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper and dust the sides with flour. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom powders. Whisk everything together until well combined. Add the orange zest and mix again. The spices should be evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 4: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the oil and sugar until the sugar starts to dissolve slightly. Add the yogurt and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy. The yogurt acts as the egg replacement, providing moisture and helping the cake rise beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Use a folding motion rather than vigorous stirring to keep the batter light and airy. Mix until just combined—you should see no dry flour pockets, but don't overmix as this can make the cake dense. If the batter seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve a dropping consistency.

Step 6: Add Fruits and Bake

Fold in the soaked and drained dry fruits and nuts, reserving a few for topping. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange the reserved fruits and nuts on top for decoration. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 50-55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. If you saved the soaking liquid, brush it over the warm cake for extra moisture and flavor. Turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely. The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Healthy Tips & Delicious Variations

Make It Healthier:

• Natural Sweeteners: Replace refined sugar with jaggery powder or coconut sugar for added minerals and a deeper caramel flavor. Find quality options in our sweeteners collection. • Whole Grain Flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. The cake will be slightly denser but more nutritious. • Oil Alternatives: Use melted ghee or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor profile.

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Flavor Variations:

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• Spice Level: Increase cinnamon to 2 teaspoons if you love strong spice notes, or add ¼ teaspoon clove powder. • Citrus Options: Try lemon zest instead of orange, or mix both for complex citrus brightness. • Chocolate Twist: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate plum cake variation.

Alternative Baking Methods:

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• Microwave Convection: Bake at 160°C for 45-50 minutes in convection mode. • Stovetop Method: Use a heavy-bottomed pan with a stand. Preheat for 10 minutes on low flame, then bake for 50-60 minutes covered. • Pressure Cooker: Remove the whistle and gasket, add salt to the bottom, and bake for 45-50 minutes on low flame.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of maida?

Yes, absolutely! You can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to make this healthy eggless plum cake. Use whole wheat pastry flour for the lightest texture, or regular whole wheat flour works too. The cake will have a slightly denser crumb and nuttier flavor, but it's equally delicious and more nutritious. You may need to add an extra tablespoon of liquid as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.

Can I bake this cake without an oven?

Definitely! This step by step plum cake recipe adapts beautifully to stovetop baking. Use a large heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker (without the whistle). Place a stand or ring inside, preheat on low flame for 10 minutes, then place your cake pan on the stand. Cover and bake on the lowest flame for 50-60 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness. Microwave convection ovens also work perfectly at 160°C for 45-50 minutes.

Do I need to soak dry fruits overnight?

While overnight soaking gives the best results, it's not mandatory for this eggless fruit cake recipe. A minimum of 2-3 hours allows the fruits to absorb the citrus juices and plump up nicely. If you're short on time, you can quick-soak by warming the juice mixture slightly and soaking for at least 1 hour. However, overnight soaking develops deeper flavors and ensures perfectly tender fruits in your cake.

Can I use canned orange juice?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but yes, you can use store-bought 100% orange juice as a substitute. Avoid orange drinks with added sugar or artificial flavors. Fresh juice provides natural enzymes and brighter citrus notes that really elevate this plum cake without rum. If using canned juice, add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice to enhance the citrus brightness.

How long will this cake stay fresh?

This eggless plum cake stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored properly. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavors actually improve over the first few days as they mature. Brush with the reserved soaking liquid or orange juice every few days to maintain moisture.

Can I replace oil with ghee or butter?

Absolutely! Melted ghee or unsalted butter works beautifully in this christmas plum cake recipe. Use the same quantity (½ cup). Ghee adds a wonderful richness and traditional flavor. Butter gives a slightly different texture but is equally delicious. Make sure butter or ghee is melted and cooled to room temperature before mixing with other wet ingredients to avoid curdling the yogurt.

What are serving suggestions for eggless plum cake?

This festive cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further. Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream or custard for a decadent dessert. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Pair with hot tea, coffee, or mulled wine for cozy Christmas evenings. It also makes wonderful edible gifts - wrap individual slices in parchment paper and festive ribbon. Toast leftover slices and spread with butter for a delightful breakfast treat.

Approximate Nutrition Information

Per Slice (1/12 of cake): Calories: 285 kcal Total Fat: 12g Carbohydrates: 42g Dietary Fiber: 2g Sugars: 24g Protein: 4g

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Note: Nutrition values are approximate and vary based on specific ingredients used. Using whole wheat flour and jaggery will alter the nutritional profile.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This eggless plum cake actually improves with age, making it perfect for advance preparation:

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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. Refrigeration: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor. Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Pro Tip: Brush the cake with reserved soaking liquid or fresh orange juice every 3-4 days to keep it moist and enhance flavors. This mimics the traditional practice of "feeding" fruit cakes with alcohol.

Share Your Baking Success!

We'd love to see your beautiful eggless plum cakes! Share your photos on Instagram and tag us @worldofnourish with the hashtag #NourishChristmasBaking. Did you try any variations? Leave a comment below sharing your experience. Your feedback helps other bakers and inspires our community!

Final Thoughts

This eggless plum cake recipe proves that you don't need eggs or alcohol to create a stunning Christmas centerpiece. With simple ingredients, clear instructions, and room for healthy adaptations, it's a recipe you'll return to year after year. The combination of citrus-soaked fruits, warming spices, and moist crumb creates a cake that's both nostalgic and wonderfully modern. Whether you're baking for a Christmas party, gifting to loved ones, or simply enjoying with your evening tea, this healthy eggless plum cake delivers on flavor, texture, and festive spirit. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and delicious homemade treats!