If you’re after a show-stopping, fruit-filled dessert that’s equal parts homey comfort and special occasion treat, look no further than Spiced Plum Custard Cake. This beauty features tender, jewel-toned plums nestled in a creamy, gently spiced custard, all with a golden, delicate crumb beneath. It’s that rare cake that’s easy to whip up but always elicits oohs and ahhs, whether you serve it warm from the oven, dusted with powdered sugar, or dressed up with a scoop of ice cream. Once you try your hand at Spiced Plum Custard Cake, it’s certain to become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh plums, you’ll create layers of flavor, texture, and beautiful color. Each ingredient in this Spiced Plum Custard Cake plays an essential part, from deep, juicy plum slices to a whisper of warming spices and the magic of melted butter.
- Fresh plums (1 lb, pitted and sliced): Choose ripe but firm plums for bold color and a sweet-tart juiciness that softens perfectly as the cake bakes.
- Granulated sugar (1 tbsp for plums, 1 cup for cake): Brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness and balances the custard, with just a hint added to coat the plums.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Adds a cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with stone fruit.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates the tender structure underneath the custard and fruit.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Gives your cake lift and lightness.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a pinch sharpens and enhances every other flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Gives depth and a gentle spice that tastes wonderful in custard desserts.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding and setting the silky custard layer.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Delivers richness and ensures the custard bakes up creamy and soft.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds floral-sweet notes and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Unsalted butter, melted (4 tbsp): Gives the cake a luxurious, moist crumb and a golden finish.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): For an elegant final touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Spiced Plum Custard Cake
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it preheats, grease a 9-inch round cake pan or pie dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Preparing your pan ahead gives you time to focus on building flavor in every element of your Spiced Plum Custard Cake.
Step 2: Spice the Plums
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced plums with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and the cinnamon. Toss them gently so every piece is coated — this not only flavors the fruit but also encourages a bit of syrupy juiciness, which will swirl beautifully as the cake bakes.
Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. This simple mixture forms the backbone for the custard, ensuring the finished cake is soft and subtly spiced in every bite.
Step 4: Mix the Custard Base
Grab a different bowl for the wet ingredients. Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until everything is smooth and thoroughly combined. This is where the magic begins — the combination of eggs and milk will set to a creamy, dreamy custard in the oven.
Step 5: Combine & Pour the Batter
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, whisking gently until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top if needed, creating an even bed for the fruit.
Step 6: Arrange the Plums
Carefully arrange the spiced plum slices on top of the batter. Don’t worry if some sink slightly or nestle together — their juices will seep into the custard, creating pockets of tangy, vibrant flavor every time you slice the cake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The cake is ready when it’s puffed and golden at the edges, with a center that’s just set and still a touch wobbly. Let it cool for a few minutes so the custard settles and slices cleanly.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
If you’d like, dust the top with powdered sugar. Serve your Spiced Plum Custard Cake warm or at room temperature for ultimate flavor and comfort.
How to Serve Spiced Plum Custard Cake
Garnishes
A light powdering of sifted powdered sugar adds a dainty, bakery-style finish that’s hard to resist. For even more flair, add a swirl of softly whipped cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top. The cool creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm spice and tart plums.
Side Dishes
Pair your Spiced Plum Custard Cake with a cup of fragrant black tea, a French press of strong coffee, or even a glass of chilled dessert wine. If you’re seeking something fresh and light, a crisp fruit salad or citrus segments also strike a lovely balance beside a rich, custardy slice.
Creative Ways to Present
To make dessert even more memorable, try slicing the cake into wedges and serving each piece on vintage plates with a scatter of toasted almonds or pistachios. For gatherings, cut into bite-sized bars and serve on a platter for easy sharing. You can even layer cubes of the cake with whipped cream and extra plums in parfait glasses for a stunning trifle-style treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Spiced Plum Custard Cake can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. As the cake chills, the flavors meld together, and the creamy texture remains just as delightful. If you like cold custard, it tastes fantastic straight from the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze individual slices of Spiced Plum Custard Cake, tightly wrapped in plastic or foil, for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator so the custard regains its smooth, tender crumb without becoming soggy.
Reheating
To reheat, place a slice on a plate and warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or heat in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back that just-baked warmth and coaxes every bit of flavor out of the plums and custard.
FAQs
Can I use different fruits in this Spiced Plum Custard Cake?
Absolutely! While plums are especially delicious, you can swap them for peaches, apricots, nectarines, or even cherries. Each fruit will lend a unique twist, but the warm spices and custard base are delicious with almost any seasonal stone fruit.
What type Dessert
Red or black plums give the prettiest color and pleasing tartness, but any ripe, firm plum can be used. Smaller plums like Italian prune plums are also wonderful, offering a slightly sweeter, almost jammy result as they bake.
Can I make this Spiced Plum Custard Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the standard flour. The custard and fruit layers will still shine, and you’ll have an equally gorgeous, gluten-free dessert.
Do I have to serve this cake warm?
Not at all! Spiced Plum Custard Cake is delicious both warm and at room temperature. Some even prefer it chilled, as the custard sets up to a creamy texture and the flavors deepen overnight.
Why is my cake a bit wobbly in the center after baking?
A little wobble is perfect — it means the custard will be silky and moist, not overcooked. The cake will continue to set as it cools, resulting in a luscious, creamy center that contrasts with the tender crumb and soft baked fruit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both striking and irresistibly cozy, give Spiced Plum Custard Cake a place at your table. With just a few simple, honest ingredients, you’ll create something far more than the sum of its parts. I hope you fall in love with its tender fruit, creamy custard, and hint of spice — and maybe even make it your own signature treat!
Print
Spiced Plum Custard Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Spiced Plum Custard Cake, where sweet plums meet a luscious custard base with a hint of spice. Perfect for a cozy dessert or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the Spiced Plums:
- 1 pound fresh plums, pitted and sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or pie dish.
- Prepare the Plums: Toss the sliced plums with 1 tablespoon sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour batter into the pan, arrange spiced plums on top. Bake for 45-50 minutes until set. Cool, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.
Notes
- This cake pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Experiment with different fruits like peaches or apricots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
