Plum cake

Plum cake refers to a wide range of cakes made with either dried fruit (such as currants, raisins, or prunes) or with fresh fruit. There is a wide range of popular plum cakes and puddings. Since the meaning of the word "plum" has changed over time, many items referred to as plum cakes and popular in England since at least the eighteenth century have now become known as fruitcake.

History

The early plum cake was made with fresh plums. The term "plum" in the name of this cake used to refer to prunes, raisins or currants, which were often used as ingredients. In the 18th century, plums were referred to as raisins or other dried fruits. The name "plum cake" has stuck, even though many modern recipes do not actually include plums.

Varieties

There are many varieties of plum cake worldwide. In England, the plum cake associated with the holiday season is the Christmas cake, which is a rich fruitcake that is covered with marzipan and icing. In Germany, a popular variety of plum cake is the Zwetschgenkuchen, a yeast dough cake that is topped with Italian plums. In India, the plum cake is associated with Christmas, but is also enjoyed year-round.

Ingredients and Preparation

The basic ingredients of a plum cake are flour, sugar, and eggs. The distinguishing ingredient is the fruit. The fruit can be fresh, but more commonly dried fruit is used. The dried fruit is usually soaked in alcohol (often rum) before it is added to the batter. The cake is often topped with a glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, plum cake is a staple of holiday celebrations. In England, it is often served at Christmas time. In Germany, it is often served in the fall when Italian plums are in season. In India, it is often served at Christmas time, but is also enjoyed year-round.