Here’s a delicious and moist Plum Cake recipe perfect for festive occasions like birthdays Christmas, new year or any other family and friend get-togethers. This traditional cake recipe is rich in dried fruits, spices, and nuts making it a delightful treat.
Dried fruit is fruit from which the majority of the original water content has been removed prior to cooking or being eaten on its own. either naturally, Drying may occur by sun, through the use of industrial dehydrators, or by freeze drying. Dried fruit has a long tradition of use dating to the fourth millennium BC in Mesopotamia, and is valued for its sweet taste, nutritional content, and long shelf life.
Have Anti-ageing and Skin-friendly Properties
If dry fruits in face-masks can work wonders, then wouldn’t it make sense to include them in your diet? Radiant and glowing skin and controlling ageing are some of the benefits that dry fruits offer your skin. Almonds and pistachios help remove dead skin cells and walnuts prevent dry skin.
Fight Anaemia and Boost Haemoglobin
Raisins and prunes are rich in iron and are beneficial for those who are anaemic. Dry fruits are packed with nutrients like Vitamin B, minerals like phosphorous and copper, and unsaturated fats that boost the regeneration of blood cells and haemoglobin in the body. Almonds, figs, pistachios and cashew nuts also give energy and build stamina.
Help Maintain a Healthy Heart
Raisins play a significant role in lowering systolic blood pressure. They control cholesterol and reduce inflammatory markers in the body. Almonds contain Vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids that prevent spikes in cholesterol levels and maintain it at a healthy optimum. Brazil nuts keep a check on blood pressure as they are a source of potassium, magnesium and calcium. As you can see, dry fruits and nuts reduce the risk of heart diseases, stroke and heart attacks.
Improve Bone Health
Dried plums support bone formation and they also enhance bone health. Dry fruits also help in improving bone density making the bones stronger and protecting them from excessive wear and tear.
Fight Depression and Anxiety
Dry fruits are a rich source of beta carotene an antioxidant that battles anxiety and depression in people. These antioxidants also improve memory. Dry fruits help to improve sleep and enhance learning and performance.
Are There Any Side Effects of Eating Dried Fruits?
Since dried foods do not contain water, they are packed with concentrated sugar and are high on calories. They also have reduced Vitamin C and lesser antioxidants than fresh fruits. This may pose a threat to our health if not consumed in moderation. Some of the side effects of eating dried fruits are:
- The high sugar content increases the risk of diabetes.
- Dried fruits with the extra calories can be a major reason for weight gain.
- They are also known to augment heart-related issues if consumed in unhealthy quantities.
Sulphites found in dried fruits can cause asthma attacks and also trigger allergies, rashes and stomach cramps in some cases.
How are Dried Fruits Different from Nuts?
There is a very thin line of difference between dried fruits and nuts. Often nuts are referred to as dry fruits and these can be easily confused with dried fruits. In India, the term ‘dry fruits’ is used loosely for both dried fruits and nuts.
Nuts or dry fruits are the seeds found in a seedpod (dehiscent) or those seeds that are not enclosed in a pod (indehiscent). These include cashew, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, etc. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins. They also contain healthy fats essential for our body.
Dried fruits, on the other hand, are fleshy fruits that are dried using various natural or synthetic techniques. Raisins, apricots, dried figs and cherries, dehydrated bananas, kiwis and apples are examples of dried fruits. In addition to vitamins and minerals, dried foods are loaded with antioxidants that boost immunity.
Are Dried Fruits as Healthy as Fresh Fruits?
Fresh fruits are a healthier choice when compared to dried fruits. Their nutrient content is higher and also, their water content also makes them more hydrating. Dried fruits are high on sugar and calories and are best for travelling, hiking and camping or when you are short of time. They are handy snacks that can pack in some energy in a jiffy. You must incorporate both fresh and dried fruits in your diet for a healthier outcome.
What is the Best Time of the Day to Eat Dried Fruits?
Generally, the advantage of dried fruits is that they can be had at any time of the day. However, in order to gain maximum benefits, you must eat them early in the morning. The benefits of eating dry fruits in morning increase manifold if they are soaked the previous night and then consumed.
Are Dried Fruits Good for Diabetic Patients?
Contrary to popular belief, dried fruits and nuts can be consumed by diabetic patients as they are known to prevent diabetes. They are rich in quercetin and other types of polyphenols which make them anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory. But sugar-coated dried fruits or those made with sugar syrup must be necessarily avoided.
Ingredients:
For the Cake
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour/Semolina
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon clove powder
- Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dried Fruits:
- 1 cup black raisins
- ½ cup mixed candied fruits (like cherries and cranberries, blueberry)
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- ¼ cup dates (chopped)
- Cashew 8 numbers
- Almonds 6 numbers
- Few walnuts
- Caramel Syrup:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
For Boiling the Fruits
- Liquid:
- 1 cup orange juice (or rum for a richer flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with oil or butter.
Step 2: Boil the Dried Fruits
- In a saucepan, combine the dried fruits with 1 cup of orange juice.
- Heat gently for about 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Step 3: Make Caramel Syrup
- In a separate pan, add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Cook over medium heat until it caramelizes. Allow it to cool.
Step 4: Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the orange zest and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, spices).
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined.
- Stir in the boiled dried fruits and caramel syrup until evenly distributed.
- Add broken mixed nuts (Cashew nuts, badam and walnuts)
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooled, slice and enjoy your moist plum cake! This cake pairs beautifully with tea or coffee and is perfect for festive gatherings.
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