Rediscover festive delights with a twist: Dried plum cake

Neither gingerbread nor fruitcake. A cake with dried plums may not be part of traditional pastry recipes, but it enhances the festive atmosphere. In the past, when fresh fruits were rarely available at this time of year, baked goods with dried fruits were more common. Maybe it's time to revisit that?

You probably associate dried plums not only with desserts but primarily with healthy eating. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, and vitamins C, E, and K, as well as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and copper. Dried plums are renowned for their beneficial effects on the digestive system because they are rich in fibre. Nutritionists often recommend consuming at least a few of these fruits daily.

Important! Dried plums contain significantly more vitamin A than fresh ones. They have positive effects on eyesight and skin health.

Dried plums work well in oatmeal, yogurt, salads, or smoothies. Occasionally, you can also include them in cakes. Opt for unsulfured and organic fruits that are not chemically processed. In the drying process, blanching plums in boiling water helps remove the natural wax coating, allowing better water evaporation. Dried plums vary in size, softness, and composition. Plums with preservatives are softer because they contain more water, extending their shelf life. Dried plums without preservatives are generally more expensive due to the more complex drying process.

Drunken plum is probably the most well-known cake with these fruits. However, you can use them for a much simpler bake without cream. It's very tasty, with a spicy aroma, and easy to prepare. It makes an excellent gingerbread substitute.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams dried plums,
• 150 grams butter,
• 150 grams cane sugar,
• 3 eggs,
• 250 grams wheat flour,
• 2 teaspoons baking powder,
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon,
• cardamom and cloves to taste, optional,
• 2 tablespoons cocoa,
• rum to taste, optional,
• 100 millilitres milk.

Preparation method:

1. Chop the dried plums into small pieces.
2. Melt the butter, then set it aside to cool.
3. Beat the eggs with the cane sugar until fluffy, then gradually add the melted butter and milk, mixing continuously.
4. Mix the flour, baking powder, cocoa, and spices.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing thoroughly.
6. Add the dried plums and rum to taste if desired.
7. Transfer the batter to a springform pan and place it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius.
8. Bake the cake for about 50 minutes.