Twinkling lights, cozy vibes, and the air filled with excitement. Families and friends gather, sharing stories and delicious food. And in the middle of all this holiday buzz, there’s one superstar dessert—the Christmas rum plum cake recipe. It’s not just any cake, it’s a special treat filled with yummy fruits, spices, and a touch of rum. This cake isn’t just about eating—it’s a tradition, a way to remember the good times, and a reason to come together.
Ingredients
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1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, chopped dates, chopped apricots, cranberries, etc.)
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1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
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1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
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1/2 cup pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
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1 cup rum
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1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
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2 eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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Zest of 1 orange (optional)
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Pinch of salt
How To Make Plum Cake With Rum?
Here’s a healthier version of a Christmas plum cake with rum that incorporates some nutritious ingredients while enjoying the holidays:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. Optionally, you can soak these in a small amount of rum overnight for added moisture and flavor.
- In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, orange zest (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruits and nuts into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
Fun Facts About Christmas Cake
- People soak the dry fruits in rum for over a month to get the flavor right but those who are bounded with time can try this quick method of soaking dry fruits.
- Remember the longer you let the dry fruit soak in rum the better the taste becomes.
- This healthier version of the Christmas rum plum cake includes ingredients such as whole wheat flour (or almond flour for gluten-free), nuts, and dried fruits that provide various nutrients like fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Nutritional Value For Rum Plum Cake Recipe
The nutritional value of a slice of Christmas plum cake recipe can vary based on the specific ingredients used and the size of the slice.
However, I can provide you with an approximate estimation based on a healthier version of the cake made with whole wheat flour, nuts, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners.
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per slice (1/12th of the cake, 120 grams ) for a healthier version of plum cake with rum:
| Nutrient | Amount per slice (120 Grams) |
| Calories | 200-250 kcal |
| Fat | 8-10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35 grams |
| Fiber | 3-5 grams |
| Protein | 4-6 grams |
Health Benefits Of Christmas Rum Plum Cake
Christmas cakes are loaded with nuts and dry fruits. Hence if you healthily bake them, you can enjoy their health benefits too:
1. Nutrient Density: Nuts and dry fruits are packed with essential nutrients. For instance:
- Nuts like almonds and walnuts contain protein, vital for cell repair and growth.
- Nuts are a source of healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, beneficial for heart health.
- Dry fruits like raisins, apricots, and prunes provide vitamins (like vitamins A, C, E) and minerals (such as potassium, magnesium, and iron).
2. Heart Health: The nuts in the rum plum cake recipe, particularly almonds and walnuts, contain unsaturated fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease when consumed within a limit.
3. Antioxidants: Dry fruits are rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases.
4. Fiber Content: Some dry fruits like prunes, figs, and raisins are high in dietary fiber which is good for digestion, and promotes gut health by supporting beneficial gut bacteria.
5. Vitamin E Source: Nuts, especially almonds, are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health, protects cells from damage, and helps maintain healthy eyes.
6. Energy Boost: The natural sugars and carbohydrates in dry fruits provide a quick energy boost. They can be beneficial for refueling during periods of exertion or when feeling fatigued.
Benefits Of Rum In The Cake:
- Flavor Enhancement: Rum adds a distinct flavor and aroma to the cake. The alcohol helps extract and intensify the flavors of the dried fruits, creating a richer and more complex taste profile.
- Preservation: The alcohol in rum acts as a preservative. When used to soak the dry fruits before baking, it can help extend the cake’s shelf life by inhibiting the growth of certain microbes and preventing spoilage.
