Classic loaf cake
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Prep time: 20 min
- Cook time: 50 min
- Serving: 8
- Cost: Average
PRESENTATION
Classic plum cake is one of those treats that makes breakfast feel extra special. For real. This moist and tender loaf comes straight from the United Kingdom, finding its way to countless family tables over time. The traditional plum cake recipe really focuses on simple ingredients done well: eggs, flour, sugar, and a touch of lemon zest for that fresh kick. The secret? You gotta get the mixture super fluffy. And look, that gives you a high, spongy texture with a main dome and a golden crack right down the center.
You can dress it up or down—a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of chocolate chips, or maybe a little orange peel for a twist. And truthfully, this cake doesn't need much to taste really good. Pairs perfectly with whatever you’re drinking in the morning. Seriously good.
During breakfast, you'll often see this homemade plum cake sliced thick and shared around the table. Kids might grab a piece after school, while adults appreciate its not-too-sweet nature. Still feels like a treat. Some folks compare it to a German cake like Pflaumenkuchen or Zwetschgenkuchen, but the British version keeps things straightforward. No fancy toppings needed. And here's the thing: what makes this cake so handy is how quickly you can pull it together. Plus, it’s easy to swap in ingredients you have on hand, like adding a bit of orange zest or drizzling on extra glaze.
The soft, airy bite makes it perfect for a quick snack, and there’s something comforting about how the flavors remain simple and honest. If you’re up for a twist, try a plum cake with streusel or a basic fruit cake version—especially in summer when stone fruits are abundant. Really really nice. No matter how you make it, the smell of a fresh, warm loaf in the kitchen just says, “Let’s slow down and enjoy a piece together.” Whether for breakfast, snack time, or a casual get-together, this classic plum cake is sure to bring everyone to the table. Pretty much.
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- INGREDIENTS
- Ingredients for a 9 7/8 x 4 1/3 in loaf pan (25x11 cm)
- Type 00 flour 2 cups (250 g)
- Sugar 1 ¼ cup (250 g)
- Eggs 5.8 oz (165 g) - (3 medium)
- Whole milk ½ cup (130 g)
- Sunflower seed oil 9 ½ tbsp (130 g)
- Baking powder 4 tsp (16 g)
- Lemon peel 1
- Fine salt 1 pinch
How to prepare Classic loaf cake
To prepare the classic loaf cake, start by putting the softened butter and sugar into a bowl 1. Beat with an electric mixer for about ten minutes or until the mixture is light and fluffy 2. Then add the eggs one at a time 3.
Then add a pinch of salt 4, the previously sifted flour 5 and then the sifted baking powder 6.
Fold in the milk 7, grate the lemon zest 8 and add it to the mixture 9.
Mix for a few more moments, just enough to combine all the ingredients well 10. Pour the batter into a loaf pan measuring 9 7/8 x 4 1/3 in (25x11 cm), previously buttered and floured 11. With a bench scraper or an oiled rubber spatula, trace a lengthwise groove down the center 12.
Now all that remains is to bake the loaf cake 13: place the pan on the middle rack of the oven preheated to 374°F (190°C) in conventional (static) mode for 15 minutes, then lower to 338°F (170°C) and switch to fan (convection) mode for another 30–35 minutes 14. When the classic loaf cake is ready, let it cool completely before serving 15.