Healthy Plum Cake with Lemon Cashew Icing Recipe

Easy Healthy Plum Cake with Lemon Cashew Icing Recipe That Wows

A healthy plum cake tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant, nutrient-packed promise of delectable indulgence.

Natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients elevate this classic dessert into a guilt-free pleasure.

Soft, moist textures blend seamlessly with bright, zesty undertones that dance across your palate.

Nutritional profiles elevate this cake beyond traditional sugary treats, offering a mindful approach to satisfying sweet cravings.

Each carefully crafted slice represents a harmonious balance between wellness and culinary creativity.

Seasonal fruits and thoughtful ingredient selections contribute to an extraordinary gastronomic experience that nourishes body and soul.

The culinary magic happens when nutritious components merge into a delightful, satisfying dessert.

The Magic Behind Plum Cake with Cashew Icing

  • Savor Wholesome Nutrition: This cake packs a powerful punch of healthy ingredients like whole wheat flour, almond flour, and dates, transforming a classic dessert into a nourishing treat that supports your wellness goals.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Fruit Elegance: Plump, juicy plums arranged beautifully on top create a stunning visual presentation while delivering natural sweetness and a burst of seasonal flavor that makes every slice feel special.
  • Experience Texture Harmony: The soft, moist cake base contrasts perfectly with crunchy cashew toppings and smooth lemon cashew icing, delivering a delightful sensory experience that keeps your taste buds excited with each bite.
  • Craft Effortless Gourmet Dessert: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe allows home bakers of all skill levels to create a sophisticated dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

Healthy Plum Cake Ingredient Checklist

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Butter, Coconut Sugar: Smooth and sweet base for the cake, rich and creamy texture with natural sweetness.
  • Eggs: Binding agent providing structure and moisture to the cake.
  • Whole Wheat Flour, Almond Flour: Nutritious flours with nutty flavor and healthy profile.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates light texture.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice adding depth and aromatic flavor.
Fruit and Nut Ingredients:
  • Dates: Natural sweetener with chewy texture and caramel-like taste.
  • Plums: Fresh fruit providing moisture and natural tartness to the cake.
  • Cashews: Crunchy topping with rich, buttery flavor.
Icing Ingredients:
  • Cashew Butter: Creamy base for smooth, nutty icing.
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener with rich, caramel-like flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy note to balance sweetness.
  • Almond Milk: Helps adjust icing consistency and adds subtle nuttiness.

Baking Instructions for Plum Cake with Lemon Icing

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grab a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with baking paper. Lightly butter the sides to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whip together butter and coconut sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Crack eggs into the butter mixture one at a time. Beat thoroughly after each addition to create a silky, well-incorporated batter.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the dry ingredients:
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Almond flour
  • Baking soda
  • Cinnamon

Ensure everything is evenly mixed without overmixing.

Step 5: Incorporate Dates

Stir in the chopped dates, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange sliced plums in a beautiful circular pattern, gently pressing them into the batter.

Step 7: Add Cashew Topping

Sprinkle halved cashews across the top of the cake for a delightful crunch.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. Carefully remove from the springform pan.

Step 10: Prepare Lemon Cashew Icing

In a small bowl, combine:
  • Cashew butter
  • Maple syrup
  • Lemon juice

Step 11: Adjust Icing Consistency

Slowly add almond milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the perfect drizzling consistency.

Step 12: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the lemon cashew icing over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy this wholesome, delicious treat!

Tips for Moist Cake and Creamy Frosting

  • Select Ripe Plums: Choose plums that are firm but slightly soft when gently pressed, ensuring maximum flavor and sweetness in the cake.
  • Prevent Fruit Sinking: Toss chopped dates and sliced plums in a little flour before adding to the batter to help them stay suspended during baking.
  • Master Moisture Balance: Use room temperature eggs and butter to create a smoother, more evenly textured cake that doesn't become dry.
  • Check Cake Doneness: Insert a toothpick at a slight angle to ensure it comes out clean, avoiding underbaked areas in the center.
  • Customize Icing Texture: Add almond milk gradually to control the icing's thickness, creating a perfectly drizzleable or spreadable consistency.

Keeping Plum Cake Soft and Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store the plum cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Freeze: Slice the cake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake stays fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small splash of almond milk to restore moisture if the cake seems dry.

Flavors That Complement Plum Cake Best

  • Brew a Citrus Tea Companion: Steep a light green tea or jasmine tea to complement the cake's subtle sweetness and enhance the lemon notes in the icing. The delicate floral and citrus undertones will dance perfectly with the plum and cashew flavors.
  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Yogurt: Serve a dollop of smooth, cold Greek yogurt alongside the cake. Its tangy freshness will balance the cake's warmth and provide a delightful contrast to the rich cashew icing.
  • Create a Nutty Wine Match: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweet undertones. These wines offer a wonderful harmony with the cake's nutty cashew elements and fruity plum character, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
  • Sprinkle Toasted Almond Crunch: Garnish the plate with lightly toasted almond slivers to add extra texture and echo the cake's almond flour base, giving each bite an enhanced nutty complexity.

Ways to Switch Up Plum Cake with Cashew Icing

  • Berry Blast Plum Cake: Swap plums with mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that adds nutritional variety.
  • Nutty Caramel Dream: Replace cashew halves with pecans and drizzle a light caramel sauce over the lemon cashew icing for rich, indulgent notes.
  • Tropical Paradise Remix: Incorporate shredded coconut into the cake batter and top with diced mango and passion fruit for a sunny, exotic transformation.
  • Autumn Spice Edition: Add ground nutmeg and ginger alongside cinnamon, then use pears instead of plums to create a warm, seasonal comfort cake.
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Healthy Plum Cake with Lemon Cashew Icing Recipe

Healthy Plum Cake with Lemon Cashew Icing Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Plum cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate with a wholesome twist. Delicate cashew icing crowns this nourishing dessert, inviting you to savor each rich, naturally sweet slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) cashew butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) almond milk, or more as needed

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper, ensuring smooth sides for easy cake release.
  2. Cream together softened butter and coconut sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy texture with delicate peaks.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, whisking vigorously after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous batter.
  4. Gently fold whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon into the wet mixture, maintaining a light, consistent texture.
  5. Delicately mix chopped dates throughout the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure balanced flavor in each slice.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even surface, then artfully arrange plum slices in a radial pattern, pressing them slightly into the mixture.
  7. Scatter halved cashews across the cake’s surface for added crunch and visual appeal.
  8. Place the cake in a preheated oven at 325°F and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center.
  9. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for approximately 20 minutes, then carefully release from the springform pan.
  10. Prepare the lemon cashew icing by blending cashew butter, maple syrup, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl.
  11. Gradually introduce almond milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the icing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
  12. Drizzle the vibrant icing over the completely cooled cake, creating an elegant and appetizing finish.

Notes

  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing and optimal texture.
  • Use ripe, soft plums for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color in the cake.
  • The cashew icing adds a creamy, tangy finish that balances the cake’s subtle sweetness.
  • Gently press plum slices into the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before adding icing to prevent melting and maintain structure.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 145
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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