Doris Archer'S Irish Plum Cake
A rich Irish plum cake featuring dried fruits, candied peel, and a hint of liquor, perfect for festive occasions or cozy gatherings with a moist, flavorful crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the flour, baking powder, currants, raisins, and candied peel together.
- Rub in the butter or lard until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the eggs, sugar, and enough sour or fresh milk to make a sticky batter.
- Stir in a jigger of rum or liquor into the batter.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 8-inch tin.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature slightly after the first 45 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider soaking the currants and raisins in the rum for a few hours before mixing them into the batter. If you don't have candied peel, you can substitute it with finely chopped dried fruits like apricots or figs. For a lighter texture, ensure you sift the flour and baking powder together before combining with the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Irish plum cake warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful treat for afternoon gatherings or dessert after a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside a fruit compote for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Irish plum cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two weeks. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at a low temperature, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Doris Archer'S Irish Plum Cake contains roughly 937 calories, with 16g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (137% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of liquor instead of rum?
Yes, you can substitute the rum with other liquors like whiskey or brandy. Each will impart a unique flavor to the cake. Just ensure to use a quality liquor to enhance the overall taste of the Irish plum cake.
Is it necessary to use both currants and raisins?
While both currants and raisins contribute to the cake's texture and flavor, you can use just one type if preferred. However, using a mix enhances the complexity of flavors, making it more traditional and delicious.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Irish plum cake actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to wrap it well to keep it moist and fresh. This makes it a great option for preparing in advance for gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).