Italian Lemon Plumcake is a moist easy cake, similar to the texture of a Pound Cake. Makes the perfect Breakfast, Snack or Dessert Recipe.
Lemon Plumcake
The first time I tried this cake I was at a friend’s house. She asked if I would like to try a piece of Plumcake.
At first I thanked her and said I had just eaten and I wasn’t hungry at the time, needless to say I didn’t want to admit to the fact that I didn’t like plums.
She said she was sure that since I liked lemons, she was positive I would like it.
Lemons?! I thought, but you called it a Plum cake. That’s when I discovered that Italians call this delicious Loaf Cake a Plumcake.
Or in my opinion this is more of a Pound Cake type of sweet. It was moist with the perfect taste of vanilla and lemon.
Why is it called a Plumcake?
I discovered a few reasons, one being that it is actually a take on the English Plumcake which is actually made with candied fruit, but my favourite …
Is that it was a mispronunciation of the word pound!
Oh well, they might have gotten the pronunciation wrong but they sure got the cake right.
In Italy these simple, tasty and quick cakes are perfect for breakfast or offered with coffee when friends are visiting. Often made with Yogurt or eggs.
I found this Plumcake is a perfect base for some strawberries and whipped cream, an Italian Strawberry shortcake.
Or serve a slice or two for Breakfast with Italian’s favourite Hazelnut spread.
How to Store an Italian Pound Cake
Once the Cake is baked it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
It can also be frozen wrapped and placed in an airtight freezer bag for up to a month.
More Delicious Lemon Desserts
Italian Fresh Cream Lemon Cake
Delicious served plain, dusted with some icing sugar or as a new go-to for a strawberry shortcake. Enjoy!
Italian Lemon Plumcake
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups + 1 tablespoon all purpose flour (180 grams)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
- zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar (125 grams)
- 1/2 cup whole fat vanilla yogurt (125 grams)
- 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (I use corn oil) (125 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350° (180° celsius). Lightly grease and oil a 9 inch (23 cm) loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and zest. Set aside.
- In a large bowl beat on medium speed the eggs and sugar until creamy and light, approximately 5 minutes, then add the yogurt, oil and vanilla combine, add the sifted ingredients, beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
- Spoon into prepared loaf pan. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before serving. Dust with icing sugar if desired. Enjoy!
Susan Elliot says
I made this cake and it was fantastic – thought I would freeze half of it but it didn’t last that long – gone by dinnertime!
I’m now going to try a gluten free version using almond meal(I’ve started using around almonds (skins included) and a little corn flour. I make my family’s favourite IiMK cake like that (easy pear cake) – just with a straight forward substitution and it’s fabulous.
Rosemary says
Hi Susan, thanks so much, let me know how the gluten free turns out. 🙂
Susan says
It was fantastic. The almond meal is finally ground and the skins add a Lille texture. The pear cake quite custards and a great breakfast cake it’s summer here so I added 1/2 cup of real plums to the plum cake Delicious both ways. I find almond meal works better than the GF Flours. Less processed.
Rosemary says
Hi Susan thanks for letting me know, so glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Susan Elliot says
thank you for posting – its a fabulous recipe and will probably be my new “party trick”
Rosemary says
Hi Susan, thanks so much, so glad you like it. Have a great weekend.
Veronica@downcakerylane says
So funny! I think I would feel weird about trying “plum” cake, although I love plums. This pound cake looks so moist and fluffy, my list of recipes to try from your blog is getting too long, lol!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
This would be great to freeze and have on hand in case company dropped by. It would be lovely with cafe or tea. I am definitely making this once I get back North. Mille grazie!