Plum cake and fruit cake may look similar but they are not necessarily the same. The major differences are in preparation methods and ingredients used for each cake. Fruit cake is traditionally prepared with dried or candied fruits while plum cake can be prepared with different dry fruits, nuts, spices, caramel and other ingredients. The name “plum cake” can also be confusing since traditionally many plum cakes do not actually contain fresh plums. In many cases the term is used for cakes with dried fruits such as raisins and other preserved fruits.
The difference can also be noticed in the taste and texture. The fruit cake has a more pronounced sweet flavor due to a large amount of dried or candied fruits. Depending on the recipe, the plum cake, especially the Kerala-style one, may well be softer and more airy in texture. Moreover, the addition of various dry fruits, nuts, and spices will give this dessert a more complex flavor and a spicy note. By the way, spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg are often used in the preparation of the plum cake, which also affects its flavor and aroma.
Yet another difference lies in how one chooses the cake depending on the occasion, as fruit cake would be the most appropriate option for someone who wants a moderately sweet cake that is packed with fruits. On the other hand, plum cake can be a better choice for those who would love to experience various flavors of fruits, nuts, and spices. Plum cake is commonly enjoyed during Christmas and holidays; however, it is equally delicious with tea anytime of the year. Rather than guessing the type of cake through its name, it is better to see the contents of the cake in terms of weight and flavor.
The plum cake at Mathai’s Cakes has been prepared using a mixture of ingredients like cashew nuts, tutti frutti, dried grapes, cherries, dates, and different kinds of spices like cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. These ingredients provide their unique texture, aroma, and taste to the plum cake. Therefore, while talking about the plum cake and the fruit cake, there can be no right answer to which is better between the two. It is subjective to one’s preferences and tastes.