Snack cakes hold a special place in the baking world, cherished for their straightforward nature and incredible versatility. They are truly one of the best things you can whip up in the kitchen – simple, comforting cakes that are perfect for enjoying any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast companion, a sophisticated brunch centerpiece, a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, or a charming item for a bake sale, this easy plum cake fits the bill perfectly. While my chocolate walnut snack cake is a perennial favorite, I often find myself craving a more vibrant, fruity version, and that’s where this recipe shines.

This easy yogurt plum cake is designed to be effortlessly simple. It’s a single-layer cake that comes together with minimal fuss, yet the artful arrangement of sliced plums on top lends it an unexpectedly elegant and “fancy” appearance. Achieving that “wow factor” doesn’t have to be complicated; this recipe offers all the visual appeal of a more elaborate dessert, like an upside-down cake, but with significantly less effort and a much quicker preparation time. Its humble origins in a single bowl belie its impressive presentation and delightful taste, making it a truly rewarding bake for both novice and experienced bakers.

If your heart desires even more delicious fruity desserts, you’re in for a treat! Be sure to explore some of our other cherished recipes. You absolutely must try my white chocolate raspberry loaf cake for a blend of sweet and tart, the irresistible blueberry lemon coffee cake that’s perfect with your morning brew, our adorable strawberry mini snack cake for a smaller indulgence, and the fluffy raspberry white chocolate muffins, which are always a hit. Each of these offers a unique fruity experience, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Adore This Simple Yogurt Plum Cake Recipe!

• Only 10 Minutes Prep Time: Imagine a homemade cake that requires just 10 minutes of active preparation before it goes into the oven! This recipe makes it possible. You won’t need a stand mixer or any specialized equipment, just a single bowl and a whisk, making it perfect for busy schedules or spontaneous baking urges.
• Flexible Pan Sizes: This versatile cake recipe is perfectly suited for an 8×8 baking pan, creating lovely square slices. However, if you prefer a different presentation, it can also be baked in a 9-inch round pan, yielding beautiful wedges. The baking time remains consistent, offering you flexibility without compromising on results.
• Effortless One-Bowl Preparation: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! The entire yogurt cake batter comes together in just one bowl. This not only speeds up the baking process but also drastically reduces cleanup, making the whole experience more enjoyable and less of a chore.
• Incredibly Moist & Fluffy: Thanks to the generous addition of full-fat yogurt, this cake boasts an unbelievably soft, tender, and moist crumb. The yogurt contributes richness and a subtle tang that complements the sweet plums beautifully, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
• Elegant Slivered Almond Topping: Just before baking, the cake is adorned with delicate slivered almonds scattered over the sliced plums. This optional addition adds a wonderful textural contrast and a sophisticated touch. I was inspired to incorporate this element after encountering a similar plum and almond cake in Yossy Arefi’s amazing ‘Snacking Cakes’ cookbook, and it truly elevates this simple cake.

Essential Ingredients for Your Plum Yogurt Cake

Crafting this delicious yogurt plum cake requires a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its perfect texture and flavor. Ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature will also make a significant difference in the final outcome of your bake.

• Unsalted Butter: For this recipe, I highly recommend using European-style unsalted butter. Its higher fat content results in a much richer, creamier, and more flavorful cake, contributing significantly to that beloved buttery taste and tender crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake. This recipe has been exclusively tested and perfected using standard all-purpose flour, ensuring consistent results. For best accuracy, I always recommend weighing your flour.
• Full-Fat Yogurt: This is the secret ingredient for an exceptionally moist and tender cake. The acidity and fat content of full-fat yogurt are vital. While sour cream can be used as a substitute if yogurt isn’t available, I strongly advise against using milk, as it will make the batter too thin and impact the cake’s structure.
• Slivered Almonds: These are an entirely optional but highly recommended topping. Scattering them over the plums just before baking adds a wonderful crunch and a nutty aroma that complements the fruit beautifully.
• Fresh Plums: The star of the show! You’ll want to select ripe, firm plums. Remember to pit them and slice them into eighths for an even distribution and an appealing presentation on top of the cake.
• Almond Extract: While optional, a touch of almond extract enhances the overall flavor profile. It creates a beautiful synergy with the natural sweetness of the plums and the nutty notes from the slivered almonds, adding an extra layer of complexity to the cake.

Please refer to the detailed recipe card below for the precise quantities and full information on all ingredients needed to create this delectable cake.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Yogurt Plum Cake

Creating this delicious plum yogurt cake is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bake every time, even if you’re new to baking or short on time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°Fahrenheit (175°Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your cake is ready to bake, promoting even cooking. Next, prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan. Lightly grease it, then line it with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on two opposite sides. This simple trick will provide convenient “handles” to easily lift the delicate cake out of the pan once it has cooled. In a large mixing bowl, melt your unsalted butter. Allow it to cool slightly, then add the white sugar and the two room-temperature eggs. Whisk these ingredients together for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth, slightly pale, and well combined. This initial whisking helps to incorporate air, contributing to the cake’s light texture.

Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients. To the butter, sugar, and egg mixture, add the full-fat yogurt, vanilla extract, and the optional almond extract. Continue whisking gently until the mixture is completely smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly integrated. The yogurt will add a luscious richness and moisture, ensuring a tender cake.

Step 3: Gently Fold in Dry Ingredients. Now, switch from your whisk to a rubber spatula to avoid overmixing. Pour all your dry ingredients—the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda—directly into the wet mixture. Carefully fold the cake batter until just combined, ensuring there are no visible streaks of flour remaining. Be mindful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake. Pour the prepared cake batter into your lined 8×8 inch pan. Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan. Next, artfully arrange your pitted and sliced plums on top of the batter. You can place them organically, as I did for a rustic charm, or arrange them in neat rows for a more organized look. Finally, sprinkle the slivered almonds over the plums, followed by an optional tablespoon of granulated sugar, which will caramelize slightly and add a lovely sparkle. Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This is crucial because the cake is quite delicate when warm, and cooling it in the pan helps it set and prevents it from breaking. Once it has fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the cake out of the baking pan. Slice and enjoy this wonderfully soft and flavorful yogurt plum cake!

Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Plum Cake

Achieving a consistently perfect bake often comes down to a few key techniques. Here are some expert tips to ensure your yogurt plum cake turns out beautifully every single time:

• Accurate Ingredient Measurement: The most significant tip for successful baking is to measure your ingredients accurately. I cannot stress enough the importance of using a kitchen scale and measuring in metric grams. This is by far the most precise method and makes a dramatic difference in the consistency and outcome of your recipe. If you use the recipe card below, simply click on ‘metric’ for the precise measurements.
• Correctly Measuring Flour (If Not Using a Scale): If a kitchen scale isn’t an option, it’s crucial to measure flour correctly to avoid a dry, dense cake. Many people inadvertently pack too much flour into their measuring cups. To prevent this, first, fluff up the flour in its bag or container with a fork or spoon. Then, gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, and finally, level it off with the back of a straight knife or spatula.
• Optimal Plum Slicing: Preparing your plums involves pitting and slicing them. For this cake, I found that slicing them into thinner eighths creates a more delicate presentation and ensures the fruit is evenly distributed throughout each bite. However, if you prefer more substantial, juicy pieces of plum in your cake, feel free to slice them into quarters.
• Lining the Pan for Easy Removal: For the smoothest removal of your baked cake, ensure the parchment paper extends slightly higher than the sides of your baking pan. These ‘handles’ make it incredibly easy to lift the cooled cake out of the pan without any sticking or damage, preserving its beautiful appearance.
• The Importance of Full-Fat Yogurt: To achieve that signature fluffy and moist texture in this plum yogurt cake, sticking to full-fat yogurt is paramount. The fat content contributes richness, while its acidity helps activate the leavening agents, resulting in a tender crumb. While sour cream can be a suitable alternative, I strongly advise against using regular milk, as its lower fat and thicker consistency will make the batter too thin, potentially causing the plums to sink and altering the cake’s structure.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Always ensure all your cold ingredients, such as butter and eggs, are at room temperature before you begin mixing. Room temperature ingredients emulsify more effectively, creating a smoother, more uniform batter that traps air better, leading to a lighter, more tender cake.
• Using a Round Pan: For those who prefer a traditional round cake, this recipe is perfectly adaptable! Simply swap out the 8×8 inch square baking pan for a 9-inch round pan. The baking time will remain the same, providing you with a beautiful, equally delicious round cake.

If you’ve had the pleasure of making this delightful recipe, we’d absolutely love to hear from you! Please make sure to leave a ⭐️ rating and a thoughtful review below. Your feedback helps us improve and encourages other bakers in our community. I always get so excited to see your creations, so don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @alpineella when you share your delicious bakes! You can also follow along for more recipes, tips, and inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and TikTok!

Yogurt Plum Cake

Ella Gilbert

Nutrition