Name: Plum and Cream Cheese Tray Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 5 ripe plums, approx 300g, cut and pitted; 150g butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar (approx 200g); 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla essence; 2 cups self-raising flour (approx 260g); 1 tsp cinnamon; 225g cream cheese, softened; 3 Tbsp brown sugar (approx 45g)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 7 reviews

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Plum and Cream Cheese Tray Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of juicy, tender plums nestled in a moist, fluffy cake with pockets of creamy, sweetened cream cheese swirled throughout. Each bite offers a perfect balance of fruity brightness and indulgent richness that’s just impossible to resist. Whether you’re making it for a casual afternoon tea or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to bake and share.

Ingredients You'll Need

A square piece of cake is on a white floral plate. The cake has three layers: a soft brown cake base, a thin bottom layer of red fruit, and a thick top layer of creamy white frosting with pieces of red and yellow fruit on top. A small piece of the cake is on a gold fork resting on the plate. In the background, more cut pieces of the same cake are on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Plum and Cream Cheese Tray Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building its irresistible flavor, texture, and color, making it both straightforward and rewarding to prepare.

Ripe plums (approx 300g): Choose juicy, perfectly ripe ones for sweet, tender bursts in every bite.
Butter (150g, softened): Adds richness and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
Brown sugar (1 cup): Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor.
Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and give the cake structure and lift.
Vanilla essence (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic notes.
Self-raising flour (2 cups): The base of the cake, providing a light and tender crumb.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): Offers a warm spice that complements the plum’s sweetness perfectly.
Cream cheese (225g, softened): Creates rich, tangy swirls that add a luxurious texture contrast.
Brown sugar (3 tablespoon for cream cheese): Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right without overpowering it.

How to Make Plum and Cream Cheese Tray Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your baking environment

Start by preheating your oven to 170°C fan bake and lining a 27 x 17 cm slice tin with baking paper. This step ensures even cooking and easy removal of the cake once it’s baked.

Step 2: Prep the plums

Carefully cut your ripe plums into bite-sized pieces, removing all the stones. Setting these aside is important because you’ll be folding them into your batter and layering them on top later.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar

In a stand mixer bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. This process helps create a tender crumb by incorporating air into the mixture early on.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

Next, add the eggs and vanilla essence to the creamed butter and sugar. Whisk on high speed until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, which means it’s full of air and ready to support a light cake.

Step 5: Combine dry ingredients

Sift the self-raising flour and cinnamon into the wet mixture, then gently mix on low speed. You want to blend everything just enough so your batter stays light and not overworked.

Step 6: Fold in half of the plums

Carefully fold half of the chopped plums into your batter. This distributes the fruity goodness inside the cake so you get vibrant plum pockets in every slice.

Step 7: Prepare the cream cheese swirl

In a bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese with the 3 tablespoons of brown sugar until smooth. Pour the cake batter into your lined tin, then dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top. Use a fork to gently swirl it through the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns.

Step 8: Add the remaining plums

Scatter the rest of the plum pieces generously over the top, pressing each piece slightly into the cream cheese layer. This makes the fruit shine on top and infuses extra sweetness right where you see it.

Step 9: Bake until golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Your cake will be cooked through when it springs back lightly to a gentle touch and the top turns a lovely golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and slice

Let the cake cool completely in the tin before cutting into generous squares. Cooling is essential to help the cream cheese swirl set and the flavors to develop fully.

How to Serve Plum and Cream Cheese Tray Cake Recipe

A wooden board holds a dessert cut into 11 rectangular pieces, each showing a golden-brown crust base topped with a creamy, light beige layer that has scattered red and yellow fruit chunks baked within it. One piece is placed near the top left corner, separate from the rest, and another is slightly pulled away at the bottom right of the cutting board. To the top left, three whole red plums rest on the table. The board sits on a white marbled textured surface with a visible metal knife with a wooden handle lying to the right side. At the bottom left, there is a white plate with a soft pink floral pattern holding two golden forks. A red cloth napkin is partially visible below the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey elevates the look and taste of this tray cake instantly. Fresh plum slices or a sprig of mint can also add a fresh, beautiful touch when serving.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a lighter option, serve with fresh berries or a citrusy fruit salad to complement the plum’s natural sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve this cake on a rustic wooden board with a selection of cheeses and nuts for a dessert charcuterie board. Alternatively, cut the cake into small squares and serve on cocktail sticks for a delightful party nibble.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The cake keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen as it rests.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of this tray cake by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen, it will keep well for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, gently reheat slices in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or until just heated through. Avoid overheating so the cream cheese swirl stays creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of plums?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with various stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, or cherries. Just make sure to adjust sweetness accordingly as some fruits are naturally sweeter than plums.

Is cream cheese necessary?

Cream cheese adds a wonderful tang and creamy texture that balances the sweet, fruity cake. If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta can be good substitutes though the cake will have a slightly different texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free self-raising flour blend, you can enjoy this cake without gluten. Be sure the flour blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the cake’s structure.

What is the best way to slice the cake?

Use a sharp serrated knife and cut gently with a sawing motion to avoid squishing the cream cheese swirl and delicate plums. Cooling the cake completely before slicing helps a lot.

How ripened should the plums be?

The plums should be ripe enough to be sweet and tender but still firm enough to hold their shape during baking. Overripe plums might turn mushy and release too much juice, making the cake soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Plum and Cream Cheese Tray Cake Recipe is one of those joyful, soul-satisfying desserts that bring comfort and a smile with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying it out for the first time, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate seasonal fruits and simple ingredients. Give it a go and watch it become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!