Home » Cakes & Cupcakes » Plum Yogurt Cake

Plum Yogurt Cake

A delicious Plum Yogurt Cake made with Greek yogurt, olive oil and juicy sliced plums baked into a soft, moist cake. Made in one bowl and ready in around 30 minutes, it’s perfect for dessert, afternoon tea or sharing with friends and family.

Overhead image of plum cake with slices taken out

Plum yogurt cake

The cake itself is simple, relying on Greek yogurt and olive oil to create a soft, moist texture that stays fresh for days. Fresh lemon zest adds brightness and complements the natural sweetness of the plums

Unlike an upside-down plum cake, this recipe couldn’t be easier. The batter is mixed in one bowl, poured into the pan, then topped with sliced plums before baking. As the cake bakes, the plums soften and become beautifully jammy while still holding their shape.

Although I usually make this cake with fresh blood plums when they’re in season, canned plums work well too, making it a great option year-round. Just drain them well before arranging them over the batter.

Watch how to make it

Slice of cake showing the juicy plums

Why you’ll love this recipe

One Bowl Recipe
No separate bowls or complicated steps required.

Moist Yogurt Cake
Greek yogurt and olive oil create a soft, tender crumb.

Fresh or Canned Plums
Works beautifully with fresh blood plums or well-drained canned plums.

Ready in Around 30 Minutes
A simple cake that’s quick enough for weeknights.

Perfect for Any Occasion
Enjoy as dessert, afternoon tea, morning tea or a picnic cake.

Close up photo of baked plum. yogurt cake from the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Blood Plums
Fresh or canned plums can be used. If blood/purple plums are not available, feel free to use any variety of plums you have access to. The recipe is versatile and will still deliver delicious results with other types of plums.

Greek Yogurt
Creates a moist texture and subtle tang.

Olive Oil
Keeps the cake soft and tender.

Lemon Zest
Enhances the flavour and pairs beautifully with the plums.

Eggs
Provide structure and richness.

Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the cake while allowing the plum flavour to shine.

Plain Flour
Forms the base of the cake.

Baking Powder
Helps create a light, fluffy crumb.

Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances flavour.

Can I use different types of plums for this recipe?

Yes, if blood plums are not available, feel free to use any variety of plums you have access to. The recipe is versatile and will still deliver delicious results with other types of plums.

How to make plum yogurt cake

Step 1: First, slice the plums into wedges, keeping the skin on for added texture and color. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, use electric hand beaters or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to beat the sugar, eggs and lemon zest on medium speed for 30 seconds until well combined.

Step 2: With the mixer running on medium, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream, taking about 1 minute, to emulsify.

Step 3: Pour in the yogurt and vanilla, beating on low speed for 15 seconds until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until incorporated, about 15 seconds, ensuring not to over-mix to avoid a dense cake.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Arrange the sliced plums on top of the batter. Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Slice of cake and juicy plums on top

How to store

Store: Refrigerate the cooled cake in an airtight container to preserve the freshness of the plums and maintain the cake’s quality. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this plum yogurt cake, as it is best enjoyed fresh, especially due to the delicate nature of the fresh plums.

Plum Yogurt Cake Featured Image

Plum Yogurt Cake

4.27 from 15 votes
This easy Plum Yogurt Cake is made in one bowl with Greek yogurt and juicy plums for a moist, lightly sweet cake perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 16 squares

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 large fresh blood plums , or canned blood plums
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest, about 1 large lemon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2/3 cup plain Greek style yogurt
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, scoop & leveled
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Method
 

  • Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Set your oven to 356ºF (180ºC). Line an 8×8 inch square cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over the sides to easily lift out the cake after baking. Set aside. 
  • Prepare Plums: First, slice the plums into wedges, keeping the skin on for added texture and color. Set aside.
  • Mix Sugar, Eggs & Zest: In a large mixing bowl, use electric hand beaters or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to beat the sugar, eggs and lemon zest on medium speed for 30 seconds until well combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.
  • Add Olive Oil: With the mixer running on medium, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream, taking about 1 minute, to emulsify.
  • Incorporate Yogurt and Vanilla: Pour in the yogurt and vanilla, beating on slow speed for 15 seconds until everything is well combined.
  • Add Dry Ingredients: Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until incorporated, about 15 seconds, ensuring not to over-mix to avoid a dense cake.
  • Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Add Plums: Arrange the sliced plums on top of the batter.
  • Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  • Cool: Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 89mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 108IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg

Video

Notes

Store: Refrigerate the cooled cake in an airtight container to preserve the freshness of the plums and maintain the cake’s quality. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this plum yogurt cake, as it is best enjoyed fresh, especially due to the delicate nature of the fresh plums.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

How do I properly slice plums for this cake?

Learn how to slice plums correctly for this cake. The video will guide you through the process to ensure your plums are perfectly prepared for this recipe.

What does yogurt do in a cake?

Yogurt enriches cake batter with moisture and fat, creating a delightfully moist texture. It imparts a subtle tanginess, distinct from traditional cakes, and activates baking powder to produce a light, fluffy consistency.

Plum yogurt cake pin.
4.27 from 15 votes (15 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating