How can you make a traditional plum cake healthier?
A rich and festive favourite, the “ Christmas Plum Cake ” can also be enjoyed more healthily without sacrificing its warmth, flavour, and merriment. Start by choosing whole-grain flour in place of all-purpose flour: this swap preserves the moist texture while providing more fibre. Next, replace a portion of the butter with pureed avocado or unsweetened applesauce. This cuts saturated fat and keeps the cake tender. Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined white sugar; the subtle tweak gives you the same cozy sweetness with fewer empty calories. Add plenty of dried and fresh fruits, such as chopped dates, prunes, walnuts, and almonds, to boost nutrition, texture, and taste, and soak them in orange juice or a little rum for extra aroma. Spice it up with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove rather than relying too heavily on added sugar or fatty glaze. If you’re baking from scratch at home (or ordering from a reputed bakery such as KR Bakes), request cakes with a li...