Top plum cake picks for Christmas 2023 in Mumbai

Every year Mumbaikars get ready to celebrate Christmas in all its glory. The midnight mass, elaborate feasts and loads of cake are some of the most loved parts of the festival. Bakeries around the city are now offering a wide range of Christmas treats, but nothing comes close to the traditional plum cake.

This festive season, we have curated a list of bakeries in the city to help you get your hands on the best plum cakes in Mumbai. Dive straight into Mumbai's merry menu with our top picks:

Richer variations
Established in 1908, the American Express Bakery stands as a cherished institution with a legacy steeped in culinary excellence. Renowned for its mastery in crafting delightful plum cakes, this family-run bakery presents a diverse array of options for cake connoisseurs. The Rich Plum Cake, priced at Rs 195 for 250 grams, emerges as a denser rendition, boasting a rich texture that is beyond the conventional.

Alternatively, the Traditional Plum Cake offers a classic experience with its time-honoured recipe. Elevating the festive spirit, the Christmas Plum Pudding, priced at Rs 382, promises a special indulgence that captivates the essence of the season. Whether you opt for takeaway, delivery or decide to immerse yourself in the cozy ambiance of their dine-in service, the American Express Bakery ensures that each visit is a delightful journey through time and taste.

Where: Multiple Outlets (Bandra West and Byculla)
Time: 9am - 8:30pm (Monday to Saturday)
Call: 022 26422857 (Bandra West)
Log Onto: https://www.americanexpressbakery.com/

Eggless plum cake?
Indulge in the decadent joy of exquisite plum cakes which signify a luscious celebration of flavours that promise to elevate festivity. Crafted with the utmost care, this rich and moist confection is a symphony of tastes, generously adorned with succulent apricots, plump prunes, tart cranberries, crunchy almonds, sweet raisins and vibrant cherries, creating a scrumptious blend of textures and tastes in every bite.

What makes this delightful treat even more special is its eggless preparation, ensuring that it caters to a wide array of preferences. Whether you're sharing the joy with loved ones or savouring it solo, this plum cake is available in sizes starting from 250 grams, making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with this delectable creation that transcends the ordinary, leaving a trail of warmth and sweetness in every festive gathering.

Where: Love & Cheesecake
Price: Rs 475/- onwards
Contact: 9819935135, website or any outlet across Mumbai

The boozy plum cake
Step into the realm of decadence with CIRQA's exclusive limited-edition Boozy Fruit Cakes. The chefs have meticulously infused flavourss with the richness of Flor Da Cana rum, the warmth of fine whisky, the opulence of brandy and the complexity of red wine. This celestial fusion of spirits elevates the traditional fruit cake into a sublime experience for the senses.

The alchemy of these premium libations results in a confectionary brilliance that embodies the spirit of celebration. Seize the opportunity to indulge in this sensorial journey by placing your pre-orders, ensuring delivery between December 16 - 25.

Where: CIRQA, Lower Parel
Price: Rs 750 onwards
Contact: 9619493344

The quintessential Christmas plum cake
This year's Christmas cake at Sentient Steps is what health and goodness are made of - dry fruits, nuts and fruit juices bound by little flour. This cake is made with fifteen different dry fruits including almonds, cashews, dried mangoes, dried kiwis, dried strawberry, dried apricot, dried prune, dried cranberry, raisins, sultana, dried oranges, cherries, dried pineapple, dried figs and spiced with traditional spices.

Other essential ingredients include organic wheat flour, organic millets flour, organic oats flour, aluminium free baking powder, organic lemon juice, vinegar, organic khandsari and medjool dates. The cake has been soaked in spiced juices containing cinnamon, mild pepper, nutmeg, cloves, star anise and dry ginger.

Where: Sentient Steps, Navi Mumbai
Price: Rs 1100 for 500 gms
Log onto: sentientsteps.com

Silly, Mumbai
Embark on a sensory voyage with The Classic Christmas Plum Cake, a slice of pure indulgence that is a notch beyond the ordinary. This isn't just a cake; it's a revelation of flavours and textures that weave together in a symphony of delight. Picture a slice, rich with the infusion of both rum and brandy, creating a heady concoction that elevates the nutty essence to new heights.

Chefs at Silly vouch that each bite is a journey through layers of decadence, where the warmth of spirits mingles seamlessly with the satisfying crunch of nuts. A delicate snowfall of sugar dust blankets the slice, adding an ethereal sweetness that lingers on the tongue.

Paired perfectly, a scoop of French Vanilla ice cream serves as a creamy counterpart, transforming the experience into a sublime interplay of temperatures. To complete this masterpiece, a spiced orange glaze crowns the slice, introducing a tangy zing that complements the palate.

Where: Silly
Price: Rs 550 onwards
Contact: 8047483375

Bluebop Cafe
Nestled in the heart of Bandra, BlueBop Cafe is ready to tease taste buds and ignite the festive spirit with its wide array of special Christmas cakes. The Chocolate Buttercream cake promises a decadent journey through layers of velvety cocoa goodness. The Bundt cake stands tall as a visual delight, a sculpted masterpiece that mixes aesthetics with taste.

For those seeking the charm of nostalgia, the Gingerbread Cookies offer a whimsical treat, each bite a festive reverie. And finally, the classic Christmas Pudding, a timeless concoction that encapsulates the very spirit of the season. BlueBop Cafe invites you to partake in this festive feast, where every slice tells a tale of culinary craftsmanship, uniting the community in the joyous embrace of the holidays.
Where: Bluebop Café, Bandra

Price:
Christmas plum cake: Rs 430
Chocolate & Butter Cream cake: Rs 600
Christmas Bundt cake: Rs 920
Contact: 97696 32490

Festive Christmas Box
Unveiling the enchanting Festive Christmas Box, a curated treasure trove that encapsulates the spirit of the season. The Orange, Cranberry & Walnut Loaf, presents a melody of flavours embodied in a 220gms delight, a mix of citrusy brightness, tart cranberries and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. Accompanying this sweet indulgence are the Ginger Molasses Cookies and White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, each a testament to the art of holiday baking.

Dive into the rich depths of the Cacao and Peanut Butter Brownie while the Strawberry and Chocolate Mousse presents a delicate dance of sweetness in a 110gms portion. Elevating the experience further is the Truffle Cashew Cheese, a 50ml jar of indulgence that adds a savoury dimension to the festive feast.

As a thoughtful touch, the box includes Festive Themed Soaps by The Sass Bar, a sensory treat that extends the festive ambiance beyond the plate. Baked fresh on order, these treats need to be placed in the fridge and should be consumed within 5 days of purchase. Secure your culinary journey by pre-ordering for delivery between December 21 - 25.

Where: Yogisattva, Khar
Price: Rs 2499 onwards
Log onto: yogisattva.com

Recipe for baking eggless plum cake
Locating an eggless plum cake can be challenging, but fear not. Create your own with this simple recipe shared by the Mumbai-based baker, Megha Datwani

Ingredients:
All-purpose flour, 1 cup
Sugar, 1/2 cup
Vegetable oil, 1/4 cup
Milk, 1/2 cup
Baking powder, 1 teaspoon
Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon
Vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon
Chopped plums (fresh or canned), 1 cup
Chopped nuts (optional), 1/2 cup

Method:
1. Begin by preheating oven at 350°F (180°C). Grease a cake pan to ensure easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda. Use a whisk or spoon to ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
3. Add the vegetable oil, milk and vanilla extract to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until a smooth and well-combined batter is achieved. The consistency should be lump-free.
4. Gently fold in the chopped plums and nuts if you choose to include them. This step adds a delightful fruity and nutty texture to the cake.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, ensuring an even distribution. Smooth the top with a spatula for a uniform appearance.
6. Place the cake pan in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake to prevent over-baking.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes. This helps the structure set.
8. Now transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the ideal texture and prevents the cake from becoming soggy.
9. Once cooled, slice the cake into portions and savour the delightful flavours of your homemade eggless plum cake.

(Recipe by Megha Datwani, Cafe Isvara - Khar)