Easy Plum Pudding Cake (Creamy Vanilla Filling)

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Every summer, I end up with more plums than I know what to do with. Instead of making jam again, I thought, why not bake a cake? That's how this plum pudding cake recipe came together. It's easy, it looks beautiful, and the layers are just right: a soft base, juicy plums, creamy vanilla pudding, and a golden topping.

The best part? You don't need fancy tools or tricky steps. Just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time in the kitchen. The result is a dessert that feels special but is easy enough to whip up on a weekday. If you love baking with seasonal fruit, you might also like my plum and custard tart recipe, a simple twist that turns fresh plums into a creamy, pie-style dessert.

🍰 Serves 9 | 🥚 Contains Eggs | 🌾 Contains Gluten | ⏱ 1h 15m

I have a thing for desserts you can make ahead of time-especially ones that look impressive but come together without any fuss. This plum pudding cake is my go-to for a reason: it layers a sweet shortbread crust, tart juicy plums, smooth vanilla pudding, and a golden crumbly topping. Every slice is pure perfection, and it only gets better as it chills. Ready to make it?

Love simple plum desserts? You must also try my easy kefir plum cake recipe or my simple plum almond crumble with a crunchy almond topping!

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💗 Why You Will Adore This Recipe
🥧 Plum Pudding Cake Ingredients
♻️ Substitutions
📋 Variations
👩‍🍳 How To Make Easy Plum Pudding Cake
Tips and Tricks
🥗 Serving Suggestions
❓Moist Plum Cake With Vanilla Pudding FAQs
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📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

💗 Why You Will Adore This Recipe

This plum pudding cake recipe it's the ultimate make-ahead dessert. As it chills, the layers set beautifully, giving you a clean, perfect slice every time.

The best part? A simple cook-and-serve pudding mix creates that luxurious creamy layer effortlessly. It's the smart shortcut that makes this dessert both impressive and easy.

🥧 Plum Pudding Cake Ingredients

Flour, egg, egg yolks, butter, sugar, baking powder, semolina, plums, cinnamon, pudding, milk, individually displayed on a table.

*See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

🍑 Plums: Use firm, ripe plums. Overly soft or mushy plums will release too much water during baking, making the bottom layer soggy.
🥣 Pudding Mix: You MUST use a "cook-and-serve" style vanilla pudding mix, not an "instant" pudding. Instant pudding will not hold up to the heat and will become liquidy.
🧈 Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the exact amount of salt in the recipe. Ensure it is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
🥛 Milk: For the best texture and flavour, whole milk (3.25%) is highly recommended. Lower-fat milk will make a thinner, less rich pudding.
🌾 Semolina: If you don't have semolina, a fine, dry breadcrumb can be used as a substitute to absorb the plum juices.

♻️ Substitutions

Semolina: Fine cornmeal works the same way. You can also use dry breadcrumbs.
Plums: This is a great way to use other stone fruits! Try it with apricots, nectarines, figs or peaches.
Milk: Whole milk makes the richest pudding, but 2% milk will work just fine.

📋 Variations

Almond Twist: Add ¼ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a wonderful flavour with the plums.
Different Pudding: Butterscotch or white chocolate pudding mix would be delicious here instead of vanilla. I have a recipe for chocolate and caramel pudding that you might like to use in this cake.
Oaty Crumble: Replace the grated dough topping with a simple streusel made from ½ cup flour, ¼ cup oats, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 3 tablespoon melted butter.

👩‍🍳 How To Make Easy Plum Pudding Cake

The step-by-step photos guide you through each part of the process - from mixing the dough to the finished cake with its golden, crumbled top. If you enjoyed this plum pudding cake recipe, you might also like my easy plum cake with kefir or my easy chocolate caramel pudding cups.

Yellow cake dough being mixed to a smooth consistency in a stainless steel mixer bowl.

Step 1: Make the dough. Mix the dough ingredients in a stand mixer until smooth.

Two balls of yellow dough, neatly wrapped in plastic wrap, ready to be chilled in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Chill the Dough. Divide the dough into one large and one small piece. Wrap and refrigerate both.

A square baking pan with a rolled-out dough base pressed into it.

Step 3: Form the Base. Roll out the large dough piece and press it into your prepared pan. Prick the dough all over with a fork.

A square baking pan holding a golden, partially baked dough base, resting on a counter.

Step 4: Pre-Bake the Base. Bake the dough base. Let it cool slightly.

A pre-baked base in a pan topped with neatly arranged, quartered purple plums.

Step 5: Add the Plum Layer. Arrange the prepared plum pieces on top of the pre-baked base.

Hot, thick pudding poured evenly over the plum layer, beginning to fill the gaps between the fruit.

Step 6: Make and Pour Hot Pudding
Prepare the vanilla pudding and pour it immediately over the arranged plums.

Small, coarse crumbs of raw dough scattered evenly across the surface of the creamy pudding layer.

Step 7: Add Top Layer and Finish
Grate or crumble the remaining small dough piece evenly over the top.

The final baked cake is removed from the oven, showing a crisp, golden top over the set pudding and fruit layers.

Step 8: Final Bake and Set
Bake until the top is golden. Let the plum pudding cake cool completely, then refrigerate to set before serving.

*See the recipe card for detailed instructions.

Tips and Tricks

Really let your butter soften a bit for the dough. This makes it easy to mix and knead.
Don't skip pricking the crust with a fork! This prevents big air bubbles.
Pour the pudding while it's very hot. It will be easier to spread and will set better.
For super clean slices, wipe your knife clean between each cut.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

This plum pudding cake recipe is fantastic all on its own with a cup of coffee in the afternoon.

For a dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side is pure magic. The warm cake and ice cream are a perfect match if you serve it straightaway.

❓Moist Plum Cake With Vanilla Pudding FAQs

Can I use instant pudding mix for this plum pudding cake recipe?

No, for this plum pudding cake recipe, you must use the cook-and-serve type of pudding. Instant pudding won't set properly with the baking and won't create a stable layer.

What is the best way to store leftover plum pudding cake?

Keep this easy plum cake with vanilla pudding covered in the refrigerator with any leftovers. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.

Can I use frozen plums to make this traditional plum cake recipe?

Yes, you can! There's no need to thaw them first. Arrange the frozen plum quarters on the crust and proceed with the recipe. You might need to add 2-3 minutes to the final baking time.

Can I make this plum pudding cake recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This plum pudding cake recipe is the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a full day before you need it and keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

What Goes Good with Plums?

Plums are sweet and a little tart, so they pair perfectly with:
Warm Spices: cinnamon, vanilla, and cardamom.
Creamy Things: ice cream, yoghurt, or custard to balance the tartness.
Other Tasty Bits: berries, citrus zest, or nuts like almonds.
Savoury Stuff: try them with pork, chicken, or in a salad with goat cheese.