Energy-boosting Plumcake

I can propose a recipe for an energy-boosting plumcake that’s ideal for starting the day with a burst of energy or for an afternoon snack. Ingredients like dried fruit, seeds, and whole grain flours provide a good mix of nutrients. Here is a version with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

• 200 grams of whole wheat flour
• 50 grams of almond flour
• 100 grams of brown sugar
• 1 packet of baking powder
• 3 eggs
• 100 ml of seed oil or light olive oil
• 100 ml of milk
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
• 100 grams of dried fruit (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts) coarsely chopped
• 50 grams of mixed seeds (such as pumpkin, sunflower or chia seeds)
• 100 grams of dried berries or dried apple pieces (for an Italian touch, you could also use dried figs or apricots)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and grease a plumcake mold with a little oil then dust it lightly with flour.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flours with the baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the brown sugar until frothy, then add the oil and milk and continue to mix.
4. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ones, mixing with a spatula to not deflate the mixture.
5. Add the chopped dried fruit, seeds and either the dried berries or dried apple pieces, and mix until they are well distributed in the batter.
6. Pour the mixture into the mold and level it with the back of a spoon.
7. Bake the plumcake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Once cooked, let the plumcake cool in the mold for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Curiosity

Plumcake is a sweet of English origin, whose name derives from “plum” (prune) and “cake”. It originally referred to a cake with stones or, in tastier terms, a fruit stew (including prunes). Over time, the plumcake has been adopted and adapted in Italy, sometimes transforming it into a healthier and more nutritious breakfast or snack.

You can serve this energy-boosting plumcake in the morning with a thin layer of jam or accompany it with some yogurt for an extra intake of protein. If you want an even lighter version, you could substitute the brown sugar with honey or agave syrup. Bon appétit!