I grew up with my Grandma Mitchell’s irresistible plum bread. We slathered it with butter and ate it with cottage cheese and fresh fruit for a simple breakfast. It still always makes an appearance during the holidays! —Emily Tyra, Lake Ann, Michigan
Sugar Plum Bread
Test Kitchen tips
Sugar Plum Bread
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
40 min
Yield
1 loaf (12 pieces)
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dried plums (prunes), coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup sugar, divided
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, combine dried plums, water and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 1 minute. Remove from heat; let stand until plumped, about 10 minutes. Drain plums, reserving fruit and liquid. Measure liquid, adding enough water to yield 1/2 cup.
- Cream shortening and remaining sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with reserved cooking liquid; fold in cooled dried plums (batter will be thick).
- Transfer batter to a greased 8x4-in. loaf pan. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs, 40-45 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 202 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
