Sugar Plum Bread

Name: Sugar Plum Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 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

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

3 Reviews

Total Time:Prep: 15 min. + standing Bake: 40 min. + cooling

By Taste Of Home Editorial Team

Recipe by Emily Tyra, Lake Ann, Michigan

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated on Mar. 11, 2023

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

Test Kitchen tips

If dried plums (prunes) aren't to your liking, try substituting dried apricots.

Add a little lemon zest to softened butter and slather on top.

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Sugar Plum Bread

3 Reviews Add your review

Yield:1 loaf (12 pieces)

Prep:15 min

Cook:40 min

Save Saved Saving email print

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

Text Ingredients

Shop Recipe

Directions

1
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.

2
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).
3
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.