His Hands Stirred Joy, His Legacy Still Sweetens Christmas — Rudy’s Cake Lives On

Dec 2025 : There are certain flavours that never fade, no matter how many years pass or how busy life becomes. The rich aroma of warm spices, the deep sweetness of soaked fruits, and the comforting taste of homemade Christmas plum cake belong to that special category of festive nostalgia. In today’s fast-paced world—where we often rush through meals, rely on quick takeaways, and forget the joy of slow cooking—this traditional cake is a reminder to pause, breathe, and celebrate togetherness.

For many families across India, especially those with Anglo-Indian or old colonial roots, Christmas isn’t complete without slicing into a fruit-loaded plum cake that has been prepared with love and patience. The recipe shared here is one such heirloom treasure—a cake lovingly perfected over decades and passed down through generations. It comes from the family kitchen of Late AVM M.K. Rudra’s mother, whose annual Christmas baking tradition filled her home with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible fragrance of festive cheer. Until 2023, Late M.K. Rudra himself continued this legacy, baking nearly 36 cakes each season for family and friends, keeping alive a ritual cherished by all who tasted it.

This cake is more than a dessert—it is a celebration of memory, community, and the pure joy of homemade food.

A Cake Steeped in Tradition

What makes this plum cake so special?
It’s the meticulous preparation, the month-long soaking of fruits, the rich blend of almonds, cashews, walnuts, caramel, and spices, and the slow baking that allows every ingredient to bloom. While bakeries everywhere now offer “Christmas cakes,” nothing compares to the flavour that arises from patient, old-fashioned home baking.

From the first spoonful of batter to the final slice, this recipe promises warmth, nostalgia, and the magic of Christmas tucked into every bite.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter – 500 g
• Powdered sugar – 500 g
• Large eggs – 12
• Flour – 500 g
• Rava (semolina) – 225 g
• Mixed preserve – 225 g
• Almonds, walnuts, cashews – 225 g
• Black raisins – 150 g
• Glazed ginger – 100 g
• Cake seeds – 1 tsp
• Baking powder – 1 tsp
• Burnt sugar (caramel) – for colour

Note:
Soak all fruits and nuts in rum or brandy for at least one month. This soaking process deepens the flavour and gives the cake its iconic richness.

The Recipe

1. Cream the base mixture
Beat together the butter, powdered sugar, and 12 egg yolks for about 30 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, creamy, and fluffy.

2. Prepare the egg whites
Whisk 6 egg whites separately until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the creamed mixture, making sure not to deflate the volume.

3. Sift & blend
Gradually add the flour and semolina, blending until fully incorporated.

4. Add fruits & nuts
Mix in the chopped almonds, walnuts, cashews, raisins, glazed ginger, cake seeds, and the pre-soaked fruit mixture. Fold the mixture lightly so that the fruits remain evenly distributed and don’t sink to the bottom during baking.

5. Add caramel
Pour in the burnt sugar for colour and mix gently. The caramel not only enhances the colour but also adds a deep, complex flavour.

6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 150°C. Line your baking tins with parchment paper.
Pour the batter in and bake for at least 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.

7. Let it rest
Allow the cake to cool completely. The flavours mature beautifully after a few days, making it an ideal make-ahead Christmas dessert.

A Slice of Love That Lives On

This plum cake is not just a recipe—it is a memory preserved in flavour. It is the story of a mother whose culinary love inspired generations, and of Late M.K. Rudra, who carried forward her tradition with pride, baking dozens of cakes each Christmas to share joy within his community.

When you bake this cake, you are not just following instructions—you’re embracing a legacy. You’re creating moments that will linger long after the festive lights fade.

This Christmas, treat yourself and your loved ones to the comforting goodness of a cake that has stood the test of time. Warm, aromatic, rich, and full of heart—this Yummy Plummy Christmas Cake will make your celebrations truly special.

Team Maverick.