No Rum, No Problem! 5 Non-Alcoholic Alternatives To Soak Dry Fruits For Christmas Plum Cake

Christmas is almost here. Apart from hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies, plum cake is something the festival feels incomplete without. This special cake, often known for its rum-soaked dry fruits, is moist, rich, and full of flavour. Many of us think rum is essential for a good Christmas plum cake recipe. But what happens when you are baking for kids or for someone who does not prefer alcohol? Does that mean they miss out on plum cake altogether? Not really. If you are planning to bake a plum cake without alcohol, we have got you covered. Here are five non-alcoholic alternatives you can use instead of rum to keep your cake rich, moist, and festive.

5 Non-Alcoholic Alternatives For Christmas Plum Cake

1. Orange Juice

Instead of using rum to soak your dry fruits, you can simply use orange juice. It is one of the best and most common non-alcoholic alternatives to Christmas plum cake. Orange juice keeps the dry fruits moist and plump while adding a bright, citrusy flavour. The taste is mildly sweet and well-balanced with fruity notes. You can also infuse the juice with cinnamon, ginger, or cloves to add extra warmth.

2. Apple Juice

When dry fruits are soaked in apple juice or cider, the plum cake turns out rich, gently sweet, and comforting. The flavour feels familiar and homely, just without the boozy kick. Apple juice makes the cake less overpowering and allows the warm spices to shine. It also pairs perfectly with warm winter beverages.

Also Read: 5 Best Places For Eggless Plum Cakes In Ahmedabad This Christmas

3. Strong Black Tea

Strong black tea is one of the best non-alcoholic alternatives to rum in plum cake. It adds a slight bitterness that closely resembles the depth rum gives to traditional cakes. The tea also helps achieve a deep, dark colour. Its complex flavour, combined with the sweetness of dried fruits, keeps the cake well balanced and unique. Don’t be surprised if people ask for your recipe after the Christmas party.

4. Brewed Coffee

You can also soak dry fruits in brewed coffee or espresso for a few days. Coffee works beautifully in fruit cakes, and plum cake is no exception. Like tea, it enhances the overall flavour and adds warmth and richness. The result is a bold, slightly bitter cake that feels indulgent.  And honestly, who can resist a coffee-flavoured plum cake?

5. Cinnamon-Infused Water

This is one of the easiest ways to bring warmth into a plum cake without using rum. Simply soak the dry fruits in cinnamon-infused water for a few days before baking. This method adds moisture, flavour, and a comforting aroma. You can also add nutmeg or cloves to the water for extra depth. A cinnamon-spiced plum cake is sure to impress your guests. 

Also Read: From Roasts To Rum Cakes, 15 Christmas Menus Across India Dishing Out The Best Holiday Dishes

Now that you know the best non-alcoholic alternatives for plum cake, when are you baking one?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ vm2002