Sunday 30 December 2012

Fruit Cake | Plum Cake Using Pressure Cooker | Christmas Cake ( (Non-Alcoholic) | Pressure Cooker Cake




Christmas cake is the most traditional one that you can smell in each bakeries and Christian homes, when Christmas and New year is nearing. This is the main edible gift that we would serve each other here on Christmas or New year in our native, and the smell itself just assures us its Christmas and joy just spreads over every where. Plum cakes are made in a bakery near our home every day even on non-festive days and it always tastes 'the best' and its a hit always. Though it tastes great am not a big fan of plum cakes, but I love its aroma, sounds weird I know, more weird thing is I don't like cakes with icing, though its kinda crazy I know there are some there out just like me. So enough of my hate list, but I make this plum cake without nuts only for myself only then I have it without fuss. Its because I love the non-nutty cakes more. Here today am going to share with you a plum cake recipe that can be prepared using a pressure cake. 

I was able see a lot of oven baked plum cakes but I could not find a good recipe for fruit cake using a pressure cooker so I thought would share this with you. I made two cakes for our neighbors and family. My 6 inch pan was all set in for making the other batch of this plum cake so I couldn't use my 6 inch pan and so used my 8 Inch x 2 Inch flower cake pan, this made the cake look thinner, so use a 6 inch pan for the following amount of ingredients to get a taller cake. 

There are many variations of plum cake, but the most predominant or traditional ones are the cakes made with alcohol, they are the true fruit cakes but it has been modified according to each one's liking. The alcoholic ones taste so rich and stays best for days, infact it tastes good as it gets old. But this non-alcoholic version is no inferior to the rum cake, it has its own flavors and it is best loved by many. So this is the non-alcoholic version that one of my friend and reader has been requesting for days. Am so sorry for the delay, but hope you love it. 

Here in this cake I have used a lot of dry fruits and nuts, I love using dates in my fruit cake so have used them. Equal amounts of all dry fruits and nuts or the below measurement will do to make a 6 inch wide cake. Though I made it using pressure cooker the cake was so soft and everyone at home enjoyed it. Try this for New year and let me know how you loved it. 


INGREDIENTS

Makes a small plum cake 
Total Preparation Time - 2 hours
  1. Maida / All purpose flour - 45 grams + 2 to 3 spoons (1/2 cup)
  2. Eggs - 2 
  3. Unsalted butter - 75 grams (3/4 cup)
  4. Sugar - 75 grams + 20 grams (for making ) (3/4 cup)
  5. Boiled milk - 1/4 cup (50 ml) 
  6. Dates - 30 grams (Seedless) (above 1/4 cup)
  7. Tutti frutti - 30 grams (above 1/4 cup)
  8. Raisins - 30 grams  (above 1/4 cup)
  9. Cashews - 20 grams (1/4 cup)
  10. Almonds, Walnuts - 20 grams  (1/4 cup) (I used more almonds as I like them more) 
  11. Grated orange zest / Orange skin - 1 spoon  (You can use lemon zest too)
  12. Baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon 
  13. Vanilla essence - 5 drops 
  14. Cinnamon stick - 1 small stick (1 inch long)
  15. Cloves - 2 
  16. Nutmeg powder - 1/4 tsp
  17. Salt - 1/4 tsp (optional) 
Note: Here you can use more amount of dry fruits and nuts according to your wish, but I used the above measurements  for making my cake. 

Extras You Will Need: 
  1. Pressure Cooker (Whistle or regulator not needed throughout the process)
  2. 6 inch wide cake pan. 
  3. Hand blender or whisk. 


PREPARATION METHOD


Pre-preparation
  • Take butter from refrigerator and keep at room temperature. Let it soften well. 
  • Add baking powder and salt to maida and sieve well 5 times. This will help the baking powder spread evenly. 
  • Chop nuts and dates into smaller pieces. Then mix all the dry fruits, grated orange zest and nuts together and add 2 spoons of Maida / All purpose flour and mix well set aside. 
7
  • Take some almonds in a blender, add cloves and cinnamon stick and nutmeg powder and grind into a coarse mixture. (I did this because I needed and used only small amount of spices and so it would be difficult to grind them alone. In case if you are doing in larger quantities then, then grind them separately store or use them.)
  • To a pan add 20 grams of sugar and place on flame and wait until it browns. It should have a deep brown color. Then carefully pour 1/4 cup of water immediately and stir well. Remove from flame. 
3
  • Separate egg yolks from egg whites. Beat egg whites well until it turns frothy. I used an electric hand blender, you can use a fork or a whisk also, but it will take more time. 
  • Now beat the egg yolks also well and set aside. It wont become frothy like the egg whites. 
2


Batter Preparation 
  • Now take a big bowl and add butter and beat well for 2 minutes. 
  • Then add the sugar into the bowl and beat well again for 3 minutes. 
1
  • Now add sifted flour and beaten egg yolks into this butter and sugar mixture little by little and beat well. (Take care to add the flour and egg yolks little by little simultaneously  do not add all the flour and egg yolk at the same time). 
4
  • Then add the beaten egg whites little by little and beat again until it blends well. 
  • Add 3 spoons of sugar caramel that we have prepared and mix well using a whisk or fork.  (If using a beater don't beat for long)
  • Now add milk, vanilla essence and mix well. (Add milk accordingly, the batter should be bit thick not too runny nor too thick, if the batter is runny the cake will lose its texture and the dry fruits and nuts will sink into the batter)
  • Then add the nuts and dry fruits mixture, spice mixture into the batter and mix well using a ladle or fork or whisk. (If using the beater don't beat for long)
  • Grease all the insides of a 6 inch pan (I used a 8 Inch x 2 Inch flower cake pan) and dust it with flour. Line inside bottom of the pan with a parchment or butter paper. Then pour the batter into the pan. 
5

Baking Cake using the Pressure cooker
  • Preheat a pressure cooker as follows. Place a pressure cooker on flame and place a separator and close the cooker with its lid. Remove the whistle/regulator you wont need it throughout the process. Let this be set up undisturbed for 10 minutes on high flame. (you can either close the cooker with the lid as you normally do or place the lid upside down too).
  • Now open the cooker and gently place the cake pan with batter into the preheated cooker. 
  • Close the cooker with the lid and switch on to low flame. (Do not place the whistle / regulator). 
  • Cook for 45 minutes and remove from flame. (Check in between whether the cake has got cooked, for this insert a tooth pic or knife into the cake and see if it comes out clean, if so the cake is ready, if not cook for some more time). 
6
  • Now run a knife around the edges of the cake and tap the cake off from the pan and cool completely before serving. 
  • Slice and serve or gift pack them. 


TIP 1: To avoid the cake from sticking to the pan you can grease a round shaped oil paper and place it on the greased and floured pan and then pour the batter over it. This will help you to easily tap off the cake from the pan. 

TIP 2: While making the sugar caramel pour the water gently and mix well. Do not pour water after removing from flame, it will harden immediately and wont mix with water. If in case this happens place on flame again pour some water, it will start to melt and mix well. 

TIP 3: Always see that the eggs and butter are at room temperature. Don't use eggs directly from the refrigerator it will curdle up your cake batter. Even if it curdles do not worry, your cake will come out just perfect after baking. 

TIP 4: Instead of using sugar caramel you can use 50 grams of honey here. But using caramel gives you the brown cake. 

TIP 5: If you want to get better flavors and a softer cake, soak the dry fruits and nuts in apple juice or grape juice atleast for 3 hours and then use it for making the cake. It gives a nice flavor and as the dry fruits gets cooked it will release the flavors and juice and make the cake more soft and avoid it from becoming rough. 

TIP 6: Always beat the egg whites first and then best the egg yolks, because even a single drop of egg yolk will prevent the egg whites from becoming frothy. 

TIP 7: Mixing up the dry fruits and nuts in flour helps avoid them from sinking into the batter. 

TIP 8: For making the same cake in oven, here are the settings. Preheat at  350 or 360 (160 degree C) then while baking reduce the temperature to 300 F (150 degree C) and bake for a longer time, check in between to see whether the cake is done.The lowest heat will be the best or else the cake will brown too much or burn too much and the flavor will be lost. Insert a tooth pick or clean knife to see if it comes out clean is so it is done. Place a butter or oil paper into the pan and then pour the batter to avoid burning at the bottom, because you will be baking for a longer time. 




Aromatic, Soft and delicious Plum cake is now ready!! Just a pressure cooker is enough to make your favorite cake!! 
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79 comments:

  1. divs..my mouth watering really..my mom always used to make sponge cake using pressure cooker..may be the same process...missing my momm..:(

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    Replies
    1. How Sweet :) Sure she will be missing you too :) Don't worry :)

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    2. yes divs...she is also missing me..ur gift dispatched today ..let me know once it reaches..:)

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    3. Better come to India to see Mom and me ;) Thanks dear...sure will inform you once it reaches me :) Thanks again!!

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  2. Perfect like a store bought one...It makes me feel the aroma of the plum cake.

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  3. Delicious and yummy looking cake. A very happy new year in advance.
    Deepa

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  4. Wow Divya , you did it ,It is so perfect,worth the wait.It is so yummy , i wan to try it soon.I want to try it in the oven , can u tell me oven temperature and cooking time.so pleased and thanks for posting the receipe.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks dear will update, hope you like it :) Do try and let me know your feedback :)

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  5. Hi Divya
    If you could give me cup measurements will be more helpful.hope you dont mind

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  6. wonderful presentation.each n every bit of the cake recipe explained well.pics r gud...perfect 4 celebration.....vl try sure in future....
    maha

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  7. omg this is wonderful ! i think ill make it for new year :) you've given such an amazing step by step recipe ! i love you :P
    im bookmarking this :)
    -Poorva

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    Replies
    1. Thanks dear, do try and tell me how it came out :) Thank you so much for the love!!! <3

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  8. hey btw, have u done a recipe on a simple vanilla cake? or a natural cake? without any flavour?
    -Poorva

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    Replies
    1. I have a normal sponge cake recipe dear, will post it either tomorrow or later. Its a Vanilla flavored one :)

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  9. divya, well done. nice pics and the recipe wow thoroughly explained.

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  10. Love your step bt step direction. Cake is awesome. Can v do this in oven too?

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    Replies
    1. Yup dear you can do he same in oven too. :) btw thanks for the appreciation :)

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  11. Lovely clicks...Cake looks delicious....

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  12. Looks yummy and inviting. Happy new year Divya.

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  13. aiyyo u r expert and ur cake turns out much better than mine even with oven.. it is so so yummy yummy from here. u dont need oven dear u r making them perfectly in cooker. wow again

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  14. wow beautiful cake sis, you have become a pressure cooker cake maker :P lovely and nothing can beat this christmas cake... sis i love the flower cake tin cute ;)

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  15. gorgeous cake Divya! cute tin. well done, well explained

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  16. wow looks so perfect and soft.. very neat presentation...
    http://www.indiantastyfoodrecipes.com/

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  17. Beautiful plum cake, none will ask for oven now,you have given a wonderful alternative for it.

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  18. Cake looks awesome,never tried this method...

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  19. super yummy cake Priya! love every bit of it
    http://great-secret-of-life.blogspot.com

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  20. There is no water in the pressure cooker? The cake looks as good or even better than one baked in an oven.

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  21. Like your idea of baking fruit cake . It looks more like a pudding.

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  22. Delicious cake and it is my favorite. Love your version and also the shape of your cake

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  23. Very nice recipe using pressure cooker for fruit cake. Looks perfect and delicious dear. I am sure ur family and friends loved it very much.

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  24. wow!!A perfect cake & rich looking!!
    Wish you and your family, a very Happy New Year!!
    Event : Agar Agar Recipe Contest

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  25. perfect presentation, lovely texture and surely drooling cake. No more excuse for the people without oven too can enjoy this wonderful cake.

    You rock!!

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  26. The last time I made a pressure cooker cake it was in 7th standard, with a freind and it was a disaster. But since then I have had many successful attempts. Never thought of making a plum cake it in though. Love the idea and such a lovely perfect cake :)) Wish you and Family a Very Happy New Year!

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  27. Beautiful cake,well done dear!!!
    Wish you Happy NEW YEAR 2013!!!
    New Year's Special - Eggless Pomegranate CupCakes

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  28. Hi first time here u have a nice space with yummy recipes...glad to follow you plz do visit my blog...cake looks very delicious...will try this recipe..

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  29. lovely cake divya , i like the flower tin too..............

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  30. Wonderful and perfect new year yummy cake you done it very well Divya. Presentation of the cake is so nice and beautiful. Wish you Happy New Year to you and your family.

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  31. lovely cake sis.nice clicks and am going to try this pressure cooker method.

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  32. lovely cake sis.nice clicks and am going to try this pressure cooker method.

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  33. Very gorgeous looking cake Divy, just like store-bought one. Awesome clicks, mouthwatering here dear.

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  34. Looks yummy and inviting. Happy new year...

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  35. That isnot bad for a pressurecooker cake. Loved your idea. Happy New Year

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  36. Oh my gosh..!!!!
    my mouth watering :)

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  37. Looks great Divya! appreciate your effort in trying so many pressure cooker cakes

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  38. I baked it today .. Followed the recipe step by step ..
    But my cake didn't turn brown at all .. Its still cream in colour ..
    Had high expectations .. Sad ..
    :( :(

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  39. Hi there, sorry about that but not sure what went wrong in your preparation. Sometimes if your caramel is not dark brown the color may not come out well, but still it will not remain cream in color, you can see the batter itself turns brown after mixing it up with the caramelized solution. did u use dry heat or did you pressure cook with water? do let me know so I can guide you or clarify the mistake.

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  40. Hay Divya Just tried this cake for a birthday party and just loved the texture to the core. It was soft, so tasty just like the plum cakes we get in bakeries. Never knew that we could make such a beautiful cake in a pressure cooker. Earned everyone's praises and all credit goes to you :) Thanku

    Priya

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    Replies
    1. Hi Priya :)

      Thank you so much for trying and so glad to know that it has come out well!! Thanks a lot for the appreciations too :)

      Thank you!!

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  41. Hi Divya,

    Can you please tell me if i could preheat the cooker without a separator?

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    Replies
    1. Hi there, Yes you can preheat without a separator plate but while making the cake you will definitely need one..

      Thanks

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  42. Hi Diya.. I tried this recipe and it really came out well! My husband and MIL were impressed ;) !! Got so much inspired , i'm gonna try other pressure cooker baking recipes too.. Thanks a lot for ur recipe and please do post various kinds of it. Thanks... Sujatha

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sujatha :)

      Thank you so much for trying and letting me know your feedback too. Glad to know that your came has come out well :) Will be coming up with more of such recipes, thanks a lot for the appreciation and motivation!!

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  43. Hi Divya,

    Can you let me know the alternate of eggs in this recipe..

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  44. Hi Divya,

    Can you please let me know the alternate of eggs in this recipe..

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    Replies
    1. Hi Vathsala, I have not tried substituting eggs here, but you can try adding buttermilk along with baking soda, instead of baking powder, also you can try 2 tablespoons custard powder in place of eggs.

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  45. Hi Divya .. The first time I tried this cake recipe in cooker my cake turned out to be still in cream color .. I always use water in cooker as I have heard many stories in family telling me not to heat it as such And the cake still comes out better without the browning effect .. This was on Aug 26th and I was very sad about color even though it tasted yum .. I learnt my mistakes ..
    1. Caramel was not that dark 2. I didn't add the grape juice and instead just the nuts and tuti fruiti soaked in it ..
    I tried the same recipe on Oct 20th in an oven and the cake was just marvelous .. I stood there and wept a little as till date this is the best cake we have baked at home ..
    It was way better than the bakery cakes ..
    Thank you so much for this recipe .. Will be trying it again this weekend .. :)
    Just wanted to compliment u .. 😊
    If there was a way to put a pic in this comment I would have .. It turned out that well .. Thanks again .. 😁

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  46. Hi Divya .. The first time I tried this cake recipe in cooker my cake turned out to be still in cream color .. I always use water in cooker as I have heard many stories in family telling me not to heat it as such And the cake still comes out better without the browning effect .. This was on Aug 26th and I was very sad about color even though it tasted yum .. I learnt my mistakes ..
    1. Caramel was not that dark 2. I didn't add the grape juice and instead just the nuts and tuti fruiti soaked in it ..
    I tried the same recipe on Oct 20th in an oven and the cake was just marvelous .. I stood there and wept a little as till date this is the best cake we have baked at home ..
    It was way better than the bakery cakes ..
    Thank you so much for this recipe .. Will be trying it again this weekend .. :)
    Just wanted to compliment u .. 😊
    If there was a way to put a pic in this comment I would have .. It turned out that well .. Thanks again .. 😁

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    Replies
    1. Hi Viji, thank you for such a lovely comment :) Always when we steam a cake it will be in cream color and never turn brown. We have to use dry heat to get that brown color, Also the caramel has to be dark brown only then we'll get the brown cake. thanks for trying and remembering to comment us about your experience. If you have a pic do email it or share it in our facebook page. Thanks :)

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  47. Hi DIvYA, thanks for the awesome recipe. How many days can we preserve the cake?thanks annu

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    Replies
    1. Hi Annu have not tried keeping it for more than a week. If you prefer to store it longer try adding some rum to it. Thanks :)

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  48. Hi Divya.. wanted to know if we can use the same procedure to make the alcohol version of the fruit cake and if yes then can we make it a week in advance so that the flavour is enhanced?

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    Replies
    1. Hello Rosy, Yes you can. Just soak the dry fruits and nuts in a tablespoon of brandy for a few days and then use it in the cake. Add soaked fruit and nut just like I've mentioned in the recipe and add brandy used for soaking in the cake after adding the beaten eggs. You can then cover it with an aluminium foil and keep it to age until Christmas/until serving.. the flavors will get enhanced during that period :) Hope I made it clear. If not do send me an email would be glad to help. Thanks!!

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    2. Thanq so much Divya.will start baking the cake today itself. Wish u a merry christmas :-)

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  49. Hi, I used the very same recipe but my cake did not turn well. It did not rise. It seems lk its not baked properly. I used a little more caramel. and i did a dry heating in the pressure cooker. i kept it for almost 1.30hrs on the stove. could you tell me what might have gone wrong.

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  50. Hi, I used the very same recipe but my cake did not turn well. It did not rise. It seems lk its not baked properly. I used a little more caramel. and i did a dry heating in the pressure cooker. i kept it for almost 1.30hrs on the stove. could you tell me what might have gone wrong.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Susmera, Sorry for the late response. I think your baking powder must ahve been the problem. Else there would not be any trouble in rising! And bake a little longer on higher flame. Will definitely get baked.

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  51. Hai Divya . Thank you very much for such a wonderful recipe. I tried ur recipe and it was great . I got a soft and nutty delicious plum cake . This was my first time making a plum cake and bcaz of u my first try was a success. My husband loves it . Thank you .

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    Replies
    1. Hi Priya :) Happy that the cake turned out well :) Thanks a lot for trying and sharing your feedback!! Means a lot!

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  52. Should I pour water in the pressure cooker?

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    Replies
    1. Nope you don't have to add water, it will turn rubbery. Either use a plain cooker or add some sand.

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  53. So, Divya...the quantity of butter is more than maida? 3/4 cup and 1/2 cup

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    Replies
    1. Yes obviously I have given the gram measures too you can check it!

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