Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy yet feels like a classic homemade pudding. Using a vanilla cupcake mix as the topping gives it a light, fluffy texture and sweet vanilla flavor without the fuss of making a batter from scratch. The baked plums turn soft and syrupy underneath, creating a luscious contrast with the cake-like topping. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and the perfect way to end a comforting meal.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

2 x 825 g cans whole plums, well drained
1 packet vanilla cupcakes
310 ml milk
Cinnamon sugar, to taste
Vanilla custard, to serve

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).

2. I gently remove the pits from each plum and place the plums into a 6-cup capacity ovenproof dish, spreading them evenly across the base.

3. I prepare the cupcake mix according to the packet instructions by adding the milk and stirring until smooth.

4. I pour the vanilla batter evenly over the plums, making sure they’re mostly covered.

5. I sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon sugar over the top of the batter for sweetness and a little spice.

6. I bake the cobbler for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the topping comes out clean and the surface is golden brown. If it starts to brown too quickly, I cover it loosely with foil partway through baking.

7. Once baked, I let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving warm with plenty of vanilla custard.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to cook, for a total time of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It’s ideal for a quick dessert after dinner or a simple yet comforting treat for family gatherings.

Variations

I like to experiment with different fruits depending on the season. Peaches, apricots, pears, or even mixed berries work beautifully in place of plums. I sometimes add a handful of chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch or drizzle a little honey over the fruit before adding the batter. For a richer version, I replace some of the milk with cream, which makes the topping extra soft and moist. A dusting of icing sugar before serving also gives it a lovely finishing touch.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I cover the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm portions in the microwave for 30–40 seconds or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 160°C for about 10 minutes. It also tastes wonderful cold with a spoonful of custard or ice cream. I don’t recommend freezing this dessert, as the texture of the cake topping changes once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh plums instead of canned?

Yes, I can use fresh plums—just halve and pit them before baking. If they’re not very juicy, I add a tablespoon of sugar to help create a syrupy base.

Can I use a different fruit?

Absolutely! Peaches, nectarines, cherries, or apples work just as well.

Can I make this without a packet mix?

Yes, I can use any simple vanilla cake recipe or muffin mix as the topping.

What if I don’t have cinnamon sugar?

I make my own by mixing 1 tablespoon of caster sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I use plant-based milk and a dairy-free cake mix, then serve it with non-dairy custard or ice cream.

How do I know when it’s done?

The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed, and a skewer inserted should come out clean.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I bake it earlier in the day and reheat it just before serving—it still tastes amazing.

What’s the best way to serve it?

I love it warm with vanilla custard, but it’s also delicious with whipped cream or ice cream.

Can I use other spices?

Yes, nutmeg or allspice give a lovely warm flavor alongside the cinnamon.

Why use a cupcake mix instead of regular cake mix?

The cupcake mix gives a lighter, more delicate crumb, which pairs beautifully with the soft fruit underneath.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Fruit Cobbler is one of my favorite easy desserts—it’s quick to make, tastes incredible, and always impresses. The sweet plums and soft vanilla topping create the perfect balance of flavors and textures, while the cinnamon sugar adds just the right touch of warmth. Served with creamy custard, it’s comfort food at its best—simple, homely, and absolutely delicious.