Plum Cake with Crust
Plum Cake with Crispy Crust
This plum cake is a true gem of autumn! Combining the sweet and juicy flavor of plums with a crispy crust, this simple homemade dessert will delight any sweet tooth. Perfect for a cool afternoon, this recipe is easy to make and does not require advanced kitchen skills. Whether you enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or a fragrant coffee, the plum cake will bring warmth and comfort to any moment.
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 large eggs (or 3 small)
- 9 tablespoons of oil
- 15 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 10 tablespoons of milk
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- grated zest of one lemon
- 700 g of plums
For the crust:
- 75 g of cold butter
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar
The History of Plum Cake
Plum cake has deep roots in culinary tradition, being prepared in various forms over time. Plums, a staple ingredient in many cultures, are recognized not only for their delicious taste but also for their nutritional properties. This simple dessert has often been made in households where families gathered their harvests and shared the joy of seasonal produce.
Preparing the Cake
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This step is essential to ensure even baking and a perfectly crispy crust.
2. Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt, sugar, and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light yellow. Add the oil, grated lemon zest, and milk, continuing to mix until well combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Sifting the flour is an important step, as it helps remove any lumps and achieve a fine texture. Add the sifted flour mixed with baking powder to the wet mixture. Gently fold in the ingredients with a spatula, being careful not to overmix, to avoid developing gluten.
4. Prepare the baking pan: Line a 35/25 cm baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly into the pan.
5. Add the plums: Wash the plums, remove the pits, and cut them in half. Place them cut side up on top of the cake batter. This will allow the juice from the plums to seep into the dough during baking.
6. Prepare the crust: In another bowl, mix the cold butter, cut into cubes, with sugar, flour, baking powder, and vanilla sugar. Use your fingertips to combine the ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture. These crumbs will create a crispy crust on top of the cake.
7. Bake the cake: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the cake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cake is well baked (you can check with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, the cake is ready).
8. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before cutting it into squares, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a more attractive appearance.
Serving Suggestions
The plum cake with a crispy crust can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Additionally, a cup of fruit or herbal tea will perfectly complement this dessert.
Variations and Helpful Tips
If you want to experiment, you can substitute the plums with other seasonal fruits like peaches or apples. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra flavor boost.
To make the cake healthier, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. All-purpose flour can be replaced with whole wheat flour for a higher fiber content.
Nutritional Benefits
Plums are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Additionally, they are rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and protect the body's cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned plums?
Canned plums can be used, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
2. How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it, cut into portions.
3. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. The oil can be replaced with coconut oil or another vegetable oil.
So, don’t hesitate! Try this simple recipe for plum cake with a crispy crust and let your taste buds enjoy the perfect combination of the sweetness of plums and the crunchy texture. It is sure to become a favorite among your loved ones!
Ingredients: - 2 large eggs (or 3 small) - 9 tablespoons of oil - 15 tablespoons of grated wheat flour - 10 tablespoons of milk - 10 tablespoons of sugar - 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar - 1 teaspoon of baking powder - a pinch of salt - grated zest of one lemon - 700 g of plums For the crust: - 75 g of butter - 5 tablespoons of flour - 4 tablespoons of sugar - 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar
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