Plum cake with flaky pastry

Plum Cake with Shortcrust Pastry: A Classic Delight, Perfect for Any Occasion

When it comes to desserts, few recipes can rival the well-known plum cake with shortcrust pastry. This cake not only combines the delicious flavors of plums with the slightly crunchy texture of the pastry, but it also brings a touch of nostalgia in every slice. It is a simple yet elegant dessert that can be enjoyed both warm and cold, and is easy to prepare.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Nutritional information (per estimated serving):
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 12 g

The history of plum cake is closely linked to culinary traditions around the world, where seasonal fruits are often used to create delights that please the palate. This cake is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform an ordinary dessert into a true culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients

Base 1
- 1 egg
- 100 g cold butter, diced
- 100 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar with vanilla paste
- 200 g flour

Filling
- 1 bowl of plums (frozen or fresh, depending on the season)
- 2 tablespoons semolina

Base 2
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar with vanilla paste
- Grated zest of one orange

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the plums
Start by washing the plums. If using frozen plums, let them thaw at room temperature and place them in a sieve to drain excess water. Under the sieve, place a bowl to catch the juice. This can be used later to make a syrup or sauce.

Step 2: Preparing Base 1
In a bowl, add the cold diced butter, sugar, and egg. Using a silicone spatula, mix the ingredients well until you achieve a smooth mixture. Add the powdered sugar with vanilla paste and a pinch of salt. Gradually incorporate the flour, kneading by hand until the dough becomes non-sticky. Form a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing Base 2
Separate the eggs, ensuring the egg whites are at room temperature. Use a mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix. Once the mixture becomes glossy and firm, add the egg yolks one at a time. Incorporate the powdered sugar with vanilla paste, baking powder, and grated orange zest. Finally, add the flour, gently folding it in with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out a rectangular sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Grease a baking dish with butter and line it with parchment paper. Roll the sheet onto a rolling pin and carefully place it in the dish, taking care not to tear it. Sprinkle a little semolina on the dough, then arrange the drained plums, sprinkling a bit more semolina on top.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven for 15 minutes. After this time, remove the dish and carefully pour the sponge batter over the top, leveling it out with a spatula. Return the cake to the oven and bake until golden. You can do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the dish. After it has cooled, cut it into squares and serve it plain or dusted with powdered sugar. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, and for an added touch of elegance, you can serve it with a spoonful of cream or vanilla ice cream.

Practical tips
- Ensure the butter is cold to achieve a flaky, crunchy pastry.
- You can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as apples or peaches, to give your recipe a personal touch.
- If you want a more intense flavor, add some chopped nuts or almonds to the batter.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dried plums?
Yes, but make sure to rehydrate them in warm water for about 30 minutes before use.

2. How can I enhance the flavor of the cake?
Add cinnamon or a splash of rum to the filling to intensify the flavors.

3. Is it possible to freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake in portions, but it is recommended to consume it fresh for the best texture.

Possible variations
- Plum and chocolate cake: Add dark chocolate chunks to the sponge batter for a decadent flavor.
- Plum and nut cake: You can add chopped nuts to the filling for a crunchy texture.

In conclusion, the plum cake with shortcrust pastry is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will bring a smile to your face. Give it a try and let yourself be carried away by its delicious flavors! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Base 1: 1 egg, 100 g butter, 100 g sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon powdered sugar with vanilla beans, 200 g flour. Filling: 1 bowl of frozen plums (fresh when in season), semolina. Base 2: 4 eggs, 6 tablespoons sugar, 5 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon powdered sugar with vanilla beans, grated orange peel.