Upside-down cake with plums
Upside-down Plum Cake – a delightful treat with a sweet-tart flavor that will win anyone's heart! This traditional recipe is perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones and turning any meal into a true celebration of flavors. Plus, it's a simple and quick recipe that doesn't require advanced cooking skills. Below, I will provide you with all the necessary details to achieve a perfect result.
Preparation Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Baking: 45 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 300 g plums (weighed with pits, about 6-8 large plums)
- 200 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 1 small cube of butter (about 20 g) for greasing
A Bit of History
Upside-down plum cake is a recipe that has been passed down through generations, often made in our households during plum season. This recipe reflects not only culinary ingenuity but also family values, bringing us together around a table full of goodness. The sweet-tart aroma of the plums, combined with the fluffy batter, makes it a perfect choice for any event – from family gatherings to celebrations.
Ingredient Details
1. Plums: Choose ripe but firm plums. Overripe plums may break down during baking, affecting the cake's texture. You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or apples, to add an interesting twist to the recipe.
2. Sugar: It's important to use granulated sugar to achieve a uniform texture in the batter. You can replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners, but be mindful of the proportions to maintain the correct texture.
3. Eggs: Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the mixture.
4. Flour: You can use regular all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Whole wheat flour will add a deeper flavor.
5. Butter: It is essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the baking dish. You can also use coconut oil for a different flavor.
Step by Step: Making the Upside-down Plum Cake
1. Preparing the plums: Meanwhile, pit the plums and cut them in half. Mix the plums with 50 g of the total sugar (1/4 of the amount) and set them aside for a few minutes. This step will help release the natural juices of the plums, giving a more intense flavor to the cake.
2. Preparing the dish: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Grease a 22 cm round baking dish with butter, ensuring it is evenly coated to prevent sticking.
3. Arranging the plums: Evenly arrange the caramelized plums on the bottom of the baking dish, distributing them well to ensure an even distribution of flavors in the cake.
4. Preparing the batter: In a bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar (150 g) until you achieve a firm meringue. It is important that the bowl is clean and dry to obtain a quality meringue.
5. Adding the yolks and flour: Add the yolks, gently folding them in with a spatula. Then, gradually incorporate the flour, continuing to mix with delicate movements to avoid deflating the egg whites.
6. Pouring the batter: Carefully pour the batter over the plums, ensuring that the fruits are evenly covered.
7. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 45 minutes. Every oven is different, so it's recommended to check the cake with a toothpick test – it should come out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
8. Inverting the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Place a flat plate over the baking dish and carefully invert the cake. The caramelized plums will now be on top, creating an appetizing appearance.
9. Serving: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. You can serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which perfectly complements the sweet-tart flavor of the plums.
Helpful Tips
- Fruit Variation: Instead of plums, you can use other seasonal fruits. Caramelized apples or peaches are excellent alternatives.
- Adding Nuts: For an extra crunch, you can add ground nuts or almond flakes to the batter mixture.
- Flavoring: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the batter for an even more refined taste.
Nutritional Benefits
Plums are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they are low in calories. They contribute to digestive health and are rich in antioxidants. While the cake batter contains sugar, it can be adapted to be healthier by substituting sugar with natural alternatives or reducing the amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like apples, peaches, or cherries, each bringing a distinct note.
- How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for longer preservation.
- Is it suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe by using flaxseed eggs or applesauce instead of eggs, along with a substitute for butter.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent option to impress guests at a casual gathering or party.
Whether you're a beginner cook or an expert in the kitchen, the upside-down plum cake is a wonderful choice that combines simplicity with elegance. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's bring this delicious recipe to life! Enjoy!
Ingredients: (for a 22 cm diameter yena dish): 300 g plums - weighed with pits included 200 g sugar 3 eggs 6 tablespoons flour a small cube of butter
