Upside Down Plum Cake
Upside-down Plum Cake - a delicious dessert that brings a touch of summer to every slice. This simple and quick recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the baking time will take between 30 and 35 minutes, so in total, you'll have a dessert ready in less than an hour. This cake is perfect for 8 servings, ideal for a weekend dessert or a gathering with friends.
A Brief History of Plum Cake
Plum cake has deep roots in the culinary culture of many communities. Over time, it has been appreciated not only for its delicious taste but also for being an excellent way to use seasonal fruits. These sweet and juicy plums not only add a unique flavor but also a soft and moist texture to the dish. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply as a quick snack, this cake is always welcome.
Necessary Ingredients
- 5 eggs
- 160 g sugar (plus 120 g for the filling)
- 200 ml oil
- 200 ml milk
- 1 packet baking powder
- 340 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 kg plums (approximately)
- 2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 50 g butter for greasing the pan
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (for the filling)
Details About the Ingredients
The plums are the stars of this recipe. Choose ripe but firm plums to achieve an intense flavor cake. Sugar and cinnamon combine perfectly with the natural aroma of the fruits, while the hazelnuts and walnuts add a crunchy note. As for the flour, use high-quality flour to achieve a fluffy texture.
Preparation Method - Step by Step
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the plums well. Dry them with a clean towel and cut them in half, removing the pits. This step helps save time, and the fruits will be ready for use.
2. Sugar and cinnamon mixture: In a small bowl, combine 120 g of sugar with 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. This combination will add a delicious flavor to your cake.
3. Preparing the pan: Take a 35x25 cm baking pan and grease it with 50 g of butter. Evenly sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture on the bottom of the pan. Make sure it is covered uniformly to create a delicious sweet crust.
4. Arranging the plums: Place the plums cut side up, as close together as possible. It is important to fill all corners of the pan to achieve an even texture.
5. Adding the hazelnuts and walnuts: Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts and walnuts over the plums. These ingredients will add a crunchy note and a special flavor.
6. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add 160 g of sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes firm. At this point, incorporate the egg yolks mixed earlier with the baking powder.
7. Incorporating the wet ingredients: Add the milk and oil to the egg mixture and mix well. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
8. Adding the flour: Sift the flour into the wet mixture and use a spatula to gently fold, avoiding overmixing to preserve the batter's airiness.
9. Pouring the batter: Carefully pour the batter over the plums, ensuring that the entire surface is covered.
10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the pan inside. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes. Check if it's baked by using a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
11. Inverting the cake: As soon as you take the pan out of the oven, invert the cake onto a platter. This is a crucial moment, so make sure to do this quickly to prevent sticking. If some plums don’t fall out, don’t panic. Use a spoon to place them where they belong.
12. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve. It is delicious both warm and cold.
Serving Suggestions
This plum cake is perfect to be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. A cup of tea or coffee can perfectly complement the culinary experience. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra treat.
Nutritional Benefits
Plums are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, providing benefits for the digestive system and heart health. Flour and nuts offer protein and healthy fats, making this cake not just tasty but also nutritious.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can replace the plums with other seasonal fruits like peaches, apples, or cherries.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 50 g, but be careful to maintain the balance between wet and dry ingredients.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen. I recommend slicing it before freezing for easier serving.
Possible Variations
For a touch of originality, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the batter or replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour for a richer taste. You can also experiment with various spices like nutmeg or ginger to give an interesting twist.
This upside-down plum cake is not just a delicious dessert but also a perfect way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Try it today and let yourself be carried away by its flavors! Enjoy your meal!
The plums are washed, dried, pitted, and cut in half. Sugar, 120g, is mixed with cinnamon. In a greased baking tray (35x25), the sugar mixed with cinnamon is sprinkled evenly on the bottom. The plums are placed cut side up, close together with minimal gaps between them. Chopped nuts are sprinkled to fill the spaces between the plums. Vanilla sugar and a little cinnamon are added on top. In a bowl, egg whites are beaten with a pinch of salt. Sugar, 160g, is added and mixed until stiff peaks form. The egg yolks mixed with baking powder are added and mixed. Milk and oil are incorporated and mixed further. Finally, flour is added and gently folded in to avoid deflating. The mixture is poured over the plums in the tray. It is placed in a preheated oven at 180 degrees C for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick is used to check if it is done. It is turned out onto a platter immediately after being removed from the oven and allowed to cool. Once cooled, it is portioned and served. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 5 eggs, 160g sugar, 200ml oil, 200g milk, 1 packet baking powder, 340g flour, a pinch of salt. FOR THE FILLING: 1kg plums, approximately, 120g sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts, 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 50g butter for greasing the tray.
