Plum cake with cinnamon and ground almonds

Plum Cake with Cinnamon and Ground Almonds

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Welcome to my kitchen, where today we will prepare a delicious plum cake with cinnamon and ground almonds! This recipe is perfect for enjoying the aroma and sweetness of ripe plums, with a comforting taste that reminds us of warm summer days and moments spent with loved ones. It is a savory combination that blends the fine texture of the cake with the juiciness of the plums, offering an ideal dessert for any occasion.

The history of the plum cake takes us back in time when people preserved their fruits to use them even in the cold season. Plums, rich in vitamins and minerals, have often been used in various pastry preparations. Today, this cake becomes a symbol of culinary tradition, making it an excellent choice for gathering family around the table.

Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare this delicious cake:

Ingredients:
- 400 g of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 10 g)
- 200 g of raw sugar (or to taste)
- 2 large eggs
- 50 ml of oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 300 g of yogurt (Greek yogurt can be used for a creamier texture)
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 9-10 ripe plums (make sure they are well-ripened for maximum flavor)
- 3-4 tablespoons of ground almonds
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Estimated cost of ingredients: approximately 15 lei

Preparation:

1. Preparing the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is important to have the oven well heated before placing the cake in to achieve an even bake.

2. Preparing the plums: Wash the plums well under cold running water. Cut them in half and remove the pits, then set them aside. If desired, you can sprinkle them with a little sugar to enhance the flavor.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, raw sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

4. Adding the wet ingredients: In the center of the dry ingredient mixture, add the eggs, oil, and yogurt. Mix with a wooden spoon until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Finally, gradually add the milk while continuing to mix. The consistency of the mixture should be quite soft but not too liquid.

5. Preparing the baking tray: Line a baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm) with baking paper. This will make it easier to remove the cake after baking and prevent sticking.

6. Assembling the cake: Pour the mixture into the tray and gently level it with a spatula. Place the plum halves cut-side down, leaving a distance of 2-3 cm between them. Sprinkle the ground almonds on top for added texture and flavor.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the cake turns golden and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready).

8. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the cake cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice the cake and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

9. Enjoy: It is wonderful warm, but also at room temperature! You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a cup of fragrant tea for a perfect culinary experience.

Tips and variations:
- You can also add other fruits, such as peaches or apples, instead of plums to vary the flavor.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a few drops of vanilla extract to the mixture.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar by 50 g.

Nutritional benefits:
Plums are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin K and vitamin A), and antioxidants, playing an important role in maintaining digestive health. Yogurt adds protein and probiotics, contributing to healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- What kind of plums should I use? Choose ripe plums, preferably with a vibrant hue. Soft and sweet plums are the best for this recipe.
- Can I substitute yogurt? Yes, you can use cottage cheese or a vegan alternative, such as coconut-based yogurt.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze it to enjoy later!

In the end, this plum cake with cinnamon and ground almonds will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and relish the delicious results! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 400 g flour, 1 packet baking powder, 200 g brown sugar, 2 eggs, 50 ml oil, 300 g yogurt, 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 9-10 ripe plums, 3-4 tablespoons ground almonds, powdered sugar for decoration

 Tags:  plum cake