Simple Plum Cake
Simple Plum Cake - a Seasonal Delight
Who doesn't love the enticing aromas of a freshly baked dessert? The simple plum cake is an easy recipe, perfect for moments when you want to bring a touch of joy to your life or to your loved ones. This cake, with its fluffy texture and sweet-sour taste, is ideal for enjoying with coffee or tea, as well as for special occasions.
Before we get started, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients at hand and that we understand each step of the process.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 500 g plums (fresh or canned)
- 1 and a half cups of sugar (approximately 300 g)
- 7 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 8 tablespoons of water
- 1 and a third cups of flour (approximately 200 g)
- Zest of one lemon or orange
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Vanilla or rum essence (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Preparing the plum cake:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing the plums well. If using fresh plums, ensure they are ripe but not too soft. Cut the plums in half and remove the pits. If using canned plums, drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
2. Separate the eggs: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential for the egg whites to be beaten well to achieve a fluffy cake.
3. Beat the egg whites: Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and start beating them with a mixer on medium speed. When the egg whites start to froth, gradually add the sugar (1 and a half cups) and continue mixing until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue.
4. Prepare the mixture: In another bowl, combine the egg yolks with the oil and water. Mix well, then add the lemon or orange zest and the vanilla sugar. This mixture will add a wonderful aroma to your cake.
5. Combine the ingredients: Using a spatula, gently fold the yolk mixture into the egg white meringue, mixing with light up-and-down motions to avoid losing air from the egg whites.
6. Add the flour: Sift the flour over the mixture and continue to mix with a spatula until the mixture becomes homogeneous. Do not overmix, just enough to combine the ingredients.
7. Prepare the baking tray: Line a baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm) with parchment paper or grease it with butter and sprinkle flour to prevent sticking.
8. Add the mixture: Pour the mixture into the prepared tray, leveling the surface with a spatula.
9. Arrange the plums: Place the halved plums on top of the mixture, cut side up. They will caramelize slightly during baking, adding a delicious flavor.
10. Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray in the oven. Bake the cake for about 45 minutes, until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into servings.
Useful tips:
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or apricots, to create variations of this recipe.
- If you like more intense flavors, add a few drops of rum or almond essence to the mixture.
- For added texture, you can sprinkle some crushed nuts or almond flakes into the batter.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
This cake is a good source of vitamins and minerals due to the plums, which are rich in antioxidants and fiber, aiding digestion. Each serving has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used and the size of the serving.
Ideal pairings:
The simple plum cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It can also be enjoyed with a cup of herbal tea or a cappuccino for a moment of indulgence.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Yes, you can experiment with peaches, apricots, or apples. Make sure the fruits are ripe but firm to hold up well in the cake.
2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it, cut into portions, to enjoy later.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) and use plant-based milk instead of water.
This simple plum cake is not just a dessert, but a way to bring family and friends together, enveloping them in delicious aromas. So, get ready to impress with this easy and tasty recipe, and leave your mark in the kitchen!
Ingredients: 1 and a half cups of sugar, 7 eggs, 6 tablespoons of oil, 8 tablespoons of water, 500 g of plums or compote, 1 and a third cups of flour, spices (lemon zest, orange zest, vanilla sugar, essences)
