Plum Cake

Plum Cake - A Nostalgic Delight

Welcome to our kitchen! Today I will share with you a recipe for plum cake, a dessert that combines sweetness with a hint of tartness, offering an unforgettable taste experience. This cake has been cherished by generations, becoming a symbol of family gatherings and festive meals. Whether you serve it warm alongside a scoop of ice cream or chilled with a cup of coffee, this cake will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 200 g margarine (or lard)
- 1 whole egg
- A pinch of salt
- 25 g fresh yeast
- Warm milk (approximately 100 ml)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 2 kg plums (preferably ripe and fragrant)
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g semolina

For brushing:
- 1 whole egg

Step by step to the perfect cake

1. Preparing the yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the yeast with two tablespoons of flour and a little warm milk. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms. This step is essential to activate the yeast and ensure a fluffy cake.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour with diced margarine. Rub it with your fingers until you achieve a texture similar to damp sand. Add the egg, a pinch of salt, and the prepared yeast. Begin kneading the dough, gradually adding the warm milk until everything binds well. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rest in the fridge for 15 minutes.

3. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, wash the plums well and cut them in half, removing the pits. In a bowl, mix the plums with sugar, semolina, eggs, and cinnamon. The semolina will help absorb the juice from the plums, preventing the cake from becoming too wet. Ensure the mixture is well combined, but leave the plum pieces large enough to provide texture to the cake.

4. Assembling the cake:
Remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first part into a thin sheet large enough to cover the bottom of a baking tray. Place the sheet in the tray, then pour the plum filling evenly over it. Roll out the second sheet of dough and cover the filling. Use a fork to make a few holes on the surface of the cake to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust.

5. Baking the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch. Check the cake with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

6. Cooling and serving:
Let the cake cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. This cake is delicious both warm and cold. Personally, I like to warm it slightly in the microwave before serving to enhance its flavor.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to experiment with flavors, add a few drops of vanilla essence to the filling or even some chopped nuts.
- For a fresh note, you can add lemon or orange zest to the filling.
- Make sure the plums are well ripe and fragrant, as they are the main ingredient that will give flavor to the cake.
- This cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days, but it will be just as delicious after being frozen.

Nutrition:
Each serving of plum cake contains approximately 250 calories, making it a good choice for an energizing snack. Plums are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which makes this cake a healthy option when you want to indulge yourself.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Of course! Apples, pears, or peaches are excellent alternatives that pair perfectly with this recipe.

- How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or choose tarter plums.

- What drinks pair well with plum cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with herbal tea or a cappuccino, but also with a glass of sweet white wine.

In the end, plum cake is not just a dessert, but a memory of simpler times when family meals were filled with laughter and stories. So grab the ingredients, start cooking, and enjoy the final result! Don’t forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones to bring a touch of joy to their lives!

 Ingredients: Dough: 500 g flour, 200 g margarine (or lard), 1 whole egg, a pinch of salt, 25 g yeast, milk. Filling: 2 kg plums, 2 whole eggs, cinnamon, 200 g sugar, 100 g semolina. For brushing on top: 1 whole egg.