Plum Cake

Plum Cake Recipe - A Fall Delight

Who doesn't love a fluffy cake, full of flavors and with a decadent plum filling? This plum cake recipe is perfect for celebrating the autumn fruit season and will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. With a tender crust and a delicious filling, this cake is ideal for both a dessert after dinner and a treat with coffee. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the crust:
- 300 g of flour
- 120 g of lard (or butter, if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 100 g of sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 ml of cold water

For the topping:
- 500 g of pitted plums (preferably ripe, sweet, and aromatic)

For the surface cream:
- 3 egg whites
- 2 whole eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons of sour cream
- 4 tablespoons of flour

Nutritional information:
This plum cake contains approximately 250 calories per serving, offering not only a wonderful taste but also a source of vitamins and antioxidants from plums. Plums are known for their beneficial effects on digestion and for their vitamin K and potassium content.

Step by step - Preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the crust:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This step is essential to ensure even baking of your cake.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, sugar, and lard. Use a mixer or spatula to combine the ingredients until a homogeneous mixture with a flour-like texture forms. Then, add the egg yolks and cold water. Knead gently by hand until you obtain a tender dough that comes away from the sides of the bowl.

3. Forming the crust:
Grease a baking tray with oil or butter and sprinkle a little flour to prevent sticking. Spread the dough evenly in the tray, using your fingers to reach the edges. Make sure the crust is even for consistent baking.

4. Adding the plums:
Wash the plums, remove the pits, and cut them in half. Place the plums on top of the crust, making sure to distribute them evenly. The aroma of the plums will blend perfectly with the crust, providing a pleasant contrast between the fluffy and juicy texture.

5. Preparing the filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Then, add the two whole eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes airy and fluffy. Add the sour cream and flour, gently folding in with a spatula to retain the air in the mixture.

6. Finalizing the preparation:
Pour the filling mixture over the plums, ensuring an even cover. This layer will create a delicious crust that will blend perfectly with the fruit.

7. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You can check if the cake is done by doing the toothpick test - if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

8. 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. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance and to add a touch of sweetness.

Serving suggestions:
This plum cake is excellent served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sour cream for a refreshing contrast. A cup of tea or coffee also enhances the tasting experience.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the plum filling for an extra flavor boost. You can also substitute plums with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples, to create a cake with different fruits.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What type of plums can I use?
The best plums are ripe, sweet, and juicy ones. Dried or overly green plums will not provide the same taste.

2. Can I use margarine instead of lard?
Yes, margarine is a good alternative, but the taste will be slightly different. Lard provides a richer flavor and a more tender texture.

3. How can I keep the cake fresh?
The cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For a longer duration, you can freeze it.

4. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs instead of whole eggs and egg whites, as well as using plant-based lard instead of lard.

I encourage you to try this delicious plum cake, share your impressions, and bring a little bit of autumn magic into your kitchen! The cake will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of warmth and comfort on cooler days. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the base: 300g flour, 120g lard, 1 baking powder, 100g sugar, 3 egg yolks, 100ml water. For topping: 500g pitted plums. For the filling: 3 egg whites, 2 whole eggs, 6 tablespoons sugar, 3 teaspoons vanilla essence, 4 tablespoons sour cream, 4 tablespoons flour.