Upside-down cake with plums
Upside-Down Cake with Caramelized Plums
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 20 servings
This delicious cake is the perfect inspiration for fruit lovers, bringing warmth and flavor to every slice. The caramelized plums, combined with the soft and airy batter, make this recipe an irresistible dessert. Of course, every recipe has its story, and this one reminds us of family moments when cakes were made with love and patience. Whether you serve it at a festive gathering or simply on an ordinary day, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 11 large eggs
- 600 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 lemon essence (Dr. Oetker)
- 1.5 kg pitted plums
- 250 g butter
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 pinch baking powder
- 150 g walnuts, chopped
- 18 tablespoons flour
Necessary utensils:
- A baking tray (45/35 cm)
- A saucepan for caramelizing
- A mixer or whisk
- A wooden spatula
- A large mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by pitting the plums and cutting them in half. Make sure they are well-ripened so they caramelize beautifully. Chop the walnuts into small pieces to add texture to the cake.
Step 2: Caramelizing the sugar
In a saucepan, add 300 g of sugar and heat over medium. Stir constantly to prevent burning. When the sugar turns golden and liquid, pour it evenly into the bottom of the lined baking tray. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the tray well.
Step 3: Adding the butter and walnuts
Cut 50 g of butter into small cubes and place it over the warm caramel. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top of the butter. Then, arrange the plums cut-side down so they integrate perfectly into the cake.
Step 4: Preparing the batter
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with 300 g of sugar (18 tablespoons) and the vanilla sugar until you achieve a firm foam. Gradually add the beaten yolks, melted butter (250 g), and the 3 tablespoons of oil, mixing gently.
Step 5: Incorporating the dry ingredients
Sift the flour together with the baking powder and cinnamon. Gently fold these ingredients into the egg mixture using a wooden spatula, being careful to maintain the aeration of the batter.
Step 6: Baking the cake
Pour the prepared batter over the plums in the tray, leveling it evenly. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes or until it turns golden and firm to the touch.
Step 7: Inverting the cake
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, flip the tray onto a large serving platter, ensuring that the caramel doesn’t harden. This will give you a beautiful presentation with the caramelized plums on top.
Serving Suggestions:
This cake can be served warm or cold. A drizzle of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cake slices will add extra flavor. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for a more attractive appearance.
Possible Variations:
- For a more intense flavor, replace some of the regular sugar with brown sugar.
- Add other fruits, such as peaches or apricots, for a diversified cake.
- For a more exotic taste, you can add a few drops of almond essence to the batter.
Nutritional Benefits:
This cake is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats due to the nuts and butter. Plums provide a significant amount of vitamins and antioxidants, making them excellent for digestion and heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Yes, you can use other seasonal fruits, such as apples or pears, but the baking time may vary.
2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for a few days. You can reheat the slices in the microwave before serving.
3. What is the secret to a fluffy batter?
Make sure to beat the egg whites well and carefully fold them into the yolk mixture to maintain aeration.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, butter provides a richer flavor and a more pleasant texture.
This upside-down cake with caramelized plums is not just a dessert, but a sweet memory of moments spent with loved ones. So, dare to make it and treat your family to this delicacy!
Ingredients: 11 eggs, 600 g sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 vanilla sugar, 1 lemon essence, 1.5 kg pitted plums, 250 g butter, 3 tablespoons oil, 1 baking powder, 150 g chopped walnuts, 18 tablespoons flour
