Upside-down cake with plums and almonds
Upside-down Plum and Almond Cake – A Sweet Delight with a Storybook Flavor
Who doesn't remember the nostalgic moments spent in the kitchen, surrounded by the enticing aroma of freshly baked sweets? The upside-down plum and almond cake is one of those recipes that not only delights your senses but also brings back precious memories. This cake, with its fluffy batter and generous layer of caramelized plums, is perfect for serving at a gathering with friends or as a dessert after a family dinner. Let's start the culinary adventure!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 kg plums (fresh and juicy)
- 200 g sugar
- 2 packets of cinnamon sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar (for the plum mixture)
- ½ nutmeg (grated)
For the caramel:
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g butter
For the batter:
- 5 eggs
- 150 ml oil (sunflower or olive)
- 200 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 350 g flour
For decoration:
- 50 g almond flakes
- 50 whole almonds (halved)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the plums: Start by washing the plums well, then cut them in half and remove the pits. Place them in a bowl and add the cinnamon sugar, the 2-3 tablespoons of sugar, and the grated nutmeg. Gently mix and set aside to let the flavors combine.
2. The caramel: In a pan, place the sugar to caramelize over medium heat. Be careful, as the sugar can burn easily. Once the sugar turns golden and liquid, add the butter cut into cubes. Quickly stir to combine the ingredients, then pour the caramel into a prepared baking dish, leveling it evenly on the bottom.
3. Toasting the almonds: In the same pan, lightly toast the almond flakes and the almond halves until they turn golden. This step will enhance the flavor of the almonds and add a crunchy texture to your cake. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the caramel in the dish.
4. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes whitish and frothy. Gradually add the oil, followed by the milk and almond extract. Mix well. In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Carefully incorporate this mixture into the egg mixture to avoid lumps.
5. Assembling the cake: Arrange the plum halves cut side down, evenly over the caramel and almonds, for a pleasing visual effect. If you have leftover plums, you can mash them and add them between the plum halves. Pour the prepared batter over the plums, covering everything evenly.
6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and let the cake bake for about 40 minutes, or until it turns golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Inverting: Once the cake is baked, let it cool slightly, then cover the dish with a plate and carefully invert it. The caramel will drizzle over the cake, giving it a shiny and appetizing appearance.
8. Serving and storing: Once completely cooled, you can cut the cake into portions and serve it plain or with a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream. It’s also perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Nutritional benefits:
Plums are rich in fiber and antioxidants, contributing to digestive health. Almonds are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. Together, these ingredients make the upside-down cake not only a treat but also a healthier option compared to other desserts.
Possible variations:
For a more exotic touch, you can add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the batter. You can also try substituting the plums with apples or peaches, each variation having its own charm.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned plums? Yes, but make sure to drain them well from the syrup to avoid a too-wet cake.
2. What if I don't have almonds? You can use walnuts or pistachios for a different taste and texture.
3. How can I store the cake? You can keep it covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
This upside-down plum and almond cake is a true feast for the senses! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, it’s impossible not to fall in love with its combination of flavors and textures. So put on your chef's apron and let’s enjoy the magic of cooking! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: For the dough: 5 eggs, 150 ml oil, 200 ml milk, 200 g sugar, 1 tablespoon almond essence, 1 baking powder, 350 g flour. For the caramel: 200 g sugar, 100 g butter. For the filling: 1 kg plums, 2 packets of sugar with cinnamon, 2-3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 nutmeg, 50 g almond flakes, 50 whole almonds halved.
