Plum and poppy seed cake

Plum and Poppy Seed Cake: A Fragrant Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn’t love a freshly baked cake, with an inviting aroma and an appetizing look? The plum and poppy seed cake is an excellent choice for any time of the day, whether you want to serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or at a festive meal. This recipe combines the juicy sweetness of plums with the intense flavor of poppy seeds, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Brief History
The plum and poppy seed cake has deep roots in culinary traditions, often prepared in various forms over time. Poppy seeds, a versatile ingredient, have been used in desserts for centuries, offering not just a pleasant taste but also numerous nutritional benefits. Plums, on the other hand, add a touch of freshness and moisture, perfectly balancing the flavors. This cake is a combination of tradition and innovation, and each bite will transport you to a world of flavors and textures.

Ingredients
- 250 g flour
- 375 ml milk
- 150 g sugar
- 80 g butter
- 1 small cube of yeast (about 25 g)
- 1 egg + 1 yolk
- 250 ml sour cream
- 100 g poppy seeds (ground or whole, as preferred)
- 40 g starch
- A few plums (about 300 g)

Helpful Tips for Ingredients
- Use ground poppy seeds for a finer texture of the cream, but if you don’t have a mortar or grinder, you can use whole poppy seeds. The taste will be just as delicious!
- Make sure the plums are well-ripened to add extra sweetness to the cake. Plums can be replaced with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples, offering an interesting variation.
- Choose a quality butter, as this will influence the overall flavor of the cake.

Preparation Steps

1. Activating the yeast
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and the yeast cube. Let this mixture rise for 30 minutes. You will notice that the yeast becomes frothy, a sign that it is active and ready to make the dough rise.

2. Preparing the dough
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt 40 g of butter in 100 ml of milk. Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of sugar, a pinch of salt, and, after it has cooled slightly, the whole egg. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

3. Combining the ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the flour with the yeast mixture and the milk-butter mixture. Knead the dough well for about 5-10 minutes. It should become elastic and smooth. Place the dough in a bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

4. Preparing the poppy seed cream
In a separate saucepan, bring the remaining milk (about 275 ml) to a boil along with the poppy seeds (either ground or whole). Stir constantly to prevent sticking. Once it thickens, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly.

5. Combining the ingredients for the cream
In another bowl, mix the starch with a tablespoon of water, then add the egg yolk, sugar, and the remaining butter (40 g). Pour this mixture into the poppy seed cream, mixing well to obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream.

6. Assembling the cake
After the dough has risen, grease a baking dish with butter and line it with parchment paper. Spread the dough in the dish, sprinkle a little semolina or breadcrumbs on the bottom, then spread the poppy seed cream. Wash the plums, cut them in half and remove the pits, then arrange them cut side up, nicely arranged, on top of the cream.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and bake the cake for about 40 minutes or until golden and a stick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

8. Cooling and serving
After the cake is baked, let it cool in the dish for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant look!

Variations and Serving Suggestions
This cake is wonderful served warm or at room temperature, alongside a glass of warm milk, tea, or coffee. You can try serving it with a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures. Additionally, adding cinnamon to the poppy seed cream can provide an even more intense flavor.

Nutritional Information
Each serving of cake contains approximately 250 calories, providing a good source of carbohydrates and fats. The plums offer a dose of vitamins and antioxidants, while the poppy seeds are rich in calcium and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of fruits?
Of course! This cake can easily be adapted by using apples, peaches, or even berries.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for later use!

3. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package for correct proportions.

4. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, replace the egg with a plant-based egg substitute and use vegan margarine.

The plum and poppy seed cake is a wonderful choice to bring a touch of joy into your life and that of your loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, each bite will be a celebration of flavors. So let’s get cooking and enjoy the taste of this delicious cake!

 Ingredients: 250 g of flour 375 ml of milk 150 g of sugar 80 g of butter 1 small cube of yeast 1 egg + 1 yolk 250 ml of sour cream 100 g of ground poppy seeds 40 g of starch a few plums

 Tags:  plum and poppy seed cake