Plum cake

Plum cake is a delicious choice for any occasion, combining the enticing flavors of seasonal fruits with a light and fluffy dough. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also transport you to cherished memories, reminding you of family moments when the aroma of freshly baked cakes filled the entire house. Ideal for a quick dessert or a sweet snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee, this cake is easy to prepare and can become a family favorite.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:

- 225 g butter (3/4 cup)
- 200 g brown sugar (1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 500 g plums (about 10-12 medium plums)
- 150 g small berries (or other fruits of your choice, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
- 190 g flour (1 ½ cup)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 125 ml milk (1/2 cup)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar)
- 1 packet whipped cream (optional, for decoration)

Nutritional information (per serving, estimated):

- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Preparation:

1. Preparing the pan and plum topping:
Start by preheating the oven to 160°C. Choose a round pan, about 24 cm, and grease it with a little butter. In a small saucepan, melt half of the butter (about 110 g) with the brown sugar and honey, stirring well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan.

2. Arranging the fruits:
Wash the plums, cut them in half, and remove the pits. Place them cut side up over the butter and sugar mixture in the pan. If desired, you can also add other seasonal fruits, such as frozen strawberries, for extra flavor and color.

3. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. In another bowl, beat the remaining butter (about 115 g) with the sugar until it becomes a fluffy foam. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract and almond extract.

4. Adding the dry ingredients:
Alternate the flour mixture with the milk, adding one tablespoon of flour at a time, mixing gently to avoid lumps. Continue adding flour and milk until you achieve a smooth and pourable dough.

5. Baking:
Pour the dough over the plums in the pan and level it with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 60 minutes, or until golden brown and passes the toothpick test (when you insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, it should come out clean).

6. Cooling:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a plate, ensuring that the plums remain on top.

7. Serving:
The cake can be topped with whipped cream, which will add a creamy note and a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the plums. Serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a cup of fruit tea or a flavored cappuccino.

Practical tips:

- Choosing plums: Choose ripe but firm plums. Softer plums may make the cake too moist.
- For a more intense flavor: You can replace the almond extract with rum extract or even a splash of fruit liqueur.
- Fruit variations: If you don't have plums, you can experiment with apples or peaches, each variation bringing a unique flavor.
- Storage: The cake keeps well at room temperature in a covered container for 2-3 days. You can freeze it, cut into portions, for moments when you crave something sweet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes, frozen fruits are excellent for this recipe. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cake.

2. How do I know when the cake is baked?
Try the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

3. Is it necessary to use brown sugar?
Brown sugar adds a caramelized flavor to the cake, but you can also use white sugar if you prefer.

4. What drinks pair well with this cake?
A fruit tea, a latte, or even a glass of sweet wine will perfectly complement the cake's flavor.

Conclusion:

Plum cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and comfort. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe will surely delight you. Let yourself be carried away by its aromas and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 3/4 cup of butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 500g of plums, 1 cup of small berries or other chopped fruits, 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, almond essence, vanilla sugar, 1 cup of sugar, 1 packet of whipped cream powder.