Upside-down cake with plums, caramelized sugar, and nuts

Name: Upside-down cake with plums, caramelized sugar, and nuts - Isabela K.
Ingredients: For the dough: 7 eggs; 7 tablespoons of sugar; 175 g of butter; 2 tablespoons of oil; 12 tablespoons of flour; 1 packet of baking powder; grated lemon peel; lemon essence. For the glaze: 6 tablespoons of sugar; 25 g of butter; 1 kg of plums; ground cinnamon; 150 g of walnut kernels.

Dessert - Upside-down cake with plums, caramelized sugar, and nuts by Isabela K. - Recipia

Upside-down cake with plums, caramelized sugar, and walnuts Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes Preparation time: 25 minutes Baking time: 40 minutes Number of servings: 12 I propose a recipe for an upside-down cake with plums, caramelized sugar, and walnuts, a dessert that combines intense flavors and the perfect texture of fresh ingredients. This cake is ideal to be served cold the next day, but who has the patience? Let’s see how we can prepare it step by step for a truly delicious result. A short story about upside-down cake Upside-down cakes have been appreciated over time for their versatility. Regardless of the ingredients used, they always manage to surprise with their attractive appearance and combinations of textures and flavors. This type of cake has a layer of fruit glazed with caramelized sugar, which turns into a sweet and aromatic syrup that soaks the base, resulting in an unparalleled culinary experience. Necessary ingredients *For the base:* - 7 fresh eggs - 7 tablespoons of sugar - 175 g of butter (preferably unsalted) - 2 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or olive) - 12 tablespoons of flour - 1 packet of baking powder - Zest of one lemon - Lemon essence (optional) *For the glaze:* - 6 tablespoons of sugar - 25 g of butter - 1 kg of plums (choose firmer plums) - Ground cinnamon (to taste) - 150 g of walnut halves (cut into quarters or halves) Step by step for a perfect result 1. Preparing the caramelized sugar Start by caramelizing the sugar for the glaze. In a pan or pot, add the 6 tablespoons of sugar and let it cook over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar melts and turns liquid and amber in color. Once completely melted, pour the caramelized sugar into the baking pan (recommended size: 24 x 36 cm) and rotate the pan to evenly coat the bottom. Allow the caramelized sugar to cool. 2. Preparing the fruits and walnuts Wash the plums and cut them in half, removing the pits. Place the plum halves, cut side down, on the bottom of the pan over the caramelized sugar. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top, then add a little cinnamon to enhance the flavor. 3. Preparing the base mixture In a small pot, melt the butter together with the oil over low heat, then let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the 7 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a glossy meringue. Add the yolks one by one, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the melted butter and oil. 4. Finalizing the base mixture Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually incorporate them into the egg mixture, using a spatula or whisk. Add the lemon zest and lemon essence for a fresh taste. Mix everything until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. 5. Baking the cake Pour the base mixture over the plums and walnuts in the pan, leveling the surface with the back of a spoon. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for 40 minutes. Check with a toothpick if it is baked; it should come out clean. 6. Inverting the cake Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a plate or wooden board. Be careful, as the caramelized syrup can be hot. If it sticks, use a spatula or a spoon to loosen the edges. Serving suggestions This cake is wonderful served plain, but you can accompany it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an even more pleasant contrast. Additionally, a cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this dessert. Tips and useful advice - Choose firmer plums to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking. You can experiment with other fruits, such as nectarines, peaches, or apricots, to add a personal twist to your recipe. - If you want a more complex flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the base mixture. - Make sure to pour the caramelized sugar quickly into the pan, otherwise it will start to harden. Nutritional information A serving of upside-down cake with plums, caramelized sugar, and walnuts contains approximately 320 calories, being a good source of energy due to the content of nuts and eggs, which provide proteins and healthy fats. Frequently asked questions - Can I use other types of sugar for the caramelized sugar? Yes, you can experiment with brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor. - How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. - Can this cake be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the cake, but I recommend letting it thaw at room temperature before serving. This upside-down cake with plums, caramelized sugar, and walnuts is a true delight, perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite!