Autumn Cake

Autumn Plum Cake

You can feel autumn making its presence known with each passing day, dressing nature in golden hues and bringing the bountiful harvest of the earth. This autumn plum cake is a wonderful way to celebrate the season, combining the sweetness of seasonal fruits with a soft and fragrant batter. Whether you enjoy it alongside a cup of warm tea or a flavorful coffee, this dessert is perfect for adding a touch of warmth and comfort to the cool autumn days.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 600 g flour
- 300 g sugar
- 750 ml milk
- 150 g butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 lemon extract
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 kg plums (preferably Italian plums)

The History of Plum Cake

This cake has a long-standing tradition, being a popular dessert in many cultures, especially during the autumn season. Plums, with their sweet-tart flavor and meaty texture, have been used over time in various dishes, from jams and compotes to cakes and tarts. This simple yet delicious dessert pays tribute to these wonderful fruits and reminds us of life’s simple joys.

Step by Step: How to Make Plum Cake

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure that the plums are ripe and fragrant, and that the butter is at room temperature for easy melting into the batter. It’s important to use high-quality flour, as this will affect the cake's texture.

2. Making the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the 600 g of flour and 300 g of sugar. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients. Melt the butter (in a small saucepan or microwave) and pour it over the flour mixture. Using your fingers, mix well until you achieve a crumbly dough, saving a cup of it for decoration.

3. Adding the Wet Ingredients
Add the baking powder, lemon extract, eggs, and milk to the bowl. Whisk or use a hand mixer to blend the mixture until the batter is smooth and creamy. This step is essential for ensuring a fluffy and flavorful cake.

4. Preparing the Plums
Wash the plums under cold running water, then cut them in half and remove the pits. It’s important to let the plums drain well to avoid making the cake too moist.

5. Assembling the Cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with butter or oil and dust with flour to prevent sticking. Pour half of the prepared batter into the dish, place the halved plums on top, and then add the remaining crumbly dough you set aside. This layer of dough will create a delicious crust and keep the plums juicy.

6. Baking
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It’s important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to avoid lowering the temperature.

7. Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish. When it’s cool, cut it into squares and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This cake is ideally served with a cup of tea or coffee but can also be enjoyed as a dessert after dinner.

Helpful Tips:
- You can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to enhance the autumn flavors.
- For a healthier version, you can replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Experiment with other seasonal fruits such as apples or pears.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake is rich in carbohydrates due to the flour and sugar, providing quick energy. Plums are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet. They also contain fiber, which aids digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen plums?
Yes, frozen plums can be used, but make sure to let them thaw and drain well before adding them to the batter.

2. Can I substitute wheat flour with whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but the cake will have a denser texture. You can try a combination of white and whole wheat flour.

3. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

This plum cake is not just a dessert but a story about autumn, an invitation to enjoy nature's bounty and create memories with loved ones. Savor each bite and let the warm flavors uplift your spirit!