Crumble cake with plums

Crumble Cake with Plums - A Seasonal Delicacy

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

Introduction

Who hasn’t been carried away by the wings of nostalgia while enjoying a cake with fresh plums? This crumble cake is not just a dessert; it’s a journey into a world of flavors and textures, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every bite. The plums, with their perfectly balanced sweetness and acidity, harmoniously intertwine with the crumbly dough, creating a delicious combination that will leave you wanting more.

Additionally, the recipe is simple, quick, and accessible, perfect for beginners as well as those with kitchen experience. Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

Necessary Ingredients

- 500 g plums (preferably well-ripened)
- 1-2 eggs (depending on their size)
- 200 g butter (high-fat content for a rich taste)
- 300 g flour (ideal for cakes)
- 100 g sugar (or more if you prefer a sweeter dessert)
- 100 ml warm milk (to help activate the ingredients)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (for an extra touch of flavor)
- 1 packet of baking powder (to achieve a fluffy cake)
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (to absorb the juice from the plums)
- Ground cinnamon (to taste, a magical ingredient in combination with plums)
- Zest of one lemon (for a touch of freshness)
- A pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)

Step by Step: Preparing the Cake

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the plums, removing the pits, and cutting them in half. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon to taste. Set aside to release their flavors.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour, small cubes of butter, eggs, baking powder, salt, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. Using a mixer or simply your hands, mix the ingredients until you achieve a texture similar to breadcrumbs.

3. Adding the milk: Begin to add the warm milk gradually, mixing continuously. Continue until the dough becomes homogeneous and no longer sticks to your fingers. This is when the magic happens: the dough becomes soft and pleasant to shape.

4. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help solidify the butter, giving the cake a dreamy crumbly texture.

5. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has chilled, divide it into two equal parts. Use a floured surface to roll out the first sheet of dough.

6. Assembling the cake: Place the first sheet in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the entire surface to absorb the juice from the plums. Then, arrange the plum halves evenly. Roll out the second half of the dough and cover the plums with it.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for about 1 hour, or until the dough turns golden and beautifully browned.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan. Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar and cinnamon on top, to taste. Cut into servings and enjoy every bite!

Useful Tips

- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of almond essence to the dough.
- If you want to enrich the cake, you can add chopped nuts or almonds between the layers of dough and plums.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce, turning a simple cake into a festive dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

Plums are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, while the buttery dough adds a savory taste but also a caloric content that should be considered. If you desire a healthier version, you can replace the butter with coconut oil or use natural sweeteners.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted using apples, peaches, or even berries.
2. What other drinks pair well with the cake? A cup of black tea or a dry white wine can perfectly complement the cake's flavors.
3. How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature, consuming it within 3-4 days.

I encourage you to try this simple and quick recipe that combines tradition and love for cooking. Each slice of crumble cake with plums will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones and turn any meal into a special occasion. Enjoy!