Plum and wine cake

Plum and Wine Cake: A Delicacy for Celebrations

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Today I present to you a special recipe, full of flavors and memories. This plum and wine cake was created with love for my mother, who is celebrating her birthday. It is a perfect occasion to celebrate life and enjoy beautiful moments together. I invite you to discover how to make this refined dessert that will delight even the most discerning tastes.

A Brief Story of the Recipe

The plum and wine cake is a delicious combination, where the sweetness of the plums meets the intensity of the wine, and chocolate adds a layer of richness. This recipe is based on old traditions, when seasonal fruits were used to create savory desserts, perfect for celebrations. Plums are not only tasty but also healthy, providing essential vitamins and antioxidants that help us maintain our vitality.

Ingredients

For the base:
- 50 g dark chocolate
- 3 eggs (whites separated from yolks)
- 75 g powdered sugar
- 50 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 75 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 25 g ground almonds

For the cream:
- 700 g plums (ripe but firm)
- 65 g sugar
- 150 ml water
- 2 tablespoons raspberry syrup
- 100 ml red wine
- 1 and a half packets of gelatin
- 500 ml heavy cream (unsweetened)
- Plum jam for spreading on the base
- Melted chocolate and almond flakes for decoration

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Base:
- Start by melting the dark chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You can also melt it in a double boiler for better temperature control.
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy base.
- In a separate bowl, mix the yolks with the powdered sugar and soft butter until the mixture becomes frothy and changes color to white. It is important to be patient to achieve an airy texture.
- Mix the flour with the baking powder and ground almonds, then incorporate them into the yolk mixture. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Gradually add the egg white foam and melted chocolate, gently folding from the bottom up to preserve the air in the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 26 cm round cake pan lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick test comes out clean. Remove the base from the oven and let it cool on a rack.

2. Preparing the Cream:
- Remove the pits from the plums and place them in a pot along with the sugar, water, raspberry syrup, and red wine. Boil over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the plums become soft.
- After boiling, puree the plums using a blender or a fork, achieving a smooth consistency.
- Hydrate the gelatin in 6 tablespoons of cold water for 5 minutes, then melt it over low heat, being careful not to boil.
- Add the melted gelatin to the plum puree, mixing well. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Whip the heavy cream (unsweetened) until firm. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar at this point.
- Gently fold the plum puree into the whipped cream, mixing lightly to avoid losing volume.

3. Assembling the Cake:
- Place the cooled base on a serving platter and spread a generous layer of plum jam on top.
- Surround the base with a cake ring, then pour the plum cream over it, leveling it evenly.
- Refrigerate the cake for a few hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cream to set.

4. Decorating:
- Once the cream has set, remove the cake from the ring and decorate it with melted chocolate and almond flakes as desired. You can also add a few sliced plums for a more attractive appearance.

Serving Suggestions

This plum and wine cake is perfect for serving at special occasions, alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or extra whipped cream would perfectly complement the dessert.

Tips and Tricks

- Ensure that the plums are well-ripened; otherwise, the cream will not have the desired texture.
- If you want to enhance the flavor of the cake, you can add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the plum cream.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it is best enjoyed within the first 24 hours after preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
- Yes, you can experiment with peaches, apricots, or cherries, but adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits.

2. What type of wine should I use?
- Any medium-quality red wine will work well, but avoid overly sweet wines.

3. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
- You can replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals due to the plums. Additionally, dark chocolate offers heart benefits, contributing to cardiovascular health. Almond flour adds a boost of protein and healthy fats.

Conclusion

The plum and wine cake is more than just a dessert; it is an ode to the moments spent with loved ones. Whether it’s for a birthday or simply a family meal, this cake will bring smiles and joy to the faces of those dear to you. So, don’t hesitate! Put on your chef's gloves and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!