Plum Cake

Fluffy Plum Cake - A Delicious Journey into Autumn Flavors

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Plum cake is a classic dessert, loved by many, that brings a touch of nostalgia in every bite. This simple and quick recipe, perfect for any occasion, transforms seasonal fruits into something truly special. The plums, with their sweetness and acidity, perfectly combine with the fluffy textures of the batter, while cinnamon adds a warm, comforting note. Let's get to work!

Ingredients

- 3 eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar (preferably fine sugar)
- 10 tablespoons of oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest
- 10 tablespoons of milk (whole milk will give a richer texture)
- 600 g + 50 g of flour (wheat flour is the most suitable)
- Powdered sugar for decoration
- 1 kg of plums (washed, pitted)
- Ground cinnamon (to taste)

Necessary utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Baking tray (medium size, approximately 30x20 cm)
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Grater for lemon zest
- Knife for cutting plums

Nutritional information

This cake contains approximately 220 calories per serving, with a good content of carbohydrates from natural sugars, proteins from eggs, and a moderate amount of fats from oil. The plums add vitamins and fiber, their benefits being recognized for digestion and cardiovascular health.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy cake. Separate the eggs and beat the egg whites with the sugar until frothy and doubled in volume. Then add the yolks and continue mixing.

2. Adding wet ingredients: While mixing, gradually pour in the oil, followed by the milk and lemon juice. The lemon flavor will give a fresh taste and balance the sweetness of the plums.

3. Incorporating dry ingredients: Quench the baking powder with the lemon juice (this step will activate the baking powder) and add it to the mixture. Then, start adding the flour gradually, mixing gently with a spatula. When the batter is homogeneous, divide it into two equal portions.

4. Shaping the cake: Sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out the first portion of dough. Carefully transfer the sheet into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure the sheet covers the entire tray.

5. Preparing the plums: Cut the plums in half and remove the pits. Arrange them evenly on the dough sheet and sprinkle a little sugar over them, followed by ground cinnamon for a special flavor.

6. Adding the second layer: Roll out the second portion of dough and carefully place it over the plums. Use a fork to make a few punctures in the dough, allowing steam to escape during baking.

7. Baking the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the tray inside. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the cake is golden and passes the toothpick test.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving for an elegant appearance.

Practical tips

- Choosing plums: Use ripe but firm plums to avoid them disintegrating during baking. Small plums, like Mirabelle, bring a special flavor.
- Variations of the recipe: You can also add other fruits, such as apples or peaches, to create an interesting combination. Additionally, you can replace some of the flour with ground almonds for a richer taste.
- Storing the cake: This cake keeps well at room temperature for a few days but can be refrigerated for longer durability. Wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but adjustments to the liquid amounts may be necessary.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1-2 tablespoons and sweeten with a natural sweetener if you prefer.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Certainly! The cake can be cut into portions and frozen in an airtight container. You can thaw it at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Serving

This cake is perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of aromatic tea or freshly brewed coffee. An excellent enhancement would be to serve it with a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

The plum cake is not just a dessert; it is a sweet memory, a seasonal joy that brings people together. So, get ready to delight your family and friends with this simple yet incredibly tasty recipe! Enjoy!