Plum Cake

Plum Cake - a simple yet flavorful delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn’t love a fluffy cake that brings a touch of sweetness and freshness in every bite? Plum cake is a perfect choice, not just for dessert lovers, but also for those looking for a quick, simple, and delicious recipe.

This cake has its origins in traditional cuisine, where seasonal fruits were often used to create savory desserts. Plums, with their sweet-tart flavor, give this cake a unique character, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 large eggs
- 9 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 9 tablespoons of milk
- 9 tablespoons of vegetable oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 14 tablespoons of flour
- 1/2 packet (about 7 g) baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- Plums (or, for variation, apricots, sour cherries, or grapes)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration, at the end)

Step by step to a perfect cake:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a homogeneous mixture. Wash the plums and cut them in half, removing the pits. If using other fruits, prepare them similarly.

2. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, add the two eggs and sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture well until it becomes frothy and doubles in volume. This is an essential step for a fluffy cake.

3. Add the wet ingredients: Continue by incorporating the milk and oil, gently mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed. This combination will give the cake a moist and tender texture.

4. Incorporate the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the wet composition, carefully mixing to avoid lumps. At this point, you can add the vanilla sugar and cinnamon if desired.

5. Prepare the baking tray: Grease a tray (about 20x30 cm) with butter and flour or use parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove from the tray.

6. Pour the mixture: Once the batter is homogeneous, pour it into the prepared tray and level the surface with a spatula. Place the plum halves on top, gently pressing them into the batter.

7. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon: Add a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon over the fruit. This will create a lightly caramelized crust, adding extra flavor to the cake.

8. Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (or 160 degrees Celsius if using a convection oven). Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes or until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test.

9. Cool and decorate: After the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

10. Serving: You can enjoy the cake plain, alongside a scoop of ice cream or with whipped cream. It is also delicious with a cup of flavored tea or coffee.

Useful tips:

- Fruit variations: If you don’t have plums, don’t worry! You can use sour cherries, apricots, or grapes. Each fruit will add a distinct flavor, making this recipe versatile and adaptable.
- Storing the cake: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, to maintain moisture. You can consume it the next day when the flavors are even more intense.
- Nutritional benefits: Plums are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They aid digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties, making the cake not just a delicious dessert but also a healthier one.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen fruit? Yes, it is possible. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cake.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar by 1-2 tablespoons, considering that the fruits already bring sweetness.
3. Can I replace the oil with butter? Of course! Use the same amount of melted butter to add a rich flavor to the cake.

This plum cake is not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to bring a touch of joy to every day. With every bite, you will enjoy the sweet-tart aroma of the plums and the fluffy texture of the batter, transforming a simple ingredient into something truly special. So, get ready to enjoy a cake that will impress everyone!