Plum Cake

Plum Cake: A Fragrant Delight

I invite you to discover a special recipe with me, combining the succulent sweetness of plums with the warm flavors of cinnamon. This cake is not just a dessert; it is a sweet memory brought to your table, perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a gathering with friends or offer it as a dessert at a festive meal, this cake will turn any moment into an unforgettable one.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 1 kg plums (choose ripe but firm plums)
- 6 eggs (preferably from free-range hens)
- 300 g sugar (you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor)
- 250 g flour (white flour is ideal, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour)
- 7 tablespoons oil (sunflower oil is a good choice, but olive oil adds an interesting touch)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (you can add more if you are a fan of this flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 15 ml rum essence (for a more intense taste, you can use quality rum)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or you can use natural vanilla)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Plums: Start by washing the plums well and removing the pits. Cut each plum lengthwise into four slices. Mix them with cinnamon in a large bowl. This mixture will add a special fragrance to your cake.

2. Preparing the Pan: Grease a pan with butter or oil to prevent the cake from sticking. Then, dust the pan with flour, ensuring it is evenly covered. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

3. Beating the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a glossy meringue. Add the rum essence at this point to give it a special aroma.

4. Mixing the Yolks: In another bowl, combine the yolks with the oil. Mix well until it becomes a homogeneous composition. Then, add this mixture over the beaten egg whites, gently folding to avoid losing the air in the whites.

5. Incorporating the Flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and vanilla sugar. Add this mixture to the egg composition, carefully folding to achieve a uniform but airy mixture.

6. Assembling the Cake: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Arrange the plum slices on top, spacing them evenly. This will give the cake an attractive appearance and a delicious taste.

7. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 30-40 minutes. The cake is ready when it turns golden, and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

8. Cooling and Serving: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting it. It is recommended to serve it cold, but if you are looking for a delicious experience, try it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Practical Tips:
- Selecting Plums: Choose ripe but firm plums. Overripe plums will break apart during baking and can make the cake soggy.
- Variations: If you don’t have plums on hand, this recipe is versatile. You can replace the plums with sour cherries or apricots, thus offering a varied palette of flavors.
- Cooling Time: Once cooled, the cake will cut more easily and maintain a better texture.
- Serving Combinations: Plum cake pairs perfectly with warm chocolate sauce or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Nutritional Benefits:
Plums are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with a high fiber content that contributes to healthy digestion. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C and can help strengthen the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned plums?: Yes, but make sure to drain them well so that the cake doesn’t become too soggy.
- How can I store the cake?: The cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze it, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to preserve its flavor.
- Is it suitable for children?: Yes, this is a very suitable cake for the whole family, with a moderate sugar content.

This plum cake is more than just a dessert; it is an invitation to savor moments of joy with loved ones. Share this recipe with your friends and let them enjoy the warm aroma of cinnamon and the sweet taste of plums. Each slice will bring a smile to your face and perhaps even a pleasant childhood memory. So, put on your apron and let’s cook together!