Plum cake

Plum Cake - A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 1 tray (approximately 8 servings)

Who doesn't love a dessert that brings back childhood memories? Plum cake is a perfect choice to add a touch of joy to your days. This plum cake is not only simple but also extremely delicious. The sweet and juicy plums combined with a fluffy sponge base create an irresistible combination.

A Brief History

It is said that fruit cakes have been made throughout the centuries in many cultures, each region having its own traditions and recipes. Plums, with their rich natural flavor, have often been used in desserts due to their ability to add moisture and sweetness. This recipe has evolved over time and has become a favorite among those who love quick and easy-to-make desserts.

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 20-30 ripe plums (choose quality, ripe but firm plums)
- 6 tablespoons sugar (adjustable according to preferences)
- 150 g butter (preferably at room temperature)

For the sponge base:
- 4 eggs (make sure they are fresh)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons flour (use good quality wheat flour)
- 1 packet baking powder
- a pinch of salt

Optional:
- Whipped cream for decoration (a great choice to add a creamy touch)

Step by Step - Preparation Guide

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing the plums under cold running water. Remove the pits and cut them in half. This step is essential as the plums will become the base of our dessert.

2. Arranging the plums:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a baking tray, arrange a consistent layer of plum halves. Make sure they are evenly distributed on the bottom of the tray.

3. Adding sugar and butter:
Sprinkle the 6 tablespoons of sugar over the plums. Then add a few pieces of butter (about 50 g) to enrich the flavor and add a touch of creaminess.

4. Baking the plums:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The plums will start to soften and release a delicious syrup.

5. Preparing the sponge base:
Meanwhile, prepare the sponge batter. In a large bowl, beat the 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy foam.

6. Incorporating the yolks and flour:
Add the yolks, mixing gently. Then, gradually incorporate the flour and baking powder, mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture.

7. Pouring the batter:
Once the plums are baked and have released syrup, remove the tray from the oven. Carefully pour the sponge batter over the hot plums, ensuring that you cover the fruits evenly.

8. Baking the cake:
Put the tray back in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top becomes golden and pulls away easily from the edges of the tray. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

9. Inverting the cake:
Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then carefully invert it onto a clean tray, so the layer of plums is on top. The syrup will partially moisten the base, adding flavor and moisture.

10. Cooling and serving:
If you have patience, let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours. It will become much more refreshing and delicious. Serve with whipped cream, which will perfectly complement the taste of the caramelized plums.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the plums: Buy plums that are ripe but firm. Overripe plums may become too mushy during baking.
- Sweetening option: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar or use honey.
- Innovation: Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter or sprinkle a bit of vanilla sugar over the plums.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with peaches, apples, or cherries.

2. What is the best way to store the cake?
Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and flavors.

3. Is the cake suitable for a special event?
Absolutely! It is an elegant and delicious dessert, perfect for special occasions.

Delicious Combinations

This plum cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of tea. You can also accompany it with a caramel sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of this cake contains approximately 230 calories, making it a decent option for a dessert. Plums are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, having beneficial effects on digestion and skin health.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Plum cake is a wonderful choice to treat your family and friends to a simple and delicious dessert. Enjoy every bite and savor this sweet moment!