Plum cake

Caramelized Plum and Coconut Cake – A Sweet Indulgence!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn't love a fluffy cake filled with enticing aromas that delight the senses? This caramelized plum and coconut cake recipe is just what you need to add a touch of sweetness to your life. Inspired by culinary traditions, this simple and quick cake is perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or at a family gathering.

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of grated coconut
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 6-8 ripe plums (depending on their size)
- 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the Plums:
Start by washing the plums well under cold running water. Then, cut them in half and remove the pits. Sprinkle them with sugar and cinnamon, gently mixing to coat evenly. Set them aside for a few minutes so the sugar starts to melt and create a delicious syrup.

2. Beating the Egg Whites:
In a clean bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat them until stiff peaks form. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy cake.

3. Adding the Sugar:
Continue beating the egg whites and gradually add the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until the mixture becomes glossy and firm, forming peaks that hold their shape. Be careful with this step, as properly beaten egg whites are the secret to a successful cake.

4. Combining the Egg Yolks:
In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the vegetable oil. Once well combined, fold them into the beaten egg whites. Use a spatula and gently mix from the bottom up to avoid losing air in the mixture.

5. Incorporating the Dry Ingredients:
Sift the flour mixed with baking powder and grated coconut over the liquid mixture. Make sure to incorporate them gently for a fine and even texture.

6. Preparing the Baking Pan:
Grease a baking pan with oil and sugar. This will create a delicious caramelized crust on the bottom of the cake. Pour the mixture into the pan and level it gently with a spatula.

7. Adding the Plums:
Place the caramelized plums on top of the mixture, sprinkling them evenly. If you enjoy more intense flavors, you can also add some chopped nuts or almonds for extra texture.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Place the cake pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. It's a good idea to check if it's done using a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

9. Cooling and Serving:
Once the cake has cooled in the pan, cut it into portions and dust it with sugar and, optionally, with cinnamon for a more appealing look. This will add extra flavor and an elegant appearance.

Practical Tips:

- Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar. Conversely, if you desire a more intense flavor, you can use brown sugar instead of white.
- Coconut: This can be replaced with ground almonds or pistachios, adding a distinct note to your cake.
- Plums: If you don't have fresh plums on hand, you can use dried plums or even other fruits, such as peaches or apricots.

Nutritional Values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 150 kcal
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 3 g

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! This cake is also suitable for other seasonal fruits, such as apples, pears, or apricots. Experiment and discover new combinations!

2. How can I make the cake lower in calories?
You can replace the oil with applesauce or banana puree, and the sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.

3. Is the cake suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using flaxseed or chia eggs instead of regular eggs. Make sure to check the ingredients to ensure they are vegan.

This caramelized plum and coconut cake is not only a delicacy but also a wonderful way to enjoy fresh fruits. Savor every bite and share the joy of cooking with your loved ones! Enjoy!