Plum Cake

Delicious Plum Cake Recipe

If you're looking for a quick and simple dessert that combines the sweet aroma of plums with the fluffy texture of a cake, you've come to the right place! This plum cake recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of childhood nostalgia. Over time, cakes have been prepared in various forms, becoming a symbol of homemade desserts loved by everyone.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 200 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 6 eggs (separated)
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 300 g plums (about 6-8 large plums)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Before you start, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a lighter texture. Also, I recommend choosing ripe but firm plums to add a pleasant contrast between the sweetness of the fruit and the flavors of the cake.

Step 2: Beating the egg whites
In a clean bowl, start beating the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes shiny and forms stiff peaks, similar to meringue. This step is crucial as the air incorporated into the egg whites will make the cake light and fluffy.

Step 3: Beating the egg yolks
In another bowl, add the egg yolks and oil. Mix well until the mixture becomes smooth and a deep yellow color. This mixture will add moisture to the cake and enhance the flavor.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Carefully add the egg yolk mixture to the egg white foam. Use a spatula and gently fold in, using an up-and-down motion to avoid losing air from the egg whites. Then, incorporate the vanilla sugar and flour, sifting the flour to prevent lumps.

Step 5: Adding flavors
Add the essences of rum, lemon, and almond. These flavors will bring a special depth to your cake. Gently mix so that the flavors combine perfectly.

Step 6: Preparing the plums
Wash the plums well, remove the skin (if preferred), and pit them. Then, slice them thinly. Dust the plum slices with a little flour – this trick will help prevent the plums from sinking in the batter during baking.

Step 7: Assembling the cake
In a loaf pan lined with parchment paper, pour half of the cake mixture. Place the floured plum slices on top, then cover them with the remaining batter. Add the remaining plum slices on top.

Step 8: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cake for about 45 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. When the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready!

Step 9: Cooling and serving
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve the cake plain or with a little sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to add a chocolate note, you can mix in dark chocolate chunks into the batter.
- The plum cake keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, but I recommend consuming it fresh to retain its intense flavors.
- You can replace the plums with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples, to experiment with delicious variations.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 250
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 5 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but it will slightly change the texture of the cake, making it denser. It is recommended to mix whole wheat flour with white flour for the best results.

2. What can I do if I don't have plums?
You can experiment with any other seasonal fruit. Apples, pears, or even berries are excellent options.

3. How can I tell if the cake is done?
Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Also, the edges should be slightly golden and pull away from the sides of the pan.

This plum cake recipe is perfect for an afternoon snack, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy every bite and don't forget to share the result with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!