Plum Cake in a Pan

Plum Cake in a Pan: a delicacy that combines tradition with the rich flavors of autumn fruits. This plum cake recipe is perfect for moments when you want to impress family or friends with a warm, fluffy, and flavorful dessert. I will guide you step by step in preparing this delicious cake, providing you with useful tips, cooking techniques, and information about the ingredients used.

Preparation Time
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour (total)
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients
- 400 g of good quality flour (ideally type 550, which gives a better texture)
- 200 ml of lukewarm milk (preferably whole)
- 1/2 cube of fresh yeast (about 20 g)
- 120 g of sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- 75 g of butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 egg (preferably free-range for a more intense flavor)
- 1 pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon)
- 50 g of breadcrumbs (to absorb moisture)
- 2 kg of plums (washed, peeled, and pitted)

Step by Step: Preparing the Cake

1. Activating the yeast: Start by warming the milk slightly so it is lukewarm, not hot. In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix well and let it rise for 15 minutes. You will see a foam forming on top, indicating that the yeast is active.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add 200 g of the flour mentioned above, a pinch of salt, the egg, and 80 g of sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well, then add the milk with the activated yeast and the melted butter. Use a mixer with kneading hooks to incorporate the ingredients.

3. Kneading: Gradually add the remaining 200 g of flour and continue kneading until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. It should be slightly sticky but not excessively so that it can be worked with. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.

4. Preheating the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Prepare a baking tray - you can grease it with butter or line it with baking paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

5. Shaping the cake: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on a clean surface and knead the dough again for a few minutes. Roll it out into a rectangular sheet, being careful not to make it too thin to support the weight of the plums. Place the sheet in the tray, leaving a 2-3 cm edge.

6. Adding the plums: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the dough; this will help absorb the moisture from the plums. Place the pitted plums on the dough, arranging them in layers like tiles on a roof. Cover the tray with a towel and let it rise for another 15 minutes.

7. Baking: After the dough has risen again, place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the cake is golden, and when you tap it lightly, it sounds hollow.

8. Finishing: Once removed from the oven, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar mixed with cinnamon on top. This will add an extra layer of flavor. Let it cool slightly, but enjoy it warm or cold, alongside some whipped cream.

Useful Tips
- Plums: Choose ripe but firm plums to avoid them crumbling during baking. Dried plums can be used if you want a more intense flavor.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the filling for extra crunch. Additionally, a teaspoon of vanilla extract will give the dough an irresistible aroma.
- Serving: This cake is delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but also with a fragrant tea or coffee.

Nutritional Information
A serving of this cake (approximately 100 g) contains about 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is rich in carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, providing quick energy, but also contains healthy fats from the butter. Plums add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a healthy ingredient.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, being careful to follow the proportions indicated on the package (usually 1/3 of the amount of fresh yeast).
- How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. It can be frozen for up to a month, but make sure it is well wrapped.
- Is it suitable for children? Yes, it is a perfect dessert for all ages, but be mindful of the amount of sugar used, depending on the preferences of the little ones.

This plum cake in a pan is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings together pleasant moments spent with loved ones. So, put on your gloves and let’s get cooking! Enjoy!