Plum cake with whipped cream base

Plum Cake with Whipped Cream Base - a delicacy that combines the freshness of fruits with a soft and airy base. This recipe is inspired by a classic whipped cream cake, bringing a touch of innovation and flavor to every slice. Get ready to indulge your taste buds with a perfect combination of sweetness and acidity!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 200 g flour
- 100 g starch
- 200 g sugar (the original recipe calls for 300 g, but I reduced the amount due to the use of sweetened whipped cream)
- 4 fresh eggs
- 300 g liquid cream (for the batter)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 500 g plums (fresh, well-ripened)
- 150 ml liquid cream (for decoration, optional)

The history of plum cake is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions when seasonal fruits were used to add flavor and moisture to desserts. Plums, with their sweet-tart taste, are ideal for enriching fluffy bases. This cake not only looks good but also brings a special aroma in plum season, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve an airy texture for the base. Take the eggs and liquid cream out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting.

2. Beating the eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, add the 4 eggs and 200 g of sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy and triples in volume. Add the cinnamon and mix again to enhance the aroma.

3. Including the whipped cream: Add the liquid cream (300 g) to the egg and sugar mixture. Continue mixing for 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, starch, and baking powder. Mix them well to avoid lumps. Then, gradually incorporate this mixture into the wet composition, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until no flour is visible.

5. Preparing the plums: Wash the plums, remove the pits, and cut them in half. To prevent the plums from sinking in the batter, lightly dust them with flour on the inside (the cut side).

6. Assembling the cake: Grease a baking tray with butter (recommended size: 30x20 cm). Pour the batter into the tray and arrange the plums evenly on top. If desired, you can press them lightly into the batter for better integration, but be careful not to bury them completely.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 150°C. Bake the cake for 40 minutes. Check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Cooling and serving: Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the tray for 10 minutes. Then, you can choose between two options: either dust it with powdered sugar and serve it warm, or turn it out with the plums facing up for a more impressive look. If you choose the second option, use a spatula to help detach the cake from the edges.

9. Final decoration: If desired, you can decorate the cake with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor. This will add a delicious contrast between the soft texture of the cake and the airy cream.

Serving suggestions: The plum cake is perfect to be served alongside a fragrant coffee or a fruit tea. It can also be an excellent choice for a brunch or picnic due to its ease of transport.

Possible variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or apples, instead of plums, or add chopped nuts for extra crunch. You can also use berries for a more intense flavor and a splash of vibrant color.

Nutritional benefits: Plums are an excellent source of vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals, and fiber, having antioxidant properties. The cream adds a calcium boost, and using reduced sugar makes this dessert a bit friendlier to the waistline.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dried plums? We recommend fresh plums for better texture, but if you use dried plums, make sure to rehydrate them beforehand.
- How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in the fridge, covered, for 3-4 days. You can gently heat it in the microwave to restore its freshness.
- Is the cake suitable for vegans? This recipe can be adapted by replacing the eggs with a vegan substitute (e.g., banana puree or a mixture of flaxseeds with water) and using a vegan cream.

Enjoy every slice of this plum cake and savor the wonderful flavors it brings! Bon appétit!