Upside-down cake with plums and blueberries

Upside-down cake with plums and blueberries – a delicacy that combines sweetness with a hint of tartness, promising an unforgettable culinary experience. This cake is not only a perfect choice for a gathering with family or friends but also a wonderful way to celebrate seasonal fruits. Whether it's a chilly autumn day or simply a moment when you want to indulge your taste buds, this cake will surely become your favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:
- 150 g flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- 50 g butter (for caramelizing)
- 50 g brown sugar (for caramelizing)
- 75 g butter (for the mixture)
- 200 g sugar (for the mixture)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 175 ml sweet milk
- 4-6 plums (depending on size)
- 125 g blueberries

History of upside-down cake:
Upside-down cake is a traditional dessert with origins in various cultures. It has often been prepared in modest households where seasonal fruits were used to add flavor and sweetness. Today, this recipe has evolved and adapted, but its essence remains the same: to transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. There is no wrong way to make an upside-down cake – just creativity and a desire to experiment.

Step by step for a perfect cake:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have flour, sugar, butter, egg, milk, plums, and blueberries on hand. This will help you work quickly and efficiently.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients is essential as the baking powder will help the cake rise and become fluffy.

3. Caramelizing:
In a round cake pan with a diameter of 23 cm, add 50 g of butter and 50 g of brown sugar. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C (Gas 4) and let them melt. This step will create a delicious caramel that will add depth to your cake.

4. Preparing the mixture:
In another bowl, mix 75 g of butter with the remaining sugar (200 g) until you get a fluffy cream. Add the egg and vanilla essence, continuing to mix. This will add a rich and aromatic flavor to your cake.

5. Incorporating wet and dry ingredients:
Alternately, add the milk and the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. The goal is to achieve a homogeneous mixture without lumps.

6. Preparing the fruits:
Wash the plums, remove the pits, and slice them thinly. Arrange the plum slices around the cake pan, gently submerging them in the caramel. Be careful not to burn yourself! Sprinkle the blueberries on top of the plums for a contrast of colors and flavors.

7. Pouring the mixture:
Carefully pour the cake mixture over the fruits, making sure to cover them completely. This step is essential to achieve a uniform and tasty dessert.

8. Baking:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 40 minutes. It is important to do the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

9. Cooling and flipping:
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool for about 15 minutes. This step allows the caramel to set and not melt when flipped. Place a plate over the cake and carefully flip it. Remove the pan and cut the cake into desired-sized slices.

Serving and variations:
This cake is served warm or at room temperature, perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream. You can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or blackberries, to create delicious variations. You can also add nuts or toasted almonds for an extra crunch.

Nutritional benefits:
Plums are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, making them a healthy ingredient. Blueberries are known for their antioxidants, contributing to heart and immune system health. This cake is not only delicious but also full of nutrients!

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of plums and blueberries?
Absolutely! You can use any seasonal fruits you have on hand, such as peaches, apples, or cherries.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

3. Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

4. Can I add more spices?
Certainly! Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can add wonderful extra flavors.

Let your imagination run wild and enjoy every bite of this upside-down cake with plums and blueberries. Each slice is a piece of happiness and a sweet memory! Enjoy!