Upside-down cake with plums

Upside-down Plum Cake – a simple and delicious treat

When it comes to desserts, upside-down plum cake is one of the most beloved choices, thanks to its perfect combination of flavors and textures. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia, reminding you of sunny summer days when fresh fruits enhance family meals. With a simple and quick preparation, this cake is ideal for any occasion, whether it's a celebration, a gathering with friends, or just a quiet evening at home.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Your ingredients for an upside-down plum cake:

- 100 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter (preferably softened to room temperature)
- 400 g plums (about 10-12 medium plums)
- 4 eggs (large, fresh)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (for egg whites)
- 4 tablespoons oil (sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 4 tablespoons flour (type 000)

To add a personal touch, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon over the sliced plums for a more aromatic flavor. These fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, providing not only flavor but also important nutritional benefits.

Step by step: how to prepare the perfect cake

1. Start by preparing the pan. Use a round dish with a diameter of 24 cm. Place it on a tray and put it on the stove over low heat. Add 100 g of sugar and let it caramelize, stirring constantly to avoid burning. When the sugar turns golden and liquid, turn off the heat and let it cool in the pan.

2. Meanwhile, wash the plums under cold water. Cut them in half and remove the pits. You can use fresh plums or, depending on the season, dried plums, but the latter will require prior soaking in warm water.

3. Once the sugar has cooled, grease the bottom and sides of the pan with 2 tablespoons of butter. Arrange the plum halves in the bottom of the pan, cut side up.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the oil until the mixture is smooth. It is important to use fresh eggs, as they help aerate the batter.

5. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with 4 tablespoons of sugar until you get a firm meringue. You can use a mixer, but if you prefer a more manual activity, you can use a whisk.

6. Now, we put aside the mixer. Using a spoon, gently fold the beaten yolks into the egg whites, mixing from top to bottom. This technique will keep the air in the egg whites, giving the cake a fluffy texture.

7. Add the flour gradually, stirring gently to avoid lumps. The mixture should be smooth, but do not overmix to avoid losing air.

8. Pour the mixture over the plums arranged in the pan. Make sure to level the batter with a spatula.

9. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the pan in the oven for 30 minutes. Check if it is baked using a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

10. After removing the pan from the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, use a knife to loosen the edges of the cake from the sides of the pan. Place a plate on top and carefully invert the cake.

11. Let the cake cool completely before slicing. It is delicious served plain, but you can pair it with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Tips and useful advice:

- If you want to add an even more intense flavor, you can include a few drops of vanilla essence in the batter.
- Plums can be replaced with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples, to vary the recipe.
- Depending on your preferences, you can add chopped nuts or almonds to the batter for a crunchy texture.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

This cake has about 180 calories per serving, providing a good source of carbohydrates and fiber from plums. Plums are known for their beneficial effects on digestion and their high antioxidant content, positively impacting heart health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of sugar?
Yes, you can experiment with brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor or with natural sweeteners, but make sure to adjust the proportions.

2. How can I store the cake?
Upside-down plum cake keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but I recommend slicing it before freezing to take individual portions.

4. What drinks pair well with this cake?
A fruit tea or a dry white wine can perfectly complement the flavors of the cake. Additionally, a cappuccino or an espresso pairs excellently for an afternoon snack.

Upside-down plum cake is a dessert that brings together flavors, textures, and pleasant moments. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for loved ones, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it. So, don't wait any longer! Put on your apron and enjoy this simple and delicious recipe!