Upside down with plums

Upside-down Plum Cake – a delight you can't miss! This simple and quick recipe brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth in every bite. It's perfect for autumn days, but can be enjoyed with the same pleasure in other seasons, especially if you use canned plums. Let's get to work and see how you can achieve a perfect result!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 55-65 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup (about 80 ml) melted butter
- 3/4 cup (about 150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (8 g)
- 1 3/4 cup (about 220 g) flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (about 180 ml) milk (preferably whole)
- 500 g pitted plums (you can also use canned plums)

A bit of history:
The "upside-down" cake is a traditional recipe that has won the hearts of many due to its simplicity and delicious taste. This type of cake was popularized especially in the post-war period when simple and accessible ingredients were the order of the day. Using seasonal fruits like plums became common practice, adding flavor and an attractive appearance.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the oven:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is crucial for ensuring even baking of the cake.

2. Preparing the pan:
Take a round baking pan (about 23 cm in diameter) and add a tablespoon of butter. Place the pan on low heat or in the oven to melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle a little sugar on top and set aside.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the remaining butter (2/3 cup), granulated sugar (3/4 cup), and vanilla sugar. Beat the ingredients with an electric mixer or spatula until you achieve a creamy mixture.

4. Adding the egg:
Add the egg and continue mixing until perfectly incorporated. It's important to achieve a smooth and airy paste.

5. Combining the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will contribute to the structure of your cake.

6. Combining the ingredients:
Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. This way, you'll achieve a smooth and fine dough.

7. Preparing the plums:
Cut the plums in half and arrange them evenly in the baking pan over the layer of sugar and butter. This step will create a spectacular appearance for the cake.

8. Adding the dough:
Pour the dough mixture over the plums, ensuring they are completely covered.

9. Baking:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

10. Inverting the cake:
Once the cake is baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, take a flat plate and place it on top of the pan. Carefully invert the cake so that the plums are on top.

Serving suggestions:
This upside-down plum cake is delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve it with a bit of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a perfect dessert. A cup of tea or coffee will also perfectly complement this culinary experience.

Possible variations:
If you want to personalize your cake, you can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra flavor boost. You can also replace the plums with other fruits, such as peaches or apples, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional information:
This upside-down plum cake is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber due to the natural fruits. Plums are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, also having a beneficial effect on digestion. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion size.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can replace the plums with other seasonal fruits like peaches, apples, or pineapples.

2. How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in a closed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for later use.

3. What drinks pair well with this cake?
A cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee are excellent choices. Additionally, a sweet wine could complement the cake's flavors.

Now that you have all the details to prepare this wonderful upside-down plum cake, it's time to get to work! Enjoy the cooking process and the final result that will surely impress your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!