Perfectly Fluffy Plum Cake: Easy Weekend Recipe

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

220 grams (0.5 pound) unsalted butter
150 grams (0.5 cup) sugar
3 eggs
110 grams (0.5 cup) plain yogurt (or sour cream)
250 grams (2 cups) flour
10 grams (2 teaspoons) baking powder
Plums, pitted
Almond flakes

Equipment

Electric Mixer
Perfect for achieving that fluffy butter and sugar mix. Make sure to start slow to avoid any messy splashes!
Rubber Spatula
Great for folding in the flour and baking powder without overmixing your batter.
22-24 cm Cake Pan
Ensure even cooking with a high-quality pan. Grease it well to prevent the cake from sticking.
Oven Thermometer
A must-have to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for optimal baking.

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Batter

Beat the room temperature butter and sugar together until fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is well incorporated before adding the next.

Make sure eggs, yogurt, and butter are all at room temperature for the best results.

Mix in the yogurt.

Gently and quickly fold in the flour and baking powder mixture.

Step 2

Prepare the Cake

Grease a 22-24 cm (9-inch) cake pan with butter and dust with flour (a method known as a French shirt).

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.

Arrange the pitted plums on top of the batter and sprinkle with almond flakes.

Step 3

Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Bake the cake for about 40 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

Let the cake rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.

Servings

✨ **Serve this heavenly plum and almond pastry warm**—fresh out of the oven with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess perfectly balances the warm, moist cake. 🍨

💡 **For a more decadent touch**, drizzle some honey or powdered sugar on top. 🐝 The added sweetness complements the tartness of the plums splendidly.

🎉 Hosting a brunch? **Pair your pastry with coffee or tea** for a cozy gathering. ☕ The nutty almond flakes provide a delightful crunch, making it an ideal conversation starter.

🌞 **Planning a picnic?** Pack slices of this cake as a tasty treat. 🍰 The plums keep the cake moist, so it stays delicious even when served at room temperature.

Variations

✨ **Gluten-Free Option**: Replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

🍃 **Vegan Option**: Substitute the butter with a vegan margarine and the yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg).

Faq

What's the best way to prepare butter and sugar?
Begin by using room temperature butter and mix it with sugar until it's light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits like peaches, berries, or apples.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it and thaw before serving.
How can I tell if my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
What if my cake turns out too dense?
Double-check your measurements and make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour.
Can I add spices to the batter?
Of course! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a lovely warmth to the cake.