Ingredients

For the Cake

5 large eggs
120 grams (0.5 cup) sugar
300 grams (2.5 cups) all-purpose flour
100 grams (0.5 cup) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon baking powder
a pinch of salt
500 grams (about 4 cups) plums, pitted and sliced
We recommend:
For sugar:
Prime Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot
4.8
(3,527) Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot $24.99 View details
For all-purpose flour:
Prime Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4)
4.8
(9,312) Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4) $23.96 View details Prime Antimo Caputo Chefs Flour - Italian Double Zero 00 - Soft Wheat for Pizza Dough, Bread, & Pasta, 2.2 Lb (Pack of 2)
4.7
(15,802) Antimo Caputo Chefs Flour - Italian Double Zero 00 - Soft Wheat for Pizza Dough, Bread, & Pasta, 2.2 Lb (Pack of 2) $16.99 View details Prime best seller King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour, Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Kosher, 3 Pounds, Packaging May Vary
4.7
(20,691) King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour, Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Kosher, 3 Pounds, Packaging May Vary $8.62 View details
For unsalted butter:
Prime Kevala Cashew Butter 7 Lbs Pail
4.5
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(17,685) 4th & Heart Original Grass-Fed Ghee, Clarified Butter, Keto, Pasture Raised, Lactose and Casein Free, Certified Paleo (9 Ounces) $11.49 View details Prime 4th & Heart Himalayan Pink Salt Grass-Fed Ghee, Clarified Butter, Keto Pasture Raised, Non-GMO, Lactose and Casein Free, Certified Paleo (9 Ounces)
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(10,062) 4th & Heart Himalayan Pink Salt Grass-Fed Ghee, Clarified Butter, Keto Pasture Raised, Non-GMO, Lactose and Casein Free, Certified Paleo (9 Ounces) $9.49 View details
For baking powder:
Prime Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder, 8.1 Ounce
4.8
(10,144) Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder, 8.1 Ounce $2.63 View details Prime 365 by Whole Foods Market, Baking Soda, 16 Ounce
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For plums:
Prime Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam, 12.5 Ounces
4.4
(7,466) Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam, 12.5 Ounces $12.20 View details

For the Pastry Cream

300 milliliters (1.25 cups) milk
1 egg yolk
40 grams (0.25 cup) sugar
50 grams (0.5 cup) all-purpose flour
vanilla extract or vanilla beans
We recommend:
For milk:
Prime Hoosier Hill Farm Whole Milk Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1)
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For sugar:
Prime Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot
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For all-purpose flour:
Prime Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4)
4.8
(9,312) Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4) $23.96 View details Prime Antimo Caputo Chefs Flour - Italian Double Zero 00 - Soft Wheat for Pizza Dough, Bread, & Pasta, 2.2 Lb (Pack of 2)
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(15,802) Antimo Caputo Chefs Flour - Italian Double Zero 00 - Soft Wheat for Pizza Dough, Bread, & Pasta, 2.2 Lb (Pack of 2) $16.99 View details Prime best seller King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour, Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Kosher, 3 Pounds, Packaging May Vary
4.7
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For vanilla extract:
Prime 50 Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Whole Grade A Vanilla Pods for Vanilla Extract and Baking
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4.8
(14,059) Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle $19.95 View details

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually sift in the flour and add the baking powder.

Next, melt the butter and add it to the batter. Mix until just combined. Set the batter aside while you make the pastry cream.

Step 2

Make the Pastry Cream

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, egg yolk, sugar, and flour. Use an immersion blender to mix the ingredients until smooth.

Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Step 3

Assemble the Cake

Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly. Pour 1/3 of the cake batter into the bottom of the dish. Next, layer the sliced plums over the batter, followed by the remaining batter spread evenly on top.

Finally, pour the cooled pastry cream over the entire cake. If desired, sprinkle with almond slices for extra texture and flavor.

Step 4

Bake

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Place the assembled cake in the oven and bake for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your elegant plum charlotte with pastry cream!

Servings

Serving Suggestions:

Imagine your guests' faces when they see this beautiful Plum Charlotte on your table! To elevate it even further, consider serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Not only does this add a creamy texture, but it also balances the tartness of the plums and the sweetness of the cake.

Another fun idea is to create a charcuterie-style dessert platter. Slice up the Plum Charlotte and serve alongside some fresh seasonal fruits, nuts, and maybe even a bit of dark chocolate. This combination tantalizes the taste buds and is perfect for warming up those chilly evenings 🍂❄️.

For a delightful brunch option, you can pair slices of this Plum Charlotte with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The combination will make for a cozy start to your day, rounding out the experience with laughter and good company! ☕🍰

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

A good mixing bowl is essential for whipping the eggs and sugar. Choose a bowl that is large enough to allow for plenty of mixing space.

We recommend:
Prime YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage
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Electric Mixer

This tool will save you time and effort while ensuring your eggs are whisked to perfection for a light cake texture.

We recommend:
Prime best seller KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, Onyx Black
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Cake Pan

Opt for a good-quality non-stick cake pan for easy release of your Plum Charlotte. Make sure to grease it properly to avoid any sticking!

We recommend:
Prime 12 Pack Aluminum Sheet Pan Perforated,Half Size 18" x 13" Commercial Bakery Equipment Cake Pans,NSF Approved Baking Tray
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Saucepan

A medium-sized saucepan will be necessary to prepare your custard. Ensure it has a heavy bottom to avoid burning.

We recommend:
Prime Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Saucepan Set with Lid, 1 Quart and 2 Quarts Multipurpose Pots Set for Home Kitchen or Restaurant (Grey-Black)
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Blender

Using a blender will help achieve a smooth and creamy custard. If you don’t have one, a whisk will suffice, but it may require more elbow grease!

We recommend:
Prime Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender, 1100-Watts, 3 Functions -for Frozen Drinks, Smoothies, Sauces, & More, 72-oz.* Pitcher, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & Spout Lids, Gray
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Variations

Gluten-Free & Vegan Variations:

Looking to modify this recipe to suit gluten-free or vegan preferences? It's super easy! For a gluten-free version, swap out regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the blend has a good structure, as this will help keep your cake fluffy.

If you’re going vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), and use non-dairy milk and vegan butter for the custard. The flavors will still shine through, and you won’t miss the dairy one bit! 🌱✨

Faq

  • What should I do if my cake doesn't rise?

    Make sure your baking powder is fresh. Also, be careful not to overmix after adding the flour, as this can cause the cake to become dense.

  • Can I make the custard ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prepare the custard a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before using.

  • How do I know when the cake is done?

    A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking time since ovens can vary!

  • Can I use other fruits instead of plums?

    Absolutely! Apples, peaches, or berries can be used for a variation on this recipe. Just adjust the sweetness according to the fruit's tartness.

  • Why is my custard grainy?

    This may happen if you’ve cooked it too quickly or at too high a temperature. Always whisk continuously and keep the heat low.

  • Can I freeze the Plum Charlotte?

    You can freeze the cake without the custard. When ready to serve, allow it to thaw and prepare the custard fresh.

Nutrition facts

Elegant Plum Charlotte with Pastry Cream
Recipe Yield:8 servings
Calories:Approximately 270 to 320 calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):270 - 320
Total Fat:12g
Saturated Fat:7g
Protein:6g
Total Carbohydrate:38g
Total Sugars:18g