Quick Velvety Plum Cake Perfect for Tea Time

Ingredients

Cake Batter

  • 10 ripe plums
  • 4.5 ounces (about 0.5 cup) unsalted butter
  • 4.5 ounces (about 0.5 cup) sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 10.5 ounces (about 2.5 cups) flour
  • 0.5 cup warm milk
  • 3 eggs
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Topping

  • Sugar to sprinkle
  • Sliced almonds to sprinkle

For Serving

  • Powdered sugar to sprinkle
  • Ice cream (optional)

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls

    Essential for blending ingredients. Use one for wet ingredients and another for dry items.

  • Electric Mixer

    Speeds up the creaming process and ensures a smooth batter. A handheld mixer works just as well if you don’t have a stand mixer.

  • 9.5-Inch Cake Pan

    Grease it well to prevent sticking. You could also use parchment paper for an easy release.

  • Sifter

    A must for getting that ultra-fine flour texture and preventing lumps in the batter.

  • Oven

    Make sure it’s preheated to 347°F (175°C) to achieve even baking.

  • Cooling Rack

    Allows the cake to cool evenly without making the bottom soggy. This is crucial for getting the perfect texture.

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Batter

Cream the soft butter and beat with sugar.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder and mix carefully with a whisk until the batter is thick.
Add lemon zest and milk, knead until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.

Step 2

Bake the Cake

Grease a 9.5-inch cake pan with unsalted butter and dust with flour.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Arrange plum slices on top of the batter.
Sprinkle with sugar and sliced almonds.
Bake in a preheated oven at 347 degrees Fahrenheit (about 175 degrees Celsius) for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 3

Serve the Cake

Upon serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Optionally, serve with a scoop of ice cream.

Servings

Elevate your plum cake experience with some delightful serving ideas. 🌟

Sprinkle with powdered sugar: A light dusting of sweet powdered sugar turns your cake into a visual masterpiece and adds that extra touch of sweetness. ✨

Pair with Ice Cream: Nothing complements a warm slice of plum cake better than a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The hot-and-cold contrast will make your taste buds dance with joy. 🍨

Top with Whipped Cream: For a lighter option, opt for a dollop of whipped cream. It's airy, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious! Add some fresh mint or a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra flair. 🍥

Serve with Coffee or Tea: A hot beverage pairs wonderfully with plum cake. Try it with a cup of rich coffee or delicate tea for a full-flavored experience. ☕️

Variations

Want to make this amazing cake but need a gluten-free or vegan version? No problem! 🌱

Gluten-Free Option:

  • Replace the flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure it's a 1:1 substitute for best results.

Vegan Option:

  • Swap the butter for a plant-based butter.
  • Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs. (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
  • Substitute cow’s milk with almond milk or any plant-based milk of your choice.

Faq

  • Do I need to peel the plums?

    No need! The skin adds a wonderful texture and color to the cake. Plus, it's loaded with nutrients. 🍑

  • Can I use other fruits instead of plums?

    Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with peaches, apricots, or even berries. 🍑🍓🍒

  • How do I know when the cake is done?

    Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, you're good to go! A gooey batter means it needs more time. ⏱️

  • How important is it to preheat the oven?

    Very important! Preheating ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start. This makes a big difference in both texture and taste. 🍰

  • Can I add spices to the batter?

    Sure thing! Cinnamon or nutmeg would add a lovely warmth to the flavor profile. Feel free to get creative!

  • Can the cake be frozen?

    Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-lock bag. It should keep for up to three months. Simply thaw and enjoy later.

Nutrition facts

Quick Velvety Plum Cake Perfect for Tea Time
Recipe Yield:8 servings
Calories:Approx. 400 calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):350 - 450
Total Fat:17g
Saturated Fat:8g
Protein:7g
Total Carbohydrate:56g
Total Sugars:30g