Desserts

Plum cake

⏱ 60 min🍳 30 min👤 6 pp★★★☆☆

The plum cake is a delicate and delicious treat, perfect for the whole family, made with just a few really simple ingredients. If you are fortunate enough to have a plum tree in your garden you can collect as many as your inclination demands, and use them not just for baking cakes but also for making tarts, jams, preserves and any other recipe which your imagination might dream up. Otherwise, head to your favourite greengrocer and stock up with your preferred variety: ordinary plums are perfect for this cake, but you could also try some more unusual varieties, or use damsons - or even substitute another fruit altogether, such as peaches.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 320 kcal / serving

Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
8g
Fiber
1.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Preparation time
30 minutes Cooking time
Serves 6 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add the flour, baking powder and softened, chopped up butter. Beat well together. Then add the milk and yoghurt and work into the mixture again. Separately, beat the egg whites until they are firm and holding peaks. Incorporate these into the mixture, folding them in gently from the bottom to the top. Now pour the mixture into a buttered and floured cake tin. Wash the plums, dry them well, cut them into thin slices and arrange them radially on the surface of the cake. Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes.

Tips
The dough base of this recipe lends itself to being adapted according to taste or opportunity: you can substitute apples or pears for plums, or add a few drops of chocolate or coffee.
Trivia
In English ‘plum cake’ is most likely to refer to a dessert of German origin, whilst in Italy the plum cake is instead a leavened cake usually rectangular in shape with fruit and raisins or chocolate.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Plum Cake with Yogurt and Butter

A variant of the traditional plum cake is the one that uses yogurt and butter, which give a rich flavor and a soft, moist texture. Preparing a plum cake with these ingredients is simple and quick, and the result is a dessert that melts in your mouth. The addition of yogurt not only enriches the flavor but also makes the cake lighter, balancing the sweetness of the plums. To achieve a perfect cake, it is essential to beat the egg yolks well with the sugar until you obtain a frothy and homogeneous mixture. If you want an extra touch, you can add cinnamon or vanilla to further flavor the batter.

Sicilian Plum Cake

The Sicilian plum cake is a typical preparation of this region, where fresh plums are often the stars of traditional desserts. This version stands out for the use of fresh and genuine ingredients, such as local plums, which give an authentic and unmistakable flavor. In Sicily, it is common to add chopped almonds or lemon zest to the batter to enrich the aromatic profile of the cake. The preparation is similar to the classic one, but the final result is a dessert that tells the story of Sicilian culinary tradition, perfect for summer snacks or as a dessert after meals. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake becomes a true gem to enjoy in good company.

Light Plum Cake without Butter

For those looking for a lighter alternative, the light plum cake without butter is an excellent choice. In this version, butter is replaced with Greek yogurt, which maintains the softness of the batter without weighing it down. By using ingredients like whole wheat flour and reducing the amount of sugar, it is possible to obtain a tasty dessert but with fewer calories. This cake is perfect for those following a controlled diet but who do not want to give up the pleasure of a homemade sweet. Additionally, plums provide fiber and antioxidants, making this dessert not only delicious but also healthy. A great idea for a healthy snack or a nutritious breakfast!

Benefits of Plums in Plum Cake

Plums, the main ingredient of the cake, are a fruit rich in health benefits. They are known for their laxative properties and high fiber content, which promote intestinal well-being. Moreover, plums are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. A serving of plum cake provides about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By choosing lighter variants, such as those without butter, it is possible to further reduce the calorie count, making this dessert a healthier option. Incorporating plums into the diet can thus be a delicious way to take care of your health without sacrificing taste.

Can Plum Cake be Frozen?

The question of whether it is possible to freeze plum cake is common among those who love to prepare desserts in advance. The answer is yes, plum cake can be successfully frozen. It is advisable to let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. This way, the freshness and texture of the cake are preserved. When you want to enjoy it, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. For a better taste experience, warm it slightly in the oven. This method not only maintains the flavor but also makes the cake soft and inviting, ready to be served at any time.