The Enchantetd Plum Cake
There’s something magical about a cake that’s both sweet and tart, and The Enchanted Plum Cake does just that! This cake brings together the rich flavors of butter, sugar, and vanilla, all wrapped around fresh, juicy plums that add a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Imagine the plums softening as they bake, releasing their delicious juices into the cake, creating pockets of fruitiness throughout every bite. With just a sprinkle of sugar on top, this cake turns into a golden, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth and love a bit of fruit in your baked goods, this cake is for you. It’s simple to make, yet feels indulgent—ideal for everything from a cozy afternoon snack to a dessert for a family gathering. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile, so you can adjust it to your taste by experimenting with other fruits or adding a few spices for an extra touch. Let’s get into the details of making this delicious cake!
Ingredients
Before you get started, here’s everything you’ll need to create this enchanting treat. Grab your apron and let’s dive into the
Ingredients
:
1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of your cake, giving it structure and a soft crumb.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key here, so we’ll use a bit of regular sugar to help balance the tartness of the plums.
1/4 cup brown sugar – This adds a bit of richness and moisture to the cake. It’ll also give it a subtle caramel-like flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature – Butter makes everything better. This helps the cake stay rich and tender.
2 large eggs – Eggs bind everything together, making the cake moist and fluffy.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla brings out the sweetness and depth of flavor in the cake.
1 teaspoon baking powder – This will help the cake rise and become light and airy.
1/4 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt helps balance all the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1/2 cup milk – The milk keeps the batter moist and helps it come together smoothly.
6-8 ripe plums, pitted and sliced – These are the star of the show! Make sure they’re ripe and juicy for the best flavor.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – A little acidity from the lemon juice enhances the plums’ tartness and keeps them fresh.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling) – This gives the cake a sweet, slightly crunchy top and helps caramelize the plums as they bake.
Instructions
Now that we have everything ready, let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps to make your very own Enchanted Plum Cake:
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly.
2. Prepare the plums:
Take the plums and slice them into thin wedges. Toss them in a bowl with the lemon juice. This helps prevent the plums from browning while adding a little extra zing to their flavor. Set them aside for now.
3. Mix the dry
Ingredients
:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry mix that will help create a light, fluffy texture in the cake. Set this bowl aside for now.
4. Cream the butter and sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk, and beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is important because it helps create the airy texture of the cake.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix it in.
6. Combine the dry and wet
Ingredients
:
Now, gradually add the dry
Ingredients
to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with the dry
Ingredients
and end with them, mixing gently between each addition. This will help keep the batter smooth and prevent overmixing. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overwork the batter.
7. Arrange the plums:
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared cake pan. Spread it evenly, and then arrange the plum slices in a circular pattern on top of the batter. Don’t worry if they overlap a little bit—that’s part of the charm of this rustic cake!
8. Sprinkle with sugar:
Take the 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and sprinkle it evenly over the plums. This will help create a slightly crispy, sweet crust on top of the cake and caramelize the plums as they bake.
9. Bake the cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know the cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown. The plums should be soft and caramelized by the time it’s done.
10. Cool the cake:
Once your cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice.
Notes
Choosing the right plums: Make sure to use ripe plums for the best flavor. Look for plums that are slightly soft to the touch but not overripe.
Milk substitute: If you don’t have regular milk on hand, you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Just be sure to use unsweetened varieties.
Storing the cake: If you have any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 1 month.
Flavor variations: Want to spice things up a bit? Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced touch. You could even fold in some chopped nuts for a bit of crunch!
Nutrition
Here’s an estimate of the
Nutrition
al breakdown per serving (assuming 8 servings total):
Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 150mg
This cake is a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, making it a delightful treat without being too heavy.