Craving a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of plums with a moist, spiced cake? Look no further than the irresistible Plum Upside Down Cake. This flavorful treat features a luscious butterscotch sauce embracing caramelized plums atop a tender cake infused with cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. With its perfect blend of flavors, this plum cake is sure to become a household favorite.
Not only is this Plum Upside Down Cake a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also versatile. You can easily adapt this recipe to showcase other fruits like nectarines, peaches, pineapple, or even blueberries for a delicious twist on the classic. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a simple yet impressive dessert option that will leave everyone wanting more. Get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven with this delectable Plum Upside Down Cake.
Ingredients
For the Plum Topping
- 30g butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 8 medium plums (approximately 500g), halved
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 100g butter, melted
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare this scrumptious Plum Upside Down Cake recipe, you will need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking experience. Here are the items you’ll need on hand:
- Mixing bowls (various sizes for different ingredients)
- Whisk or electric mixer for blending the cake batter
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements
- Cake pan (preferably round) for baking the cake
- Saucepan for preparing the caramel sauce
- Oven for baking the cake to perfection
- Cooling rack for cooling the cake before serving
Having these tools and equipment ready before you start baking will help you create a delicious Plum Upside Down Cake with ease.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Plum Topping
- Slice the plums evenly for the topping.
- Melt butter in the cake pan in the oven and add brown sugar, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange plum slices in concentric circles on top of the brown sugar and butter.
- When adding the cake batter, gently spread it to maintain the plum pattern.
- Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Combine butter and sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and egg yolks one at a time.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the mixing bowl, ending with the flour mixture.
- Whisk egg whites and cream of tartar until slightly stiff.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter in thirds.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared pan and spread it evenly over the plum topping.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cake is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Baking the Cake
It’s time to bring this Plum Upside Down Cake to life with the baking process. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly baked and delicious treat:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal baking temperature for the cake.
2. Prepare the Ramekins
- Grease Ramekins: Butter the insides of four 10 or 8-ounce ramekins to prevent the cake from sticking.
3. Create the Caramel Base
- Melt Butter and Brown Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) of butter. Add 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and whisk until smooth. Divide this mixture evenly among the ramekins, creating a delicious caramel base for the cake.
4. Arrange Plum Slices
- Layer Plums: Place a layer of sliced plums at the bottom of each ramekin, ensuring even distribution for a beautiful presentation.
5. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, vigorously whisk together 3/4 cup of cake flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create the dry mixture for the batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, zest of 1/2 an orange, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 5 tablespoons of buttermilk to form the wet ingredients.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter over the plum slices in the ramekins, covering the fruit evenly.
- Bake: Place the ramekins in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the cakes are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Serve: Allow the cakes to cool slightly before flipping them onto plates to reveal the beautiful plum topping. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful Plum Upside Down Cake!
Cooling and Serving
After baking, it’s crucial to let the Plum Upside Down Cake cool adequately before serving to ensure the flavors settle. Here are some additional tips to enhance the serving experience:
Tips for Releasing the Cake Smoothly
To release the cake smoothly from the pan, run a butter knife along the edges to loosen it before inverting onto a serving plate. This step helps prevent any sticking and ensures a beautifully presented cake.
Suggested Garnishes
For a final touch, consider garnishing the Plum Upside Down Cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. These additions can elevate the presentation and add a delightful contrast of flavors to the cake.
Conclusion
Creating a Plum Upside Down Cake is a delightful way to showcase seasonal fruits in a delicious dessert. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily whip up a stunning and flavorful treat that will impress your family and friends. Remember to let the cake cool properly for the best taste experience. With a few handy tips on releasing the cake from the pan smoothly and some creative garnish ideas, you can elevate the presentation and taste of your Plum Upside Down Cake. Whether you prefer it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of this classic dessert with your own unique twist!