Easy Plum Coffee Cake is a dessert that can be enjoyed in the summer when plums are in season, but you can make it all year round using some other fruits, like cherries, peaches, or apricots.
The end of August marks the time when plums are in season.
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Growing up in Eastern Europe, I knew plums as "Italian plums" (as they are called here in the US). These plums are smaller, round, juicy, and have stones that easily come out. Back home, people would make jams, cakes, compotes, and even brandy from these plums, making the most of them while they were in season.
This plum coffee cake is easy to make. It's essentially just a sponge cake with fruit. The best part is that you can make it with not just plums, but also cherries, peaches, or apricots.
It is a different version of the recipe I posted a while ago, the Pound Cake with Fruits and Almond Flakes.
Both recipes are delicious and easy to make, and no matter which one you try, I guarantee you will fall in love with them. A good cup of coffee is great with this beautiful cake.
Ingredients needed
- Italian Plums: These small, round plums are known for their juicy flesh and easily removable stones. They add a burst of sweet-tart flavor to the cake. If Italian plums are out of season, cherries, peaches, or apricots are great alternatives.
- Cinnamon: A warming spice that complements the sweetness of the plums and adds a hint of aromatic flavor to the cake.
- Granulated Sugar: Used to sweeten the cake and the fruit. It helps balance the tartness of the plums and caramelizes slightly during baking, adding a delicious crust.
- Large Eggs: Eggs are separated in this recipe. The yolks provide richness and color, while the whipped whites give the cake its light, airy texture, without adding baking powder.
- Vegetable Oil or Melted Unsalted Butter: These fats add moisture and a tender crumb to the cake. Choose oil for a lighter texture or butter for a richer flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour provides structure to the cake, giving it a tender crumb that supports the juicy fruit topping.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that adds depth and sweetness to the cake.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness, making the overall taste more pronounced.
How To Make
Step 1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and flour a 10x14-inch baking pan, then set it aside.
Step 2. Prepare the Plums: Slice the plums in halves and remove the stones. Place the plums in a bowl, sprinkle them with sugar and cinnamon, then mix gently. Set aside.
Step 3. Separate the Eggs: Carefully separate the egg yolks from the whites. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the oil or melted butter. Set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Step 4. Combine Yolks and Whites: Gently fold the egg yolks into the beaten egg whites using a spoon, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Step 5. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually fold in the flour, mixing gently from the bottom of the bowl to the top. Do not overmix to keep the batter light and airy. Do not overmix, as you do not want to lose the air from the batter.
Step 6. Prepare the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 7. Add the Plums: Arrange the plum halves on top of the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan. Once cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar and cut into squares.
Expert Tip
When folding the egg whites and flour, do so gently to keep the batter airy. Overmixing can deflate the batter, resulting in a denser cake.
What to Serve with This Recipe
This plum coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a special treat, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The light, fruity flavors also make it a great companion to a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Invite your friends over and enjoy this versatile, delightful dessert any time of the year!
Interested in a beautiful tart? Try this Plum Tart, it is so easy to make and so delicious!
Enjoy!
More Recipes To Love
German Plum Kuchen- Pflaumenkuchen
Walnut Cake with Egg Yolk Glaze
📖 Recipe
Easy Plum Coffee Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian plums
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs separated
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla flavor
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F(180C). Butter and flour a 10x14-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Slice the plums in halves and remove the stone.
- Place the plums in a bowl and sprinkle them with sugar and cinnamon, then mix them gently. Set aside.
- Separate the eggs.
- Mix the egg yolks with oil. Set aside.
- With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with salt to a soft peak, then add sugar, and vanilla. Keep beating the egg whites to a stiff peak.
- Incorporate the egg yolks by folding them gently with a spoon.
- Incorporate the flour also, gently, folding it from the bottom of the bowl to its surface. Do not overmix.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Spread the mixture with a spatula.
- Place the plum halves on top of the batter and bake at 350F/180C for 40-45 minutes.
- Let it cool in the pan, then sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar and cut it into squares.
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