Baking can be a therapeutic and satisfying experience, especially when it involves simple ingredients that yield amazing results. Among the many delightful options available, Easy Plum Cake stands out as a superb choice for both novice and experienced bakers. This cake is not just straightforward to make, but it also offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess, thanks to the juicy plums.
Why We Love This Easy Plum Cake Recipe
What makes Easy Plum Cake particularly appealing? For starters, the simplicity of the ingredients means you won’t find yourself running to the grocery store for anything exotic. With just five staple ingredients—eggs, sugar, sour cream, flour, and plums—you can whip up this cake whenever the cravings strike.
Another reason for our affection for this recipe is its versatility. While it stars plums, you can easily substitute them with other fruits, making it adaptable to seasonal offerings. The cake is incredibly moist and tender, all while providing a delightful contrast between the sweetness of the cake and the tartness of the plums.
To top it all off, this cake features a rich texture that makes it perfect for serving at gatherings or simply enjoying at home. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart!
Ingredients for Easy Plum Cake
To make your Easy Plum Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 5 whole eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 lemon or lime zest (optional)
- 3 sliced plums
How to Make Easy Plum Cake: Directions
Now that you have everything you need, let’s embark on the journey of creating your delicious Easy Plum Cake. Follow these straightforward steps:
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly cooked.
Prepare your baking dish: Grab a 9-inch cake pan or a 10 x 7 inch rectangular baking dish. It’s essential to grease it and line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
Beat the eggs and sugar: In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, combine the five eggs and half a cup of sugar. Beat these together for a few minutes until the mixture turns a lovely pale yellow and resembles a thick cream. You want it to be light and airy!
Incorporate the sour cream: Gently add in your two-thirds cup of sour cream and mix for just a few seconds until fully combined. This step introduces a creamy texture that enhances the cake’s moistness.
Add the dry ingredients: Sift in the one cup of all-purpose flour and the teaspoon of baking powder. At this stage, mix your ingredients just until they come together. You don’t want to overmix, as that can make the cake dense.
Prepare the plums: Once your batter is ready, pour it into your prepared baking dish. Now comes the fun part! Take your three sliced plums and arrange them on top of the batter. Feel free to layer them for an eye-catching presentation.
Bake: Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Cool and serve: Once baked, allow your cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. After it’s completely cool, cut it into slices, and it’s ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Easy Plum Cake
Serving your Easy Plum Cake is just as important as making it. It’s versatile enough to fit various occasions and is best enjoyed in a few delightful ways:
With a dusting of icing sugar: Once your cake is cooled, a light dusting of icing sugar adds an elegant touch, making it visually appealing for gatherings or parties.
Pair with whipped cream: Savor each bite even more by serving the cake with a dollop of whipped cream. The rich cream pairs beautifully with the fruitiness of the cake, elevating every mouthful.
Garnish with fresh fruit: Use leftover plum slices or a medley of seasonal fruits on the side for a refreshing contrast. This not only adds color but also enhances the overall presentation.
Enjoy with coffee or tea: The cake is a perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The balance of flavors and textures makes it ideal for casual lounging or special tea times.
Expert Tips: Easy Plum Cake
To ensure your Easy Plum Cake turns out as delicious as possible, keep these expert tips in mind:
Use ripe plums: Selecting ripe and juicy plums is crucial, as they will provide a burst of flavor and moisture to your cake. Avoid plums that are overly mushy or lack fragrance.
Let the ingredients come to room temperature: Before you start, allow your eggs and sour cream to reach room temperature. This results in a more homogenous batter, contributing to a lighter cake.
Don’t overmix the batter: Incorporate the dry ingredients gently, ensuring they are just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake texture.
Test for doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake as it nears the 30-minute mark. Adjust baking time as needed based on your specific oven.
How to Store Easy Plum Cake
Proper storage will keep your Easy Plum Cake fresh for days. Here’s how to do it:
Cool completely: Ensure the cake has cooled down entirely before storage. This prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess.
Wrap tightly: If you have leftovers, wrap the cake well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also place it in an airtight container for added protection.
Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate, consider storing the cake in the fridge to help it stay fresh longer. It should last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Variations of Easy Plum Cake
One of the best aspects of baking is the ability to play around with recipes. Here are some variations to consider for your Easy Plum Cake:
Different fruits: While plums are fantastic, feel free to experiment with other fruits such as peaches, cherries, or even berries. Each one brings its unique flavor profile to the cake.
Nutty addition: Adding nuts such as almonds or walnuts can introduce a delightful crunch. Simply fold them into the batter before baking for an added texture.
Spices and extracts: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an autumnal twist. A splash of vanilla extract can complement the flavors of the fruit and elevate the overall taste.
Gluten-free option: If you need a gluten-free alternative, swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Just make sure the blend you choose has a suitable structure for baking.
FAQ about Easy Plum Cake
What makes this Easy Plum Cake so special?
This cake is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and offers a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, making it perfect for any occasion.
Can I use different fruits in this Easy Plum Cake recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute plums with other fruits like peaches or berries to create your unique version.
How should I store leftover Easy Plum Cake?
Store your cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in the Easy Plum Cake?
Sour cream contributes to the cake’s moistness and rich texture. However, you can substitute it with yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Easy Plum Cake
Equipment
- 9-inch Cake Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Mixer
Ingredients
- 5 whole eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 whole lemon or lime zest (optional)
- 3 sliced plums
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale yellow and thick.
- Add the sour cream and mix until combined.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder, mixing just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and arrange the sliced plums on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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