Health

Plum Upside Down Cake

admin 3 min read

Plum Upside-Down Cake Recipe

This plum upside-down cake is a cozy, comforting dessert where juicy, caramelized plums meet a soft, buttery vanilla cake. It’s ideal for afternoon tea, casual gatherings, or as a beautiful centerpiece dessert—and it’s surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

For the Plum Topping

  • 4–5 medium plums, pitted and sliced into wedges
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cake Batter

  • 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Plum Topping

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a 9-inch round cake pan on low heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.
  3. Sprinkle in the brown sugar and stir until the mixture is smooth and resembles caramel.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Arrange the plum wedges over the sugar mixture in a decorative circular pattern, covering the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a mixer until pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  1. Carefully pour the cake batter over the plums in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula so it’s evenly spread.
  2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  3. Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Invert the Cake

  1. Run a knife around the inside edge of the pan to loosen the cake.
  2. Place a serving plate upside down over the cake pan. Holding the plate and pan together, carefully flip them over.
  3. Lift off the pan, allowing the caramelized plums and syrupy juices to cascade over the top and sides of the cake.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
  • Add a spoonful of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for a refined, bakery-style finish.

Tips for the Best Plum Upside-Down Cake

  • Use ripe, firm plums: They should be sweet and fragrant but not mushy, so they hold their shape while baking.
  • Don’t wait too long to invert: If the cake cools completely in the pan, the caramel topping can harden and stick.
  • Try other fruits: Swap plums for peaches, nectarines, or a mixture of stone fruits for a different twist.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced flavor: The sweet-tart plums pair perfectly with the rich, buttery cake.
  • Beautiful presentation: The glossy, caramelized fruit topping looks impressive with very little effort.
  • Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Great for holidays, dinner parties, or a simple weekend dessert.

Bake this plum upside-down cake and enjoy a warm slice of caramelized, fruity goodness.