Imagine a dessert that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy plums, warm spices, and a crumbly streusel topping that melts in your mouth. This Spiced Streusel Plum Cake is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a gourmet celebration. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this cake promises to impress your family and friends with its rustic charm and complex flavors that whisper of autumn's warmth and summer's fruity abundance.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 plums, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar for streusel
- 1/4 cup oats for streusel
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gently fold in the sour cream until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
- For the streusel topping, mix brown sugar, oats, and a pinch of cinnamon in a separate small bowl. Cut in 2 tablespoons of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan. Arrange sliced plums in a single layer over the batter.
- Sprinkle half the streusel mixture over the plums, then cover with the remaining cake batter.
- Top the cake with the remaining streusel, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Use ripe but firm plums for the best texture and flavor. Overripe fruit can make the cake soggy.
- Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake structure.
- Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground ginger to the batter.
- Check the cake's doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to help it set and prevent crumbling.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
