- Plums: 2 cups, pitted and chopped (fresh or dried)
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (softened)
- Eggs: 3 large
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Prepare the Plums: If using fresh plums, wash, pit, and chop them into small pieces. If using dried plums, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Set aside
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Plums: Gently fold the chopped plums into the batter, distributing them evenly.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar.
How to Make the Enchanted Plum Cake
- Gather Your Ingredients: Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients required for the Enchanted Plum Cake. This helps streamline the process and ensures that you don’t miss any key components.
- Prepare Your Workspace: Clear a workspace in your kitchen to make room for mixing and baking. Gather your mixing bowls, measuring cups, and utensils so that everything is within reach.
- Select the Right Plums: The quality of the plums greatly affects the flavor and texture of the cake. Choose ripe, fragrant fresh plums for the best results. If using dried plums, ensure they are moist for the best flavor.
- Measure Ingredients with Precision: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale where possible to ensure precision, especially for flour and sugar.
- Creaming the Butter and Sugar: When creaming the butter and sugar, beat until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This aeration process helps to create a light and tender crumb in the cake.
- Beating in the Eggs: Make sure each egg is incorporated fully before adding the next. This helps to create a stable emulsion, adding structure to the cake
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense cake instead of a light one.
- Gently Fold in the Plums: Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold in the chopped plums. Be careful not to break them down too much; you want to maintain some chunks for added texture
- Check for Doneness: Since oven temperatures may vary, keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. The edges will pull away from the pan, and the center will spring back when lightly touched when it’s done.
- Serving Suggestions: Consider serving your Enchanted Plum Cake warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
Tips for Making the Perfect Enchanted Plum Cake
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