Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both elegant and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This plum upside-down cake is the perfect answer. Bursting with juicy plums and a rich, buttery cake, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for any occasion – from a casual weeknight treat to a special celebration. This recipe offers a delightful blend of homemade cooking and easy recipes, resulting in a truly delicious dish that's sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning and flavorful creation!
Ingredients:
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 6-8 ripe plums, pitted and halved or quartered (depending on size)
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cast iron skillet or a similar oven-safe baking dish. This preparation ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Prepare the Topping: In the prepared skillet, pour the melted butter evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter, spreading it out to create an even layer. Arrange the plum halves or quarters cut-side down, neatly fitting them into the skillet. Ensure the plums are snug against each other for an even distribution of flavor.
Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly over the plum topping in the skillet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates the cake is fully baked and ready to be enjoyed.
Invert and Serve: Let the cake cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. The caramelized plums and brown sugar will create a beautiful and delicious topping. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, enhancing the overall experience.
Tips for the Best Plum Upside Down Cake:
- Use ripe plums: Ripe plums will provide the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to test for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Let it cool slightly before inverting: This prevents the cake from breaking apart.
Variations:
- Add spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cake batter adds warmth and complexity.
- Use different fruits: Peaches, nectarines, or apples can be substituted for plums.
- Make it a mini-cake: This recipe can easily be adapted for smaller individual cakes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients and serving size. For a precise nutritional analysis, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredient measurements. However, expect this to be a moderately calorie-dense dessert, rich in carbohydrates and fats from the butter and sugar.
This plum upside-down cake is a perfect example of how easy recipes can create delicious dishes. It’s a quick dinner idea companion that satisfies your sweet tooth while impressing your guests. Enjoy this delightful treat, and remember to share your baking adventures!