Are you craving a dessert that's both stunning and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this irresistible Plum Upside Down Cake! This recipe transforms humble plums into a gorgeous, caramelized topping for a moist and tender cake. It's the perfect ending to any meal, a delightful treat for a special occasion, or even a wonderfully comforting weekday dessert. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy recipe that tastes like pure autumn magic!
Ingredients:
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
Get started with the caramel:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In the prepared pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined and bubbly.
- Arrange the plum halves or quarters cut-side down in the caramel, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Now, let's make the cake batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a 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.
- In a small bowl, whisk the buttermilk to ensure it is smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix.
Bake and enjoy!
- Pour the batter evenly over the plums and caramel.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. The caramel will be incredibly delicious, setting to a perfect sticky layer.
Tips for the Best Plum Upside Down Cake:
- Ripe Plums are Key: Use ripe, but not overripe, plums for the best flavor and texture. Slightly underripe plums will still work but might not caramelize as beautifully.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: This cake is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature.
Variations:
- Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like apples, pears, or peaches. Adjust the spices to complement your chosen fruit.
- Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the caramel for an extra layer of flavor.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your servings and the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate per serving would be around:
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Protein: 4-5g
This delicious plum upside-down cake is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's perfect for quick dinner ideas, homemade cooking, and creating delicious dishes your whole family will love. Enjoy baking!