Enchanted Plum Cake

The “Enchanted Plum Cake” is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the sweetness of plums with a moist, flavorful cake. Here’s a recipe to create this enchanting treat:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Plum Topping:

• 4-5 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Garnish (optional):

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
• Mix in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Mix until just combined.

1. Prepare the Plum Topping:

• In a medium bowl, toss the plum slices with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

1. Assemble the Cake:

• Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
• Arrange the plum slices evenly over the top of the batter. You can arrange them in a pattern or simply scatter them, depending on your preference.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
• The plums will soften and release their juices, creating a delicious topping.

1. Cool and Garnish:

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of elegance.

1. Serve:

• Slice and serve the Enchanted Plum Cake as a delightful dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This cake features a moist, tender crumb with a sweet and slightly tangy plum topping, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy the enchanting flavors of this beautiful cake!