In the heart of February, when the chill of winter still lingers, there’s no better way to warm your home and heart than with a Cozy Winter Plum Crumble Cake. This delightful dessert brings the sweet and tart flavors of plums into a rich, buttery shortcrust pastry, topped with a golden crumble that adds the perfect texture contrast. It’s a simple yet satisfying bake that pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, offering a slice of comfort during the colder months. Whether you’re looking for a treat to enjoy by the fire or something special to share with loved ones, this plum crumble cake is a sure way to brighten any winter day.
Why You’ll Love This: This Plum Crumble Cake is the epitome of winter comfort food. Its ease of preparation makes it accessible to bakers of all levels, while the use of seasonal plums or even preserved fruits allows for versatility and year-round enjoyment. The pre-baking of the crust ensures a crisp base, perfectly supporting the juicy plums and crumbly topping without becoming soggy. It’s a recipe that celebrates the simplicity of baking, focusing on the harmony of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly heartwarming dessert.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for any winter gathering, from casual family dinners to more festive celebrations, this cake offers a warm welcome to any table. It’s also perfect for a quiet, cozy afternoon where a slice of cake and a warm beverage provide a peaceful respite from the cold. This Plum Crumble Cake is a wonderful way to embrace the season, serving as a reminder of the comforts and joys that simple pleasures can bring during the winter months.
Decoration Tips: A dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cake mimics a light February snowfall, adding a wintry charm to the dessert. Accompanying the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream introduces a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices and tartness of the plums. For an added touch, garnish with fresh mint or a drizzle of warm plum sauce to elevate the presentation and taste.
Ingredients:
- 350g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 200g cold butter, cubed
- 4 egg yolks
- Approx. 1kg plums, pitted (fresh or preserved)
- Additional flour for dusting
Instructions:
- Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. Work in the butter and egg yolks to form the dough. Divide into two, with one part slightly smaller. Chill the smaller portion in the freezer.
- Roll out the larger dough portion to line a greased and breadcrumb-dusted 22-26 cm tart pan. Prick the base, chill for 30 minutes, then bake at 180°C for 15-20 minutes until golden. Cool.
- Arrange pitted plums on the crust, cut sides down. Grate the frozen dough over the top as a crumble.
- Bake at 180°C for about 50 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover with parchment. Cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Embrace the coziness of February with this Plum Crumble Cake, a simple yet delightful bake that brings warmth and sweetness to the winter months.
