Explore the rich flavors of this German Plum Sheet Cake, a classic dessert that marries soft, airy yeast dough with the tartness of fresh plums and a crunchy butter streusel topping. Ideal for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and tart, this cake exemplifies traditional German baking and offers a delightful taste experience.
Why You’ll Love This: This plum cake is beloved for its contrast in textures—from the fluffy base to the juicy plums and the sweet, crumbly topping. Not overly sweet, it focuses on the natural flavors of the ingredients, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a genuinely satisfying dessert.
Perfect Occasion: Perfect for any gathering, this cake shines at afternoon coffee breaks, Sunday brunches, or as a festive treat during plum season. It’s also a comforting choice for family dinners, providing a sweet end to any meal.
Ingredients:
For the Yeast Dough:
- 130 ml milk
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 60 g sugar
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
- 60 g soft butter
For the Topping:
- 1.5-2 kg plums, washed, halved, and pitted
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 150 g cold butter, cubed
- 100 g sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- Warm the milk to about 37°C (99°F). Dissolve the fresh yeast and sugar in the warm milk. Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl or a stand mixer, combine the activated yeast mixture with the flour, eggs, vanilla sugar, and soft butter. Knead until the dough is smooth, about 4 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Butter Streusel:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix with your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Roll out the risen dough on the prepared baking tray. Arrange the halved plums on top of the dough, pressing them slightly into the surface.
- Evenly sprinkle the butter streusel over the plums.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the streusel is golden and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy! This German Plum Sheet Cake with Yeast Dough and Butter Streusel offers a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates the art of traditional baking.
