Dive into the lush flavors of this Vegan Upside Down Plum Cake, where juicy plums meet a caramelized delight in a plant-based masterpiece. This cake flips the traditional dessert on its head, both literally and figuratively, by featuring plums bathed in a velvety caramel sauce atop a fluffy, moist cake base. This dessert is not only a treat for the palate but also a visual spectacle that's sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This: Embrace the charm of this upside-down cake for several irresistible reasons:
- Vibrant Plum Topping: The plums caramelize beautifully, offering a tart contrast to the sweet, golden caramel.
- Moist and Tender Crumb: Thanks to the use of natural yoghurt and flaxseeds, the cake maintains a delightful moisture that complements the fruit topping.
- Vegan-Friendly: Crafted entirely from plant-based ingredients, this cake is a wonderful option for vegans and those looking to reduce dairy and egg consumption.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is a fabulous choice for various settings:
- Seasonal Gatherings: Ideal for autumn harvest parties or when plums are in peak season.
- Afternoon Tea: Serve this cake at a vegan-friendly afternoon tea, paired with a selection of herbal teas.
- Celebratory Desserts: Whether it’s a birthday or a special occasion, this cake brings a unique twist to the dessert table.
Decoration Tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A few sprigs of fresh mint or thyme can add a refreshing note to the rich flavors.
- Dust with Icing Sugar: Just before serving, a light dusting of icing sugar can enhance the visual appeal.
- Serve with Vegan Cream: A dollop of vegan whipped cream or ice cream on the side makes for a perfect serving.
Ingredients:
- 250 g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 100 ml vegetable oil
- 100 g natural vegan yogurt
- 2 tbsp flaxseed mixed with 4 tbsp water
- 200 g sugar (for the batter)
- Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- A dash of plant milk
- 4 plums, halved and stones removed
- 60 g sugar (for caramel)
- 35 g dairy-free butter
- A dash of water (for caramel)
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line the bottom of a cake tin with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the vegan yogurt, vegetable oil, and the flaxseed mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly. If the batter is too thick, add a dash of plant milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Prepare the Plums: Arrange the plum halves, cut side down, in the prepared cake tin.
- Create the Caramel: In a saucepan, melt the sugar and dairy-free butter together. Stir until combined and then add a dash of water. Increase the heat and let it cook for about 2 minutes until it becomes frothy. Immediately pour this caramel over the plums in the tin.
- Add the Batter: Gently pour the cake batter over the caramel and plums.
- Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool before carefully removing it from the tin. Flip the cake so the plums are on top.
Enjoy this Vegan Upside Down Plum Cake, where each slice is a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and utterly delicious layers that celebrate the essence of vegan baking!