Sumptuous Summer Plum Upside Down Cake: A Delightful Fusion of Tart Plums and Sweet Caramel with a Hint of Spiced Vanilla

Celebrate the flavors of summer with this Plum Upside Down Cake, where the natural tartness of plums meets the sweet allure of caramel, all nestled under a spiced vanilla cake. This dessert not only offers a striking appearance with its caramelized plum topping but also delivers a burst of complex flavors that complement the light and airy spiced cake perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This:

The contrast in this cake is what makes it truly special. Sour plums, with their vibrant acidity, balance beautifully against the deep, rich sweetness of the homemade caramel. The vanilla-spiced cake adds a warm, comforting base that pulls all the flavors together. Each slice is moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, making it a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.

Perfect Occasion:

This Plum Upside Down Cake is ideal for any summer gathering, from casual barbecues to more formal dinner parties. It’s also a fantastic choice for celebrating the end of summer or welcoming the early hints of autumn. Serve it as a stunning dessert at your next family meal or bring it along to a potluck to impress.

Decoration Tips:

For a truly eye-catching presentation, arrange the plum halves neatly and face down so that when the cake is inverted, it reveals a beautiful pattern. Once the cake is flipped, brush the top with a little extra caramel sauce for added sheen and flavor. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Ingredients:

• Cake Batter:
  • 8 tablespoons of softened butter
  • 1 cup of cane sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of sour cream or yogurt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Assembly:
  • 1 cup of white sugar
  • 1/3 cup of water
  • 4 black plums, halved and pitted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cane sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the yogurt, then add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. In another jug, mix the milk with the vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk mixture to the creamed butter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
6. Prepare an 8-inch cake pan by greasing it and lining with parchment paper.
7. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water for the caramel. Bring to a boil over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally (do not stir) until the caramel forms.
8. Place the plum halves face down in the prepared pan. Pour the caramel over the plums.
9. Carefully spoon the cake batter over the caramel-covered plums.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when touched.
11. After removing from the oven, run an offset spatula around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

Enjoy this gorgeous and tantalizing Plum Upside Down Cake, a perfect blend of summer’s favorite flavors! As for the next fruit to feature, why not try peaches for a similarly sumptuous treat?