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:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
- 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.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another jug, mix the milk with the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk mixture to the creamed butter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Prepare an 8-inch cake pan by greasing it and lining with parchment paper.
- 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.
- Place the plum halves face down in the prepared pan. Pour the caramel over the plums.
- Carefully spoon the cake batter over the caramel-covered plums.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when touched.
- 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?