There’s something truly magical about baking an upside down plum cake. I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of caramelizing plums and warm vanilla, and I couldn’t help but smile. This cake is not just a treat for the eyes with its beautiful, glossy topping, but it’s also super easy to whip up! You simply melt some butter and sugar in the pan, arrange luscious plums on top, and pour in the batter. The best part? When you flip it over, it reveals a stunning caramelized layer that’s simply irresistible! Trust me, every slice is a burst of flavor and sweetness, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients for Upside Down Plum Cake
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious upside down plum cake. Trust me; it’s worth it!
- 4 ripe plums, halved and pitted (look for plums that are firm but slightly soft to the touch)
- 1 cup sugar (for that sweet caramel layer)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted in the pan for the perfect base)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (the backbone of your cake)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to help it rise)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance all those lovely flavors)
- 2 large eggs (for richness and moisture)
- 1/2 cup milk (for a tender crumb)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because who doesn’t love vanilla?)
How to Prepare Upside Down Plum Cake
Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the steps to prepare this gorgeous upside down plum cake! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cake to bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a round cake pan and melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter right in it. Just pop it in the oven for a minute or two until it’s all melted. Then, sprinkle the 1 cup of sugar over the melted butter to create that luscious caramel layer. Give it a gentle swirl with a spatula to mix them together—this is where the magic begins!
Arrange the Plums
Now, let’s get those beautiful plums ready! Take your halved and pitted plums and arrange them cut-side down on top of the caramel layer. You can get creative here! Overlap them a bit for a lovely, rustic look. Trust me, it’s all about that presentation when you flip it over later. If you have some extra plums, feel free to toss them in too; more fruit means more flavor!
Make the Batter
In a separate bowl, mix together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This is your dry mix. In another bowl, beat the 2 large eggs, then add in the 1/2 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk it until it’s nice and smooth. Now, combine the wet and dry ingredients together, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Don’t overmix—this keeps the cake light and fluffy!
Bake the Cake
Pour that lovely batter over the arranged plums in the pan, spreading it out gently. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling time is crucial; it helps the caramel set, making it easier to invert onto your serving plate. Patience, my friend—it’ll be worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a stunning centerpiece that will impress your friends and family!
- Quick preparation means you can whip it up in no time, perfect for unexpected guests.
- The combination of caramelized plums and fluffy cake is a match made in dessert heaven.
- You’ll love the delightful contrast of warm cake and juicy, sweet plums in every bite.
- It’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t appreciate that?
- This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- It’s versatile! Serve it warm with whipped cream or chilled with ice cream for a delightful twist.
- Great for any occasion—birthdays, potlucks, or just a cozy night at home!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No worries! To keep your upside down plum cake fresh and tasty, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you think you’ll enjoy it later, you can also refrigerate it, but make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out.
When you’re ready to enjoy another slice (or two!), just pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. This will bring back that lovely, soft texture! If you want to get fancy, you can warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This way, the cake stays moist and the plums get all juicy again. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each slice of this delightful upside down plum cake. Keep in mind, these numbers are an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sugar: 18g
This cake is a sweet treat, so it’s perfect for indulging once in a while! Enjoy every slice guilt-free, especially when paired with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream.
FAQ Section
Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Absolutely! While plums are my favorite, you can definitely experiment with other fruits like peaches, apricots, or even pears. Just make sure the fruits are ripe and sweet for that perfect caramelization!
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
No problem at all! You can use salted butter instead; just skip the added salt in the recipe. It’ll still taste fantastic, I promise!
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
If you want to make a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just check that it contains xanthan gum, which helps with texture!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and store it at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, you can warm it up as mentioned earlier.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
I love serving it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It adds a nice contrast to the warm, sweet plums and fluffy cake. Yum!
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your upside down plum cake turns out perfectly? Here are some of my favorite tips to help you achieve the best results!
- Choose the right plums: Always go for ripe but firm plums. If they’re too soft, they might turn mushy during baking. Look for vibrant colors, too—this means they’re ripening nicely!
- Caramel consistency: When melting the butter and sugar, keep an eye on it! You want a nice golden caramel, but if it starts to darken too quickly, take it off the heat. Burnt caramel can ruin your beautiful cake!
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined keeps your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which we definitely don’t want!
- Cooling time is key: Be patient when letting your cake cool in the pan. This step helps the caramel set, which makes inverting the cake much easier and prevents it from sticking!
- Visual cues for doneness: Keep an eye out for a golden-brown top and a clean toothpick when testing for doneness. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Presentation matters: When you invert your cake, if any plums stick to the pan, simply place them back on top. A little creative rearranging can go a long way in making it look perfect!
- Tweak for flavor: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra flavor boost. It pairs beautifully with the sweet plums!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making a stunning and delicious upside down plum cake. Happy baking!
Print
Upside Down Plum Cake: 7 Tips for Irresistible Flavor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious cake featuring caramelized plums on top, baked upside down.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe plums, halved and pitted
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a round cake pan and add sugar to create a caramel layer.
- Arrange plum halves on top of the caramel.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then add milk and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the plums in the pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes and then invert onto a serving plate.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm plums for best results.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: upside down plum cake, dessert, cake, plums