Zwetschgenkuchen: Plum cake.
Zwetschgenkuchen, or Plum Cake, is a traditional German dessert that features sweet, juicy plums atop a soft and buttery cake base. The cake batter is typically made with flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, creating a light texture that complements the slightly tart plums. Spiced with cinnamon and sometimes lemon zest, this cake is a wonderful treat during plum season. Often enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Zwetschgenkuchen is a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of autumn.
Introduction: Welcome to another delightful recipe from Debbie's Kitchen Corner! Today, we're diving into the heart of German baking with a classic favorite: Plum Cake, known as Pflaumenkuchen, topped with a crumbly, buttery streusel. This sweet, rich cake balances the tartness of plums with the sweetness of homemade streusel, making it an irresistible dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Let's bake our way to deliciousness with this simple, yet delightful recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup (134g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla sugar
- 1 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups plums, washed, pitted, and halved (or quartered if large)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, soft
To Serve (optional):
- Whipping cream
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Equipment: Hand mixer, 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan, mixing bowls, knife, oven
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan liberally with butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter until smooth using a hand mixer.
3. Slowly add 2/3 cup of sugar while the mixer is running, and beat the mixture until well combined and fluffy.
4. Add in two eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
5. Incorporate the lemon zest and vanilla extract or vanilla sugar into the butter mixture, making sure everything is blended well.
6. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, beating until the flour is completely mixed in and the dough is creamy and smooth.
8. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread and level it out.
9. Arrange the halved (or quartered) plums on top of the batter in a neat ring pattern.
10. To prepare the streusel topping, in another bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of soft butter. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
11. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the plums.
12. Place the cake in the oven and bake for approximately 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
13. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool down completely before cutting.
14. Serve with a dollop of whipping cream, if desired.
Cooking Tips:
- For a variation, feel free to substitute plums with cherries or apples to suit your taste.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend more easily.
Servings: 8-10 slices
Delight in this scrumptious German Plum Cake with Streusel Topping and let the authentic flavors transport you to the heart of European baking, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Be sure to smash the like button and subscribe to Debbie's Kitchen Corner at https://www.youtube.com/@DebbiesKitchenCorner for more delectable recipes. Cheers to sweet indulgences and happy baking!
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