There’s nothing quite like the smell of a freshly baked cake wafting through the house, especially when it’s a plum streusel cake bursting with sweet, juicy plums and a buttery, crumbly topping. This recipe is a celebration of late summer’s bounty, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a show-stopping dessert.
Even if you’re a baking novice, fear not! This recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. So, grab your apron and let’s embark on this delicious journey together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this delightful recipe, you’ll need two sets of ingredients: one for the cake base and one for the irresistible streusel topping.
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
- 1 pound (450g) ripe plums, pitted and sliced
For the Streusel:
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (55g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Tools of the Trade
- 9-inch springform pan
- Parchment paper
- Two mixing bowls (one large and one medium)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cooling rack
Ingredients for plum streusel cake laid out on a table
Baking the Perfect Plum Streusel Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out of the pan effortlessly.
2. Make the Streusel:
- In your medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel topping.
- Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a crumbly mixture. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In your large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Arrange the plum slices on top of the batter in a single layer or in a decorative pattern, if you like.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the plums.
Plum halves being arranged on top of cake batter in a springform pan
5. Bake and Cool:
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Baking Success
- Perfectly Ripe Plums: Use plums that are ripe but still firm. Overripe plums will make your cake soggy.
- Sour Cream Substitute: If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or even buttermilk.
- Sweet Tooth Satisfaction: For extra sweetness, sprinkle a tablespoon of granulated sugar over the plums before adding the streusel.
- Storage Tips: Store your plum streusel cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
FAQs About Plum Streusel Cake
Q: Can I use frozen plums?
A: While fresh plums are ideal, you can use frozen plums if needed. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This cake is delicious the day after baking. You can even bake it a few days in advance.
A Slice of Summertime Bliss
This plum streusel cake is a delightful marriage of textures and flavors—a tender, moist cake base topped with juicy plums and a buttery, crumbly streusel. It’s simple to make yet elegant enough for any occasion. So go ahead, treat yourself to a slice (or two) of this summertime delight!
Slice of plum streusel cake with a fork on a plate
We encourage you to try this recipe and share your baking experience in the comments below. Happy baking! And don’t forget to explore our website for more delicious recipes and baking adventures.
