Bavarian Plum Delight Cake
Experience the rich flavors of Bavaria with this delectable Zwetschgendatschi, or Bavarian Plum Cake. Unlike traditional cakes, this delightful dessert features a flatter, buttery base topped generously with tart Italian plums. The balance of sweetness from the sugar and the slight tartness of the fruit makes each bite a perfect harmony of taste. Adorned with a crispy crumble topping infused with cinnamon, this cake is not just a treat – it's a celebration of seasonal fruits and traditional baking. Serve warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extraordinary dessert experience that will bring a taste of Germany to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter (softened)
1/4 lb (Softened)
Sugar
1/3 cup (Granulated)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
Egg
1 (Large)
Sour cream
1 tablespoon
Salt
1 pinch (Only if using unsalted butter)
Lemon rind
1 teaspoon (Zested)
All-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups (Sifted)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon
Plums (pitted and sliced)
2 cups (Thin wedges)
Butter
6 tablespoons (For crumble topping, softened)
All-purpose flour
3/4 cup (For crumble topping)
Sugar
1/3 cup (For crumble topping)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (For crumble topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the base of a round baking pan, about 9-10 inches in diameter.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/4 lb of softened butter and 1/3 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Add in the vanilla, egg, lemon rind, sour cream, and salt (if using unsalted butter). Mix until well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5
Spread the batter evenly over the greased baking pan, creating a smooth layer.
6
Arrange 2 cups of pitted and thinly sliced plums evenly over the batter, pressing them in gently.
7
For the optional crumble topping, in a small bowl, cream together 6 tablespoons of butter, 3/4 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until crumbly.
8
Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the plums.
9
Bake in the preheated oven on the middle rack for 30-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bottom to ensure it doesn't burn.
10
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For an extra treat, serve with freshly whipped cream, and if desired, sprinkle with a touch of rum or additional cinnamon over the fruit before baking.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bavarian Plum Delight Cake?
Bavarian Plum Delight Cake, also known as Zwetschgendatschi, is a traditional German dessert featuring a flat, buttery base topped with tart Italian plums and a cinnamon-infused crumble topping.
What is the traditional German name for this cake?
The traditional name for this Bavarian plum cake is Zwetschgendatschi.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What size baking pan is recommended?
A round baking pan approximately 9-10 inches in diameter is recommended.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
You should grease the base of the baking pan before adding the batter.
How much butter is needed for the cake base?
The cake base requires 1/4 lb of softened butter.
How much sugar is used in the main batter?
The main batter uses 1/3 cup of granulated sugar.
Should I use salt in the recipe?
You should add a pinch of salt only if you are using unsalted butter.
What role does sour cream play in the recipe?
One tablespoon of sour cream is added to the wet ingredients to contribute to the cake's texture and richness.
How much flour is needed for the cake batter?
The main cake batter requires 1 3/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much baking powder should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
Is there any citrus in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of zested lemon rind for flavor.
How many plums are required?
You will need 2 cups of plums, pitted and sliced.
What type of plums are best for this cake?
Tart Italian plums are specifically recommended for this Bavarian recipe.
How should the plums be arranged on the cake?
Arrange the thin plum wedges evenly over the batter and press them in gently.
Is the crumble topping mandatory?
No, the crumble topping is described as an optional addition for extra texture and flavor.
How much butter is used for the crumble topping?
The crumble topping requires 6 tablespoons of softened butter.
What are the ingredients for the crumble topping?
The topping consists of 6 tablespoons of butter, 3/4 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How do I make the crumble topping?
Cream together the butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until the mixture becomes crumbly.
How long does the cake take to bake?
The cake should bake for 30 to 45 minutes.
Where should the cake be placed in the oven?
The cake should be baked on the middle rack of the oven.
How can I tell when the cake is done?
The cake is done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
What should I be careful of during the baking process?
Keep an eye on the bottom of the pan to ensure it does not burn while the rest of the cake bakes.
Should the cake be served hot or cold?
The cake is best served warm or after allowing it to cool slightly.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is highly recommended to serve the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Can I add alcohol to this recipe?
Yes, you can sprinkle a touch of rum over the fruit before baking for extra flavor.
Can I add more spices?
Yes, additional cinnamon can be sprinkled over the fruit before the cake goes into the oven.
What is the texture of the cake base?
Unlike traditional high-rising cakes, this base is flatter and buttery.
Does the recipe use vanilla?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the wet ingredients.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 1 large egg.