Caramelized Plum and Apricot Bliss Cake
This delightful Caramelized Plum and Apricot Bliss Cake brings together the juicy sweetness of ripe Italian plums and vibrant apricots, creating a stunning dessert that will impress any crowd. The cake's base is infused with rich almond flavor and perfectly balances the tangy fruit layer that caramelizes beautifully in the skillet. If fresh apricots are not available, using drained canned apricots is a fantastic alternative. Pair every slice with softly-whipped cream delicately flavored with a hint of almond extract for an unforgettable finish. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy evenings at home, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
4 ounces (softened, plus 2 tablespoons for caramelizing)
Brown Sugar
3/4 cup (lightly packed)
Italian Plums
8-12 (halved and pitted)
Apricots
8 (small, halved and pitted)
Granulated Sugar
3/4 cup (none)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Almond Extract
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Eggs
3 (large, at room temperature)
Blanched Almonds
2/3 cup (finely ground)
Flour
1 cup (none)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the center.
2
In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until well combined and melted.
3
Once combined, remove the skillet from the heat and arrange the halved plums and apricots, cut side up, in a single, attractive layer over the melted sugar mixture.
4
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the remaining 4 ounces of softened butter along with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5
Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing well before incorporating the eggs one by one, beating until the mixture is smooth after each addition.
6
Gently fold in the ground almonds, followed by the flour, baking powder, and salt, until just combined.
7
Spread the cake batter evenly over the arranged fruit in the skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the cake bounces back when lightly pressed.
9
Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Carefully lift the skillet away, revealing the beautifully caramelized fruits on top.
10
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, ideally accompanied by softly-whipped cream flavored with a few drops of almond extract for a delicious finishing touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Caramelized Plum and Apricot Bliss Cake?
This is a stunning dessert featuring Italian plums and apricots that caramelize in a cast-iron skillet under a rich, almond-infused cake base.
What type of plums are best for this recipe?
Italian plums are recommended for their flavor and texture when baked.
Can I use canned fruit if fresh is unavailable?
Yes, drained canned apricots are a fantastic alternative if fresh apricots are not in season.
What size skillet is required?
The recipe specifies using a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the rack in the center.
How many plums and apricots are needed?
You will need 8 to 12 Italian plums and 8 small apricots.
How do I prepare the fruit for the skillet?
The fruit should be halved and pitted, then arranged cut side up in the skillet.
How is the caramel base for the fruit made?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet over medium heat and stir in 3/4 cup of brown sugar until melted.
What gives the cake its almond flavor?
The cake uses 2/3 cup of finely ground blanched almonds and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract.
Should the eggs be at a specific temperature?
Yes, the 3 large eggs should be at room temperature for the best results.
What is the total amount of butter used?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of softened butter for the batter plus 2 tablespoons for caramelizing the fruit.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake the cake for approximately 35 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The top should be lightly golden and the cake should bounce back when lightly pressed.
When should I remove the cake from the skillet?
Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate and lift the skillet away.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
Serve it warm or at room temperature with softly-whipped cream flavored with almond extract.
How much brown sugar is used for the fruit layer?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of lightly packed brown sugar.
How much granulated sugar is in the cake batter?
The batter contains 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
Does the recipe include vanilla?
Yes, one teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the cake batter.
What kind of almonds are used?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of finely ground blanched almonds.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to balance the flavors.
What leavening agent is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
How many servings does this cake provide?
While not explicitly stated, a 10-inch skillet cake typically serves 8 to 10 people.
Can I use a different type of sugar for the batter?
The recipe specifically calls for granulated sugar in the batter and brown sugar for the fruit layer.
Should the fruit be peeled?
No, the fruit just needs to be halved and pitted.
How do I mix the dry ingredients?
Gently fold in the ground almonds, followed by the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
Is this cake suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is highlighted as a perfect dessert for summer gatherings or cozy evenings.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the center.
How do I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream together 4 ounces of softened butter and the granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
How should the fruit be arranged in the skillet?
Arrange them in a single, attractive layer over the melted sugar mixture.
What should I use to smooth the cake batter?
Spread the batter evenly over the fruit and smooth the top with a spatula.