Plum Upside Down Cake: A Sweet and Decadent Dessert



Introduction:

Plum upside down cake is a classic dessert that combines the tart sweetness of plums with a moist and flavorful cake. Its unique presentation, with the plums arranged upside down on the bottom of the pan, makes it a visually appealing dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the cake batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup buttermilk

For the plum topping:
* 1 pound ripe plums, pitted and sliced
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Make the plum topping: In a small bowl, combine the sliced plums, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Toss to coat.
3. Arrange plums in pan: Spread the plum topping evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
4. Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 3/4 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
6. Pour batter over plums: Pour the cake batter evenly over the plums in the prepared pan.
7. Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Invert and serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

* For a more intense plum flavor, use dark or black plums.
* Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
* For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour.

Conclusion:

Plum upside down cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is sure to impress. Its sweet and tart flavors, combined with its unique presentation, make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a simple and satisfying dessert, plum upside down cake is a classic recipe that you will love.