Irresistibly Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake: A Homage to Italian Blue Plums
There’s something inherently magical about an upside-down cake. It holds a nostalgic charm, transforming simple ingredients into an elegant dessert with a grand reveal. As a child, I remember feeling incredibly sophisticated making these cakes, especially when they featured my absolute favorite kind of plums. The process felt like a secret culinary art, even if the cake base often came from a box. My younger self would proudly cut the plums, mix a delightful blend of butter, sugar, and spices, and then simply whip up a convenient cake mix. While this homemade version is a step above those childhood box mixes, it remains wonderfully straightforward to prepare, yielding an incredibly delicious result that truly celebrates the natural sweetness and tartness of plums. This Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake is not just a recipe; it’s a journey back to simpler, sweeter times, elevated with wholesome ingredients and a touch of homemade love.
The beauty of an upside-down cake lies in its effortless elegance. The fruit, arranged at the bottom of the pan, creates a stunning, caramelized topping once flipped. This method infuses the cake with the rich, juicy flavors of the fruit, making every slice a delightful experience. Our rendition of this classic dessert features a tender, moist cake base that perfectly complements the luscious plum layer. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive enough for special occasions but is simple enough for an everyday treat, bringing comfort and joy with every bite.
Embracing the Unique Charm of Italian Blue Plums
Speaking of my favorite plums, it often seems that Italian blue plums are mysteriously overlooked by many. Despite their vibrant color and distinct flavor, these small, oval-shaped plums, also known as ‘Prune Plums’ or ‘European Plums,’ don’t always get the attention they deserve. Here on our property, our trees generously produce far more than we could ever consume or give away, yet I eagerly anticipate their arrival every single year. Their firm flesh and balance of sweet and tart flavors make them exceptionally versatile for both fresh eating and baking.
Beyond their delicious taste when eaten raw, Italian blue plums are fantastic for culinary applications. They make the most incredible dried plums – a far cry from the dense, sticky traditional “prunes” that many might avoid. When dried, they retain a delightful chewiness and a concentrated, sweet-tart flavor that’s perfect for snacking or adding to granola. I also make sure to freeze a substantial amount for year-round enjoyment, perfect for smoothies, fruit crisps, and of course, exquisite desserts like this plum upside down cake. Their robust flavor holds up beautifully to baking, preventing the cake from becoming watery, a common issue with softer plum varieties. If you haven’t had the pleasure of trying Italian blue plums, I highly encourage you to seek them out during their peak season, typically late summer to early fall. You might discover a new favorite! What’s your go-to plum variety, or have you experienced the unique delight of Italian blue plums?
Baking with Joy and Embracing the Season
It’s always a joy to share new recipes, especially those that evoke warmth and comfort, like this spiced plum cake. After a period of adjusting to new routines and focusing on well-being, things are finally settling into a more normal rhythm around here. While I’ve been a little behind on my usual tasks – my Google Reader showing over 1000 unread articles, a backlog of comments to moderate, and still about 100 pounds of tomatoes waiting to be canned – I’m excited to get back to sharing more frequently with you all. This Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake is the perfect re-entry, celebrating the season’s bounty and the simple pleasure of homemade treats. Expect to see more delightful creations and useful tips popping up soon!
Crafting the Perfect Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake
This recipe for Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake marries the vibrant flavor of Italian blue plums with a beautifully spiced, tender cake. It’s a dessert that speaks of autumn harvests and cozy gatherings, yet its preparation is delightfully straightforward. The magic begins with a simple, buttery caramelized plum layer at the bottom of your baking pan, which transforms into a glistening, jewel-toned topping upon inversion. The cake itself is made with wholesome spelt flour, offering a slightly nutty flavor and a wonderfully soft texture that pairs impeccably with the fruit. Let’s dive into creating this delightful masterpiece that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
This recipe is designed for both novice and experienced bakers, offering clear steps to ensure success. The carefully selected blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of cloves creates an aromatic foundation that complements the plums without overpowering them. The use of brown sugar, or its alternatives like sucanat or palm sugar, contributes to a rich, molasses-like sweetness and a moist crumb. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this stunning and flavorful Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake.
Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
For the Plum Topping:
- 1 tbsp butter melted
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- pinch ground cloves
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or sucanat/palm sugar for a less refined option
- approximately 12 Italian blue plums or enough to generously fill the bottom of an 8×8 inch pan, halved with pits removed
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 1/2 C whole spelt flour (provides a lovely nutty flavor and lighter texture than whole wheat)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 C flavorless oil (like grapeseed, canola, or a light olive oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 C brown sugar or sucanat or palm sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature for better emulsion)
- 3/4 C dairy or unsweetened non-dairy milk (also at room temperature)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures the oven is at a consistent temperature for even baking from the moment the cake goes in.
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First, prepare the delicious plum topping. Melt the butter either in a small saucepan or gently in the microwave. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar (or sucanat/palm sugar) and all the warming spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of cloves. Mix this mixture until it’s well combined and takes on a crumbly texture. Spread this spiced sugar mixture as evenly as possible over the bottom of an 8×8 inch square baking dish. Next, arrange the halved plums, cut-side down, as tightly as you can on top of the sugar mixture. The closer they are, the more beautiful the topping will be. Set this pan aside while you prepare the cake batter.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the cake: the whole spelt flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they are thoroughly combined; this ensures even leavening throughout the cake. Set this bowl aside. In a larger mixing bowl, combine the oil, vanilla extract, and the remaining brown sugar (or chosen sugar alternative). Stir these together until they are well incorporated. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully emulsified and smooth. This step is crucial for the cake’s texture. Pour in the milk and mix again until everything is evenly combined. Finally, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently, just until everything is completely combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Pour the cake batter carefully over the plums in your prepared 8×8 baking dish. Gently wiggle the pan or tap it lightly on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles and ensure the batter settles evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top of the cake is beautifully golden to dark brown, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before attempting to invert it. This cooling period is essential; it allows the caramelized plum topping to set properly, preventing it from sticking to the pan and ensuring a clean release. To invert, place a serving plate or a flat cooling rack over the baking dish, then carefully but confidently flip the cake over. Lift the baking dish slowly to reveal your stunning Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake. If any plums stick to the pan, simply retrieve them and gently place them back onto the cake.
Notes
Serving Suggestions for Your Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake
This magnificent Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake is a showstopper on its own, with its beautifully caramelized plums and aromatic spices. However, a few simple additions can elevate the experience even further. Serve a warm slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, allowing its cool, airy texture to contrast with the rich cake. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting slightly over the warm cake is another classic pairing that creates a delightful medley of temperatures and flavors. For a touch of rustic elegance, a drizzle of crème fraîche or plain Greek yogurt can add a tangy counterpoint that brightens the overall taste. During cooler months, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar and a cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced tea to accompany this comforting dessert. Whether for a casual family meal or a festive gathering, this plum cake promises to be a memorable finish to any occasion.
Why This Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake is a Must-Try
This Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect recipe to celebrate the abundance of seasonal plums, particularly the often-underappreciated Italian blue plums, with their unique balance of sweetness and tartness. The blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice infuses every bite with a comforting aroma, making it an ideal treat for fall baking or any time you crave a touch of wholesome indulgence. Using whole spelt flour gives the cake a delightful texture and a slightly nutty depth, making it a satisfyingly hearty yet tender dessert. Its “upside down” nature makes for a stunning presentation, requiring minimal effort for maximum visual appeal. From the ease of preparation to the exquisite flavor and beautiful caramelized fruit topping, this plum cake offers a truly rewarding baking project. It’s a recipe that captures the essence of homemade goodness, destined to bring smiles and warm memories to your table.