Traditional German Plum Cake Recipe

Baking a Traditional German Plum Cake can bring a burst of flavor and nostalgia into your kitchen. This delightful recipe is not only delicious but can also be a healthier alternative to many desserts. With juicy Italian plums nestled in a soft dough and topped with a buttery streusel, it’s a treat everyone can enjoy. Plus, the simple ingredients make it perfect for quick meal prep, perfect for any gathering or family dinner.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You’ll adore this Traditional German Plum Cake for its simplicity and delightful flavors. It’s an excellent option for a quick treat or dessert after a meal. It’s a lighter option compared to many heavy cakes, making it a balanced meal addition. The fresh plums provide natural sweetness and fiber, aligning with dietary needs like weight loss or heart health. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this cake makes for a delightful sweet while also offering some health benefits.

HOW TO MAKE Traditional German Plum Cake

Making this Traditional German Plum Cake is straightforward and rewarding. With just a few steps, you can whip up a delicious bakery-quality dessert that everyone will love. Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a sweet masterpiece that is both balanced and flavorful.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Large mixing bowl
Whisk or mixer
Baking sheet (13 x 18 inches)
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife for slicing plums

Ingredients You’ll Need :

1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
¼ cup white granulated sugar (or adjust to taste)
3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
4 tbsp melted butter
1 large egg
1.5 lbs (700g) Italian plums, pitted and quartered
½ cup (100g) sugar
½ cup (115g) flour
4 tbsp (60g) cold butter

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

Combine warm milk, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt. Then add the yeast mixture, melted butter, the rest of the sugar, and the egg. Knead until smooth.
Let the dough rise in a covered bowl for 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Slice the plums while preparing the streusel. To make the streusel, mix together the sugar, flour, and cold butter until crumbly.
Once the dough has risen, spread it on a baking sheet (13 x 18 inches). Top with quartered plums and sprinkle the streusel over everything.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cake is golden brown.

HOW TO SERVE Traditional German Plum Cake

To enjoy this cake at its best, serve it warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of low-calorie vanilla ice cream for a treat that is both satisfying and light. Keep portion sizes in check for a balanced dessert option, and consider filling your plate with fresh fruits or a light yogurt to complement this cake.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Traditional German Plum Cake

To store your leftover Traditional German Plum Cake, let it cool to room temperature and then cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This cake can be kept at room temperature for about 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze slices. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This cake can be served with a side of Greek yogurt or a light summer salad. For those wanting to keep their meals heart-healthy, a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the cake. This combination makes for a well-rounded meal, offering a delightful contrast of sweet and savory.

VARIATIONS

Healthier Version: To make a healthier version, you can replace half of the white flour with whole wheat flour. This swap adds fiber and nutrients while keeping the cake delicious.
High-Protein or Low-Carb Version: If you’re looking for a high protein meal option, try adding Greek yogurt to your frosting or serving it with a protein-rich topping like cottage cheese. For a lower-carb option, consider using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and a sugar substitute like erythritol.
Air Fryer Version: If you prefer using an air fryer, spread the dough into a smaller, greased pan that fits inside your air fryer. Cook at 320°F (160°C) for about 20-25 minutes; then check for doneness.

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits besides plums?
Yes, you can use other fruit varieties, such as peaches, cherries, or apples. These alternatives can change the flavor but will still create a delicious cake.

2. Is this cake suitable for diabetics?
While it contains sugar, you can make this cake diabetic-friendly by using a sugar substitute or reducing the overall sugar content in the recipe.

3. How should I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage.

4. Is this cake healthy?
This Traditional German Plum Cake can be considered healthier compared to many sweets, particularly when adjusted to use whole wheat flour and reduced sugar. The fresh plums provide vitamins and fiber, aligning it with low-calorie and weight loss goals.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Traditional German Plum Cake

This cake is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature, shape, and bake. This makes for a great solution when planning a gathering or family meal, as you can get it ready in advance. Additionally, you can pre-slice and store portions for easy serving throughout the week, making it a hassle-free dessert. Enjoy this delicious dessert knowing that with a few tweaks, you can keep it healthier while still satisfying your sweet tooth!

Traditional German Plum Cake

This delightful Traditional German Plum Cake features juicy Italian plums on a soft dough topped with buttery streusel, making it a satisfying yet lighter dessert option.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1 5

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: German

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

1 cup 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C) Warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
2 ¼ tsp 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast Ensure it's fresh for best results.
¼ cup ¼ cup white granulated sugar (or adjust to taste) Initial quantity; adjust as needed.
3 ½ cups 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour Sift before measuring for accuracy.
½ tsp ½ tsp salt
4 tbsp 4 tbsp melted butter Adds richness to the dough.
1 large 1 large egg At room temperature for better incorporation.

Topping Ingredients

1.5 lbs 1.5 lbs (700g) Italian plums, pitted and quartered Can replace with other seasonal fruits.
½ cup ½ cup (100g) sugar For sprinkling on top.
½ cup ½ cup (115g) flour For the streusel topping.
4 tbsp 4 tbsp (60g) cold butter Cut into pieces for streusel.

Method

Dough Preparation

Combine warm milk, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a separate bowl, mix together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, remaining sugar, and the egg. Knead until smooth.
Let the dough rise in a covered bowl for 1 hour until it has doubled in size.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Slice the plums while preparing the streusel. To make the streusel, mix together the sugar, flour, and cold butter until crumbly.
Once the dough has risen, spread it on a baking sheet (13 x 18 inches). Top with quartered plums and sprinkle the streusel over everything.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cake is golden brown.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or low-calorie vanilla ice cream. For healthy meal balance, pair with fresh fruits or light yogurt.