Here’s a whimsical and delicious recipe for The Enchanted Plum Cake – perfect for magical tea parties, moonlit feasts, or just a cozy evening at home. This cake blends juicy plums, warm spices, and a hint of enchantment (in the form of almond extract and a touch of fairy dust… or powdered sugar).
The Enchanted Plum Cake
Servings: 8–10 | Prep time: 20 min | Bake time: 45–50 min
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional, but adds a magical touch)
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4–5 ripe plums, halved and pitted (any variety; purple ones are prettiest)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tbsp brown sugar (for sprinkling)
Optional magic:
- A handful of chopped almonds or walnuts
- A dusting of powdered sugar (aka “fairy snow”)
- Lavender sugar or rose petals for garnish (if serving for enchantment)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20cm) round or square cake pan.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix—let the magic stay light.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan. It will be thick—use a spatula to smooth it evenly.
- Arrange plum halves cut side up on top of the batter. Don’t press them down too much—they will sink slightly as they bake. Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon and brown sugar. Add nuts now if using.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are golden.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar.
✨ To Serve:
- Serve slightly warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Add a drizzle of honey or a splash of plum liqueur for a deeper spell.
- Perfect for serving under twinkling lights, by candlelight, or when reading fairy tales.
Let me know if you’d like a gluten-free, vegan, or spiced autumn version!