Plum Upside-Down Cake

The plum upside-down cake is a delicious dessert that highlights the sweet and slightly tart flavor of these fruits. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

For the plum base:

• 500 g plums
• 100 g brown sugar
• 30 g butter

For the batter:

• 200 g all-purpose flour
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 100 g butter at room temperature
• 3 eggs
• 100 ml milk
• 1 packet baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Preparation

1. Preparing the plum base:
   • Wash the plums, halve them and remove the pits.
   • In an oven-safe skillet, melt the butter and add the brown sugar. Allow it to caramelize slightly over medium heat.
   • Arrange the plums cut-side down in the skillet and let them caramelize for a few minutes. Then turn off the heat and let cool.
2. Preparing the batter:
   • Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
   • In the bowl of a stand mixer or with an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, continuing to beat.
   • Incorporate the sifted flour mixed with the baking powder and a pinch of salt, alternating with the milk. If desired, add the grated lemon zest to flavor the batter.
   • Pour the batter over the plums in the skillet, leveling it evenly.
3. Baking:
   • Bake the cake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Remove from the oven and let the cake rest in the skillet for about 10 minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate so the caramelized plums are on top.
4. Finishing:
   • Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

The plum upside-down cake is a classic that celebrates the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, when these delicious stone fruits are at their peak. This cake is perfect enjoyed warm or cold and pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sweet custard.