Health

Plum Upside-Down Cake

admin 3 min read

Plum Upside-Down Cake (Caramelized Plum Cake)

Plum Upside-Down Cake is a comforting, bakery-style dessert that pairs jammy, caramel-coated plums with a tender, buttery vanilla sponge. It’s an easy cake recipe that looks impressive, making it ideal for afternoon tea, weekend baking, or a dinner-party finale.

Plum Upside-Down Cake

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Plum Topping

  • 4–5 medium plums, cut into wedges
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Cake Batter

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk

Instructions

1) Make the Plum Topping

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a 9-inch round cake pan, melt the butter over low heat.
  3. Stir in the brown sugar until it melts and becomes smooth and glossy, like caramel.
  4. Take the pan off the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Arrange the plum wedges over the caramel in a neat circular design (or any pattern you like).

2) Mix the Cake Batter

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
  4. Add the dry ingredients in portions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture, and mix only until combined (avoid overmixing).

3) Assemble and Bake

  1. Carefully spoon and spread the batter evenly over the plums.
  2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes.

4) Flip the Cake

  1. Run a knife around the edges to loosen.
  2. Place a serving plate on top of the pan and confidently invert the cake.
  3. Let the caramel and plum juices flow down the sides before slicing.

Serving Ideas

  • Enjoy it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, elegant look.

Tips for the Best Upside-Down Cake

  • Use ripe yet firm plums so they hold their shape while baking.
  • Don’t leave the cake to cool completely in the pan—the caramel topping can stick.
  • Want a twist? Swap plums for peaches or nectarines using the same method.

Why This Plum Cake Works So Well

  • A delicious contrast of sweet caramel, tangy fruit, and buttery cake
  • A dramatic, glossy topping with surprisingly little effort
  • A flexible recipe that suits casual tea-time baking or special occasions

Bake this Plum Upside-Down Cake and enjoy a slice of fruity, caramelized goodness.