Plum Kuchen
A moist and flavorful plum Kuchen featuring sweet Italian prune plums, cinnamon, and nutmeg, perfect for dessert or a special teatime treat for fruit lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter or margarine with 1/2 cup of the sugar.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Add almond and vanilla extracts.
- Beat well until mixture is smooth.
- Mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Spoon the batter into a greased round 9-inch cake pan 2 inches deep.
- Cut the plums in half and arrange them cut side down on top of the batter.
- Mix remaining 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the plums.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more pronounced almond flavor, consider using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour or adding a bit more almond extract. If you don't have Italian prune plums, any tart plum variety will work well. To enhance the spice, you might add a pinch of allspice or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Plum Kuchen warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added decadence. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving with a side of fresh berries. This dish also complements a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for brunch or afternoon gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the cooled kuchen with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plum Kuchen contains roughly 199 calories, with 3g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Absolutely! While Italian prune plums are traditional for this kuchen, you can substitute with other fruits like peaches, apricots, or even berries. Just adjust the sugar slightly if using sweeter fruits to maintain balance in flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Plum Kuchen by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure and texture. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it while it bakes.
How can I enhance the flavor of this kuchen?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon zest or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy brightness. Additionally, you could incorporate chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, into the batter or as a topping. This adds both flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).