Plum Upside-Down Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A delightful upside-down cake featuring tender plums caramelized with sugar and butter, topped with a moist cake batter, perfect for dessert and fruit lovers alike.

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Ingredients

  • 7 Tbsp. butter or margarine
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 to 4 plums, pitted and thinly sliced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/3 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Place 1 tablespoon of butter in a 9-inch round baking pan.
  2. Put the pan in a preheated 350°F oven to melt the butter.
  3. Remove from oven and sprinkle with 1/3 cup sugar evenly over the melted butter.
  4. Arrange plum slices in a circular pattern over the sugar.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white for the topping. If plums are unavailable, peaches or nectarines make great substitutes. To ensure even baking, let the butter melt completely and cool slightly before adding the sugar. Remember to slice the plums thinly for better caramelization and presentation. This cake can be served warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Plum Upside-Down Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. This cake is perfect for gatherings, especially when paired with other American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Plum Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 210 calories, with 4g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1151mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).

210 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.5g 9% DV
Total Fat 1.9g 2% DV
Carbs 40.6g 15% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1151.1mg 50% DV
Potassium 168.8mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 35.8mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 8.2mg 9% DV
Calcium 173.9mg 13% DV
Iron 2.1mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 frozen plums for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen plums, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before slicing. This will help prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake's texture. Adjust the sugar to taste, as frozen fruits can sometimes be sweeter.

What can I substitute if I don't have milk?

If you don't have milk, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk as a substitute. Alternatively, yogurt or sour cream mixed with a little water can also work well to maintain the cake's moisture.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. Additionally, the edges should be slightly pulling away from the pan, and the top should be golden brown.

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).

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