Plum Kuchen, a delightful German-inspired dessert, is a celebration of the sweet and tart flavors of ripe plums. This classic coffee cake features a buttery, tender crust topped with juicy plums that caramelize beautifully as they bake. A sprinkling of cinnamon sugar enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness while adding a touch of warmth to every bite. Whether served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoyed with a morning coffee, this simple yet elegant treat is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 5–6 ripe plums, halved, pitted, and thinly sliced
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, forming a slight edge around the perimeter.
- Arrange the plums: In a small bowl, toss the plum slices with lemon juice. Arrange the plums in concentric circles over the dough, slightly overlapping each slice.
- Make the topping: Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the plums. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the plums are tender and bubbling. A toothpick inserted into the crust should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the Plum Kuchen to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy this comforting and fruit-forward dessert with a hot beverage or as a sweet finale to your meal!
