German Plum Cake with is a delightful dessert that brings the flavors of fall right to your table. Known as Zwetschgenkuchen, this traditional German cake features a soft yeast dough topped with juicy Italian plums and a buttery cinnamon streusel. With its tender crust and rich fruit flavor, it’s a beloved choice for seasonal celebrations and teatime treats. Let’s explore why you’ll love this cake and how to make it at home!
Why You’ll Love This German Plum Cake with
This German Plum Cake Recipe offers numerous reasons to fall in love with it:
- Perfect balance of sweetness from fresh plums and streusel.
- A comforting dessert that’s ideal for any fall celebration.
- Simple to prepare, making it an Easy German Plum Cake Recipe.
- Rich in flavor, thanks to quality ingredients like butter and vanilla.
- Versatile; can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
- This cake is vegetarian, aligning with different dietary preferences.
Ingredients for German Plum Cake with
Gather these items:
- 3+ pounds Italian plums, cut into quarters, pits removed
- 1 cup warm milk (start with 3/4 cup and add extra as needed)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dry active yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup melted but not hot)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon quality pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
How to Make German Plum Cake with Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Dissolve the dry active yeast into 3/4 cup of warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Attach the dough hook and knead on the bread setting for 4-5 minutes, adding the remaining milk as needed.
- Step 4: Cover the dough loosely and let it rise for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Butter a large jelly roll pan. Spread the sticky dough evenly across the pan.
- Step 6: Arrange the quartered plums in neat rows over the dough. Optionally sprinkle sugar or cinnamon-sugar on top.
- Step 7: Let the assembled cake rise for another hour.
- Step 8: Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and room temperature butter in a bowl. Mix until you achieve a coarse texture.
- Step 9: Sprinkle the streusel topping across the surface of the plums and dough.
- Step 10: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
- Step 11: Let the cake sit for at least 10 minutes. Slice into squares and enjoy.
Pro Tips for the Best German Plum Cake with
Keep these in mind:
- This cake is perfect for any seasonal dessert or teatime treat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe plums.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
Best Ways to Serve German Plum Cake with
Here are some serving ideas:
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Store and Reheat German Plum Cake with
After baking, let the cake sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven. This cake is perfect for meal prep as it holds well.
Frequently Asked Questions About German Plum Cake with
What’s the secret to perfect German Plum Cake with?
The secret lies in using fresh, ripe plums and allowing the dough to rise well. This ensures a fluffy texture and enhances the flavor of your German Plum Cake with.
Can I make German Plum Cake with ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and plums in advance. Assemble the cake, let it rise, and then bake it closer to serving time for the best results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with German Plum Cake with?
To avoid mistakes, ensure your yeast is fresh and active, and don’t skip the rising times. This will help create the perfect texture for your cake.
Variations of German Plum Cake with You Can Try
Here are some creative variations:
- German Plum Cake with Almonds: Add sliced almonds to the streusel for an extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free German Plum Cake Recipe: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- German Plum Cake with Cream Cheese: Incorporate cream cheese into the dough for a richer flavor.
- Best German Plum Cake Variations: Experiment with different fruits like cherries or peaches for a twist.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or try making pumpkin patch cookies for a seasonal treat. If you’re interested in more dessert ideas, consider our pistachio cheesecake.
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German Plum Cake with Streusel: A Traditional Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This traditional German Plum Cake, known as Zwetschgenkuchen, features a soft yeast dough topped with fresh Italian plums and a buttery cinnamon streusel.
Ingredients
- 3+ pounds Italian plums, cut into quarters, pits removed
- 1 cup warm milk (start with 3/4 cup and add extra as needed)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dry active yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup melted but not hot)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon quality pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
Instructions
- Dissolve the dry active yeast into 3/4 cup of warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Attach the dough hook and knead on the bread setting for 4-5 minutes, adding the remaining milk as needed.
- Cover the dough loosely and let it rise for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Butter a large jelly roll pan. Spread the sticky dough evenly across the pan.
- Arrange the quartered plums in neat rows over the dough. Optionally sprinkle sugar or cinnamon-sugar on top.
- Let the assembled cake rise for another hour.
- Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and room temperature butter in a bowl. Mix until you achieve a coarse texture.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping across the surface of the plums and dough.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
- Let the cake sit for at least 10 minutes. Slice into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- This cake is perfect for any seasonal dessert or teatime treat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 391
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 71 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
