Description
This Plum Coffee Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring fresh plums topped with a crunchy streusel. With a tender crumb thanks to the buttermilk and a buttery streusel topping, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 lb plums
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted, cooled)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Eggs and Milk: Remove eggs and milk from the refrigerator to bring them to room temperature, which helps achieve a better batter consistency and rising.
- Prepare Plums: Wash the plums thoroughly. Cut each plum in half, remove the pit, then cut each half into quarters to create bite-sized pieces.
- Make Buttermilk: Mix the whole milk with apple cider vinegar in a glass and let it sit for a few minutes to curdle; this homemade buttermilk will add moisture and tenderness to the cake.
- Melt Butter: Melt two portions of unsalted butter—one for the cake batter and one for the streusel topping. Let the melted butter for streusel cool slightly.
- Make Streusel: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and the cooled melted butter for the streusel. Stir with a fork until coarse crumbs form, then set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the eggs, homemade buttermilk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until fully blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth, either by hand or using an electric hand mixer for a light batter.
- Assemble Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface gently.
- Add Plums: Arrange the cut plum pieces evenly over the surface of the batter, pressing them lightly into the batter.
- Add Streusel: Sprinkle the prepared streusel crumbs evenly over the plums to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for best results.
- You can substitute plums with other stone fruits like peaches or cherries in season.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Check baking time as ovens vary; start checking at 30 minutes.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
