Best 7 German Plum Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of German Plum Cake, a classic dessert that captures the essence of fall's harvest. This traditional cake is characterized by its moist and tender crumb, studded with sweet and juicy plums, and topped with a delicate streusel topping. As you dive into this culinary delight, you'll be greeted with a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This article presents a collection of German Plum Cake recipes, each offering unique variations to cater to different preferences and skill levels. From the classic recipe that embodies the timeless essence of this cake to gluten-free and vegan adaptations that accommodate dietary restrictions, there's a recipe here for every baker and plum enthusiast. Let's embark on a culinary journey and explore the diverse world of German Plum Cakes, uncovering the secrets behind their irresistible charm.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

GERMAN PLUM CAKE



German Plum Cake image

This cake is actually known as Zwetschgendatschi in Bavaria, where it is most popular. Roughly translated from Bavarian to German, it would be called Pflaumenkuchen or plum cake in English. BUT Zwetschgen aren't ordinary plums, a Datschi isn't really a Kuchen, and a Kuchen is most definitely not a cake! Or at least not a tall, spongy cake -- it's flatter. Ideally, for this dessert you want the slightly tart Italian plums. If you do have to use another type of plum, be careful the variety you choose isn't too juicy.

Provided by Sackville

Categories     Breads

Time 1h5m

Yield 1 cake

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/4 lb butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 pinch salt (only if you use unsalted butter)
1 teaspoon lemon, rind of
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups plums, pitted and sliced into thin wedges
6 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter, add the sugar, vanilla, egg, lemon peel, sour cream and salt (if desired).
  • Mix the flour and baking powder and add that into the mixture.
  • Grease the base of a round baking pan and spread the dough over the pan.
  • Liberally spread plums over the dough.
  • To make the optional topping, cream the butter, add flour, sugar and cinnamon.
  • Sprinkle over the plums and bake for 30-45 minutes in the middle rack at 375 F.
  • Be careful not to let the bottom burn!
  • Serve with lots of freshly-made whipped cream.
  • If you like, you may also sprinkle rum or cinnamon over the fruit before baking.

PFLAUMENKUCHEN (GERMAN PLUM CAKE)



Pflaumenkuchen (German Plum Cake) image

One of my all-time favorite things to eat in life, this plum cake couldn't be more sentimental. It's a classic German recipe that my grandmother made at the end of every summer during the brief window when the Italian prune plums are in season. Today, my mom and I both carry on that tradition, and I can still eat an entire tray by myself if left to my own devices. Pro-tip: Don't use anything but a 9x13 jelly roll pan for this. Anything larger and the dough won't fill the pan, any smaller and the dough will be too thick.

Provided by Amanda Gryphon

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h20m

Yield 1 pan, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 lbs Italian plums (prune plums or Empress plums)
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup butter
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 -3 ounces milk (rough estimate)
1 tablespoon sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Quarter each plum so that all four quarters remain clinging together by their skin, forming a row.
  • In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and butter together by cutting the butter in with a fork.
  • In a measuring cup, combine the beaten egg and almond extract, then add enough milk to make 3/8 of a cup (aka 3 oz) total. (It may seem strange that there isn't an exact amount of milk to add, but I promise this method works. You'll likely use under 2 oz of milk, considering that a large egg is usually around 1.5 oz or so.).
  • Add this to the dry ingredients and mix them together with your hands, forming a dough.
  • If the dough is too sticky, add a touch more flour.
  • Spread the dough thinly over a 13x9 inch jelly roll pan and cover it with overlapping rows of plums. (It may seem like the dough will never stretch to fit the entire pan, but be patient! Use the heel of your hand to gently spread the dough out evenly to each corner of the pan, the crust is supposed to be on the thinner side anyway.).
  • Bake the tart for 1 hour and let it cool slightly before sprinkling with sugar for extra sweetness (or skip the sugar if you like it sweet-tart like I do).
  • The plums will change color from green to a deep magenta as they bake, and will ooze lots of sticky purple juice that stains the crust beneath. Be careful not to overbake, this crust should be on the softer side.

ZWETSCHGENDATSCHI (GERMAN PLUM SHEET CAKE)



Zwetschgendatschi (German Plum Sheet Cake) image

Zwetschgendatschi is a classic German plum sheet cake from Bavaria - a short crust pastry, topped with Italian plums. It is traditionally served with vanilla sugar-sweetened whipped cream.

Provided by barbara

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     German

Time 2h

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla sugar
2 pinches salt
1 ⅓ cups unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into chunks
2 eggs
2 ¼ pounds Italian prune plums, halved and pitted
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into chunks
1 tablespoon sliced almonds

Steps:

  • Combine flour and baking powder in a large bowl. Mix in 1 cup sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Add 1 1/3 cups butter and eggs. Knead everything into a smooth dough. Shape dough into a ball, press flat, cover, and chill in the refrigerator 1 hour to overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet with butter.
  • Cut halved plums in half again, without cutting all the way through, so they fan out.
  • Roll pastry dough out on a lightly floured work surface. Line the bottom and sides of the prepared baking sheet with dough. Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl.
  • Arrange plums side by side on the pastry dough; very small plums should overlap. Dot plums with 2 tablespoons butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and almonds.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until pastry crust is lightly browned, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven. Allow plum cake to cool, then cut into squares. Serve lukewarm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 381.4 calories, Carbohydrate 50.8 g, Cholesterol 67.7 mg, Fat 18.1 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 10.9 g, Sodium 153.1 mg, Sugar 20.6 g

ZWETSCHGENKUCHEN (GERMAN PLUM CAKE)



ZWETSCHGENKUCHEN (GERMAN PLUM CAKE) image

While looking for traditional German desserts that DO NOT take yeast, I found this gem. Perfect for a late summer evening when the plums are ripe. Recipe: www.joyofkosher.com Photo: http://schulmeister.com

Provided by Ellen Bales

Categories     Fruit Desserts

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 c butter
1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
1 c all purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 large bag purple italian plums
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Steps:

  • 1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the butter and 1/2 cup sugar. Add the eggs and continue mixing. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt and almond extract. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix well.
  • 2. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and pour the batter into it. Spread it out evenly.
  • 3. Slice the plums, removing the pit as you go. Layer the plum wedges on top of the batter in whatever pattern you choose.
  • 4. Mix together 1/2 cup sugar and the cinnamon and sprinkle it over the plums. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 45 minutes. Serve with whipped cream.

GERMAN PLUM CAKE



German Plum Cake image

Yummy plum cake with a crumble topping. Eat as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Provided by cookinmama

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     German

Time 1h55m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup white sugar
¼ cup butter, softened
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
25 plums, pitted and halved
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cold butter, cut into cubes

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Beat white sugar, softened butter, and eggs together in a bowl until creamy. Whisk 2 cups flour and baking powder together in another bowl. And flour mixture to butter mixture and stir until just combined. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Arrange plums on top of butter mixture in the baking dish.
  • Stir brown sugar, 2 cups flour, and 1/2 cup cold butter together in a bowl until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Spread crumble mixture over plums in the baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cake is set and plums are soft, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Cool for 1 hour before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 364 calories, Carbohydrate 66.1 g, Cholesterol 46.1 mg, Fat 9.8 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.7 g, Sodium 136.7 mg, Sugar 40.4 g

BAVARIAN ZWETSCHGENDATSCHI - GERMAN PLUM SHEET CAKE RECIPE RECIPE - (4/5)



Bavarian Zwetschgendatschi - German Plum Sheet Cake Recipe Recipe - (4/5) image

Provided by Foodiewife

Number Of Ingredients 16

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
1/4 sheet pan
1 sheet parchment paper
CRUST:
7 ounces flour (about 1-1/2 cups)
5 1/2 ounces unsalted butter
3 ounces sugar (scant 1/2 cup)
2 egg yolks
1 package vanilla sugar or 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla
Zest small lemon, or to taste
12 to 14 Italian prunes (in season only in Aug-Sep)
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup fig or apricot jam (optional)
Cinnamon Sugar:
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

Steps:

  • Crust: Whisk together all of the dry ingredients and the lemon zest (the zest is optional, but I love the flavor it adds). Create a well in the middle and add the eggs (and vanilla, if not using vanilla sugar), lemon zest and the butter. Knead with fingers to combine. Using the heels of your hand, knead until all the ingredients are combined. Optional: I use my food processor, and use short pulses to combine-- careful not to over mix. Generously flour the surface of the counter and the rolling pin, so the dough won't stick. Roll into a rectangle shape, to fit the quarter pan sheet. Place the parchment paper on top of the dough, set the pan on top and flip. (Some of the dough will break apart, but just piece it back together with your fingers. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the plums. With a paring knife, cut along the "seam" of each plum, then pull the fruit apart, removing the seed. I prefer to cut each half into quarters, not quite all the way through-- so that the plums fan into four pieces (it's the way my mother taught me, and it's how I continue to do it). Remove the crust from the fridge, and spread an even layer of jam. This step is optional, but I find that it helps to prevent a soggy crust. Begin layering the plums in even rows, overlapping them a bit, as they do shrink while baking. Brush melted butter over the plums and then generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake at 400°F for about 30 to 40 minutes or until the edges of the crust are a golden brown, and the plums are golden and bubbly. Sprinkle an additional 2 to 3 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar. Allow to cool, ideally, until to room temperature. Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream (or vanilla ice cream). NOTE: I especially love a slice with my morning coffee!

PLUM CAKE (GERMAN)



Plum Cake (German) image

Make and share this Plum Cake (German) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by EdandTheresa

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups butter, melted
4 egg yolks (save the whites)
1 tablespoon vanilla
apricot jam
3 lbs purple plums, clean and quartered (little ones)
2 tablespoons flour
powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Place 4 cups flour, sugar, salt and melted butter in a bowl; mix.
  • Add egg yolks and vanilla, mix.
  • Place the dough onto a cookie sheet pan and press with your fingers make a rim.
  • Spread with a thin layer of apricot jam.
  • Place the quartered purple plums in rows on the dough and jam.
  • Beat egg whites slightly and brush over the plums.
  • Sprinkle 2 tbsp of flour over the egg whites.
  • Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes.
  • Sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the plum cake.

Tips:

  • Choose ripe, flavorful plums: The quality of your plums will greatly impact the taste of your cake. Look for plums that are deep in color, plump, and free of blemishes.
  • Pit the plums before using: To easily pit the plums, cut them in half lengthwise and twist the halves apart. Then, use a small spoon to remove the pit.
  • Use a combination of spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds a warm, inviting flavor to the cake. You can adjust the amounts of each spice to suit your taste.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
  • Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean: This is the best way to ensure that the cake is cooked through.

Conclusion:

German Plum Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make cake that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist, tender crumb, sweet and tart plums, and warm, inviting spices, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a special treat, give this German Plum Cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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