Indulge in the delightful flavors of Zwetschgenkuchen, a classic German plum cake that embodies the essence of autumn's harvest. This delectable treat features a sweet yeast dough lovingly filled with juicy plums, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Our curated collection of recipes offers variations of this beloved cake, ensuring that every bite is an unforgettable experience. From the traditional Zwetschgenkuchen, brimming with fresh plums, to the innovative Pflaumenkuchen with its unique almond filling, each recipe promises a distinct culinary adventure. Whether you prefer a tender crumb or a crispy crust, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of sweet glaze, you'll find the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings. Embrace the warmth and comfort of Zwetschgenkuchen, a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the bounty of the season.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
TRADITIONAL GERMAN PLUM CAKE (ZWETSCHGENKUCHEN)
Summer Time is Zwetschgenkuchen time for me. This traditional German Plum Cake will be made with Damson Plums on a yeast dough. After your first mouthful of this juicy cake you will be addicted to the wonderful flavors of plums, cinnamon, yeast dough and whipped cream. I can't wait to get the first plums (Zwetschgen) every year to make one of my favorite fruit cakes.
Provided by Thorsten
Categories Dessert
Time 2h5m
Yield 20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Sift flour into a large bowl and make a well in the middle.
- Crumble yeast into well and mix it with 1 tablespoon of sugar, milk and some flour. This first yeast-mixture should be still fluid. Cover and let rise in warm place for 20 minutes.
- Add remaining sugar, melted butter, egg and a good pinch of salt and mix with yeast mixture and flour. Knead with floured hands until dough is peeling away from the side of the bowl and blistering. This step may take 10 minutes (or more). Use some additional flour, if dough is too sticky. At the end you should have a smooth dough.
- Cover and let rise in warm place for about 25 to 30 minutes or until dough has doubled.
- Meanwhile prepare the plums. Cut lengthwise and pit them. Cut the still connected plum halves once again lengthwise, but do not cut through. You should have a depitted plum which you can easily flatten.
- Grease backing tray. Dough is calculated for a baking tray of 11 3/4 x 15 inches.
- Remove yeast dough from bowl, knead once or twice and roll out on baking tray using a floured rolling pin. Along the sides of the baking tray form a border with yeast dough.
- Place plums on yeast dough in closely rows and press slightly into dough. Let rise again for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven (425 F, 220 C).
- Bake the plum cake in the middle of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile mix sugar and ground cinnamon for topping.
- Remove plum cake from oven and sprinkle with sugar-cinnamon mixture. Cut into 20 pieces and serve warm or cold with whipped cream.
- NOTE on Baker's yeast: If possible use fresh baker's yeast. But you can replace it by 1 1/2 packages dry yeast.
- NOTE on Damson Plums: a traditional German Plum Cake is made with the slightly tart and not too juicy Damson Plums. You can also use other plum varieties, but the plums shouldn't be over-ripped or too juicy. I have tried it with other plum varieties and have reduced amount of sugar in topping.
- NOTE on traditional German Plum Cake: in my opinion this cake has to be made with yeast dough. It takes more time to make than other doughs, but it is worthwhile. Don't be afraid of the juices. This cake has to be juicy!
- There are existing several names for this type of frutit cake in Germany: Zwetschgenkuchen, Pflaumenkuchen and in Bavaria Zwetschgendatschi. Zwetschgen is the German name for Damson plums.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.9, Fat 4.6, SaturatedFat 2.4, Cholesterol 19.1, Sodium 45.2, Carbohydrate 32.3, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 13, Protein 4.6
GERMAN PLUM CAKE
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
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.
ZWETSCHGENKUCHEN (GERMAN PLUM CAKE)
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
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.
Tips:
- Use ripe, sweet plums for the best flavor.
- If you don't have a stand mixer, you can make the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead it well until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This will take about 1 hour.
- Do not overfill the cake pan. The dough will rise and expand during baking.
- Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This will take about 45 minutes.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Conclusion:
German Plum Cake with Yeast is a delicious and easy-to-make cake that is perfect for any occasion. The cake is moist and flavorful, with a sweet and tart filling. It is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
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