Indulge in the classic, comforting flavors of a traditional German Plum Cake (Zwetschgenkuchen)! This beloved dessert combines a tender, buttery yeast-based dough with a luscious layer of juicy plums, beautifully seasoned with a sprinkling of cinnamon and brown sugar. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, this cake bakes to golden perfection, with the plums melting into a naturally caramelized topping. Ideal as an afternoon treat, a coffee accompaniment, or a festive centerpiece, this rustic, homemade delight is surprisingly simple to prepare. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe showcases the magic of seasonal stone fruit and timeless European baking techniques. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it's a must-try for any lover of authentic German pastries!
In a small saucepan, warm the milk until it is lukewarm (around 37°C or 98°F). Remove from heat and sprinkle the dry yeast over the milk. Set aside for 5-10 minutes to activate the yeast until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, wash and pit the plums. Slice them into quarters and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13-inch (or equivalent) baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and roll it out to fit your baking dish. Press the dough into the dish evenly.
Arrange the plum slices over the dough in overlapping rows, skin side down. Sprinkle the plums with brown sugar and cinnamon for added sweetness and flavor.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the plums are soft and caramelized.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your German Plum Cake warm or at room temperature!
Calories |
2260 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.9 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.0 g | 145% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 318 mg | 106% | |
| Sodium | 1348 mg | 59% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 398.3 g | 145% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.4 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 153.7 g | ||
| Protein | 49.7 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.6 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 307 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 16.6 mg | 92% | |
| Potassium | 2015 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.