Plum Upside Down Cake Recipe: A Sweet & Caramelized Delight

There’s something irresistible about a Plum Upside Down Cake—the way the plums caramelize into a luscious topping, the soft and buttery cake beneath, and the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. This dessert is a twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake, but with the rich, juicy flavors of fresh plums.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Plum Upside Down Cake at home. From choosing the right plums to baking tips that ensure a moist, flavorful cake, you’ll be ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious treat!

Why You’ll Love This Plum Upside Down Cake

Plums are an underrated fruit in baking, but they bring an incredible depth of flavor to desserts. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

Naturally Sweet & Tart – Plums offer the perfect balance of flavors.

Caramelized Perfection – The brown sugar and butter create a glossy, sweet topping.

Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for summer, fall, and festive gatherings.

Easy Yet Impressive – Simple ingredients, yet a show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the baking process, gather these ingredients:

For the Topping

• 4–5 ripe plums, sliced

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Cake Batter

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup whole milk

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a citrusy touch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly moist and flavorful Plum Upside Down Cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Plum Topping

• 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• 2. Melt ¼ cup butter in a 9-inch round cake pan over low heat or in the oven.

• 3. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted butter, followed by vanilla extract and cinnamon.

• 4. Arrange the sliced plums in a circular pattern over the sugar mixture.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

• 1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

• 2. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

• 3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest.

• 4. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

• 1. Gently spread the cake batter over the arranged plums in the pan.

• 2. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• 3. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges.

• 4. Place a plate over the pan and carefully flip the cake upside down.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Baking Tips for the Best Plum Upside Down Cake

Use Firm, Ripe Plums – Avoid overripe plums as they can become too soft.

Don’t Overmix the Batter – This keeps the cake light and fluffy.

Add a Citrus Twist – Lemon zest enhances the plum’s natural tartness.

Experiment with Spices – Try nutmeg or cardamom for added warmth.

FAQs About Plum Upside Down Cake

Q: Can I use other fruits instead of plums?

Yes! This recipe works well with peaches, apricots, cherries, or apples. Adjust the sugar based on fruit sweetness.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake it a day in advance and reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

Q: Is this cake freezer-friendly?

Yes, wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Estimated Preparation & Baking Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Cooling Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Final Thoughts

A homemade Plum Upside Down Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that combines caramelized plums with a soft, buttery cake. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced baker, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious result.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below! And if you loved it, don’t forget to share it with your friends!

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