36. The Crumble Is Not Crunchy

The butter may have been too soft. Use cold butter to prepare the crumble.

37. The Crumble Has Melted

Prepare it in advance and keep it in the refrigerator to maintain its crunchiness.

38. How to Serve the Cake?

The simplest way is to dust it with powdered sugar. You can add a small spoonful of cold sour cream to each slice.

39. With Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm plum cake with vanilla ice cream is an excellent dessert. This cake is perfect for various celebrations.

40. How to Store?

Cover the completely cooled cake. If it only contains fruit and crumble, you can store it for a short time in a cool place.

41. Can I Freeze It?

Cut into individual portions, wrap, and freeze. When thawing, allow it to defrost slowly, and then you can briefly reheat it in the oven.

42. Muffin Baking Time

Muffins take about 20–25 minutes to bake at 180 °C (356 °F). Place a piece of plum and a bit of crumble in each muffin cup.

43. Double Batch

For two trays, double all the ingredients. It’s better to prepare the batter in individual batches.

44. How Many Servings Does It Make?

From a smaller tray, you can prepare approximately 15–20 servings.

45. 15 Tips for the Best Plum Cake

• Use ripe but firm plums.
• Dry the fruit well.
• Whisk eggs with sugar briefly.
• Add sour cream at room temperature.
• Use neutral oil.
• Mix flour with baking powder.
• Mix only briefly after adding flour.
• Distribute plums evenly.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon.
• Prepare crumble with cold butter.
• Preheat the oven beforehand.
• Check doneness with a toothpick.
• Do not overbake the cake.
• Let it cool before slicing.
• Try variations with poppy seeds or cottage cheese.

Preparation Time

Preparing the plums: 10 minutes

Preparing the batter: 10 minutes

Crumble: 5 minutes

Baking: 35–40 minutes

Active preparation: approximately 25 minutes

Total time: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen plums for the cake?

Yes, you can use frozen plums without fully thawing them, but expect a longer baking time.

Why is the cake too wet?

The cake may be too wet due to excessive plums or underbaking. Allow it to bake longer.

How should I store the sour cream cake?

Cover the completely cooled cake and store it in a cool place. If it only contains fruit and crumble, it can be stored at room temperature for a short time.

This article provides practical tips for preparing a delicious plum cake with sour cream. You will learn how to properly prepare the dough, what ingredients to use, and how to achieve the perfect result. With these tips, you can enjoy a delightful dessert that will please everyone.

1. Prepare the Plums

Thoroughly wash the plums, halve them, and remove the pits. If they are large, cut them into quarters. This ensures that the plums are evenly distributed in the cake, adding juiciness.

2. Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 175–180 °C (350–360 °F) and line the baking tray or pan with parchment paper. Preheating the oven ensures that the cake bakes evenly and quickly.

3. Whisk the Eggs

Place the eggs in a bowl, add sugar and vanilla sugar, and whisk for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture lightens. This step creates an airy structure that contributes to the cake’s fluffy texture.

4. Add Sour Cream

Mix the sour cream into the whisked eggs and stir briefly. Sour cream adds a subtle tang and creamy flavor, making the cake more moist.

5. Add Oil

Gradually pour in neutral oil, such as sunflower oil. The oil ensures that the dough remains moist and does not dry out during baking.

6. Add Flour

Combine the flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt, then gradually add it to the batter. Mix only until combined to keep the dough light and fluffy.

7. Pour the Batter

Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and spread it evenly. This ensures that the cake bakes uniformly.

8. Add the Plums

Distribute the plums over the surface of the batter, placing them cut side up and gently pressing them into the dough. This helps the plums bake better and release their juices.

9. Sprinkle with Cinnamon

You can sprinkle the plums with cinnamon, which will add a pleasant aroma to the cake. If the plums are very tart, add a bit of sugar to balance their flavor.

10. Prepare the Crumble

In a bowl, combine cold butter with flour and sugar, mixing with your fingers until a crumbly texture forms. The crumble adds a crunchy topping and excellent flavor to the cake.

11. Sprinkle the Surface

Evenly sprinkle the crumble over the plums and bake at 175–180 °C (350–360 °F) for about 35–40 minutes. The exact baking time depends on the size of the pan and the oven.

12. How to Check if It’s Done?

Insert a toothpick into a part of the cake without fruit. If it comes out clean, the cake is baked. This simple test is effective.

13. Let It Cool

After baking, let the cake rest for a while, then transfer it to a wire rack or allow it to cool in the pan. This preserves its structure and flavor.

14. Why Is the Cake So Moist?

Sour cream provides a subtle tang and creamy flavor, preventing the cake from drying out quickly. This helps the cake retain its moisture for several days.

15. What Type of Sour Cream to Use?

Regular sour cream with a higher fat content is ideal. Too runny sour cream can alter the dough’s consistency and affect the final result.

16. Fresh Plums

Ripe but still firm plums are best. Overripe plums will release too much juice, which can affect the cake’s texture.

17. Frozen Plums

You can also use frozen plums without fully thawing them. However, expect slightly longer baking times.