Zwetschgenkuchen (Bavarian Plum Cake)

"This is a traditional fresh plum cake, thought to have originated in the town of Augsburg, Germany. It is made with fresh Italian prune plums which are at their peak in late summer. Perfect for the afternoon coffee hour. Serve at room temperature, with a dollop of fresh whipped cream!"
 
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photo by Brig C. photo by Brig C.
photo by Brig C.
photo by vndlo photo by vndlo
photo by femgemini photo by femgemini
photo by beachbarbie photo by beachbarbie
Ready In:
4hrs
Ingredients:
15
Serves:
12
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ingredients

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directions

  • In a small bowl, combine the yeast and half of the milk. Mix in 2 tablespoons of the flour and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Allow this mixture to sit in a warm place for 1 hour.
  • Combine remaining dough ingredients then add in the yeast mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms, then knead by hand. Allow dough to sit in a warm place until double in volume.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a baking sheet. Roll out dough to fit the size of the baking sheet. Transfer dough to baking sheet.
  • Wash plums and remove any stems. Slice each in half and remove stones. Arrange plum halves evenly on the dough - plums should not be lying down, instead they should be standing stem-side up. Sprinkle plums with sugar.
  • Crumbs are optional. If you choose to add them, prepare the crumbs by mixing the butter, vanilla sugar, and sugar. Gradually work in flour until mixture becomes dry and crumbly. Sprinkle crumbs over dough, distributing them evenly.
  • Allow cake to sit and rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Bake cake for around 30-40 minutes or until crumbs and crust become golden brown.
  • Remove cake from oven and allow to cool completely.
  • Serve at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream.

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Reviews

  1. I made this cake today because I had been craving a German plum cake and have been trying to get courage using yeast. I must the recipe was great I followed it to the letter and it came out perfect, can't wait to share with family. Thanks so much for this recipe I will use it often
     
  2. This recipe tastes exactly as I remember my German mother and grandmother making it. The only modification to the recipe I made was adding 1/2 tsp lemon and 1/2 tsp rum extracts. Also, mixed 1 tbs cinnamon and 4 tbs sugar and sprinkle over the plums before adding the topping. Fabulous with fresh whipped cream!
     
  3. My mother has been making this plum cake for years, and it is one of our family favourites. This is a delicious, elegant cake which is homey and filling and yet perfect for company. In my Mum's version, she doesn't dust the plums with sugar, but the crumble topping is vital to add a little bit of textured, buttery crunch to the fruity taste of the plums and the soft plain cake beneath. Best with homemade whipped cream (easy on the sugar). Thanks for posting this wonderful recipe!
     
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

<p>Married to my sweetheart for almost forty years and we have two wonderful children who are grown and have flown the coop. Also, we have been blessed with a wonderful son-in-law and beautiful daughter-in-law, plus FIVE grandchildren: two beautiful granddaughters ages five and eight, and three sweet adorable little grandsons ages 2 months, 2 years and 3 years. My husband and I share a combination of English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Dutch, Swiss, Polish, Austrian, German and French heritage, and our son-in-law and daughter-in-law are both Hispanic. We've traveled extensively to many countries abroad (we lived in Germany), and have traveled and lived in several states here in the U.S.A. Many of the recipes I post here are influenced by our combined heritage or from our travels, or they are old family favorites that I want to share with you. I hope you enjoy! Have been to culinary school with many years of cooking (mostly for my family) under my belt, so know my way around a kitchen. And I'm very lucky to have the best sous chef in the world, dddddh! One of my favorite chefs of all time is Jacques Pepin! I have several of his cookbooks, and enjoy watching his television cooking show Fast Food My Way. Another top favorite is Julia Child (of course!). A few other chefs I read/enjoy watching on t.v. are: Giada At Home, Ina Garten's The Barefoot Contessa, Nigella Lawson's Nigella Bites, and Patti's Mexican Kitchen, and many more. On my bucket list is dining at Thomas Keller's establishment The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California... as well as Alice Waters' Chez Panisse in Berkeley, and the James Beard award winning Tartine Bakery and Cafe in San Francisco. One day!! &nbsp; Hobbies/Interests: Decorating with fresh flowers and herbs from the garden is my passion, and brings me deep joy! It's really hard to beat!! I love connecting with others who enjoy the same. Gardening, decorating, sewing, music, dancing, film, and reading are also up there. Spending quality time with my grandchildren, family, and friends (and cooking holiday meals!). Currently, a newfound passion has been so richly rewarding for me: genealogical research. I heart ancestry dot com. And last but certainly not least, I absolutely LOVE cats--we have two half-Siamese fur babies (cats) that allow us to live here!!&nbsp; &nbsp; A Note of Thanks~ I try to personally thank everyone who kindly makes and reviews my recipes, but sometimes I am busy, late, or may forget. Please know that I am always humbled that you would try one of my recipes, and I enjoy reading the reviews and seeing all the pretty photographs. Thanks so much!&nbsp;</p>
 
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