Celebrating Grandma’s 102nd Birthday with Her Favorite Plum Cake
In just a few months, my wonderful grandma will celebrate her 102nd birthday! At 101, she continues to show her sharp wit and stubborn spirit. For her special day, her favorite dessert is always a must—plum cake! This has been her tradition for years, and it’s a delightful treat no matter the occasion.
My Grandma’s Favorite Plum Cake: A Family Treasure
The recipe we cherish has a rich history. Passed down through generations, I found it in a butter-stained photocopy from my grandpa’s stationary, filled with his handwritten notes. Although simply named Plum-Streusel Cake, it’s inspired by the classic German Zwetschgenkuchen, featuring layers of cake and juicy, tart Italian plums.
What Are Italian Plums?
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Italian Plums | Small, oval-shaped, and more tart than sweet. Perfect for baking and retaining structure when cooked. |
Traditional for German plum cakes, these plums are typically found at farmers’ markets in September, but can also be sourced from grocery stores when in season. They make all the difference in flavor and texture.
Recipe: Grandma’s Favorite Plum Cake
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (softened) |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Italian plums | 6 (pitted and halved) |
| Demerara sugar | For sprinkling |
| Cinnamon | To taste |
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: To 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs and Milk: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well. Add milk and blend until combined.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
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Prepare Plums: Arrange the halved Italian plums on top of the batter in a circular pattern.
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Sprinkle Top: Generously sprinkle Demerara sugar and cinnamon over the plums.
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Bake: Place in the oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before removing the sides of the springform pan.
A New Family Tradition
A while back, I discovered a simpler, yet delicious recipe that I’ve been using instead of the original family recipe. Marian Burros’ famous Plum Torte has become a beloved modern twist on our family classic. Although it doesn’t have the same streusel topping as my grandpa’s recipe, I like to add crunchy Demerara sugar on top for added texture.
Every birthday cake needs a twist, and my grandma seems to love it! This year, a special "102" candle will be placed on her cake, and she’ll enjoy every bite. No matter how you make it, this plum cake symbolizes love and family, perfect for sharing with those you cherish.
Enjoy this delicious cake with friends, family, or that special grandma in your life. It’s a recipe that brings everyone together—just like love!