Plum Upside Down Cake (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Plum Upside Down Cake is a delightful treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. You’ll love how the juicy plums caramelize into a sweet, sticky topping, while the cake stays fluffy and moist.

  • Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry staples and fresh plums, this recipe comes together without fuss.
  • Stunning Presentation: The caramelized plum topping creates a beautiful, Instagram-worthy finish.
  • Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or at room temperature with your afternoon tea.

Recipe

Plum upside-down cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of fresh plums with the sweetness of a moist, buttery cake. This recipe is perfect for showcasing seasonal fruit and is certain to impress with its beautiful presentation and rich flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 medium plums, sliced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. Arrange plum slices in a circular pattern at the bottom of the pan.
  3. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the plums and sprinkle with brown sugar.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. In another bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  6. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  7. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  8. Pour the batter over the plums in the pan, spreading it evenly.
  9. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate.

Notes:

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. Ascertain the cake is fully cooled before slicing to maintain its structure.

Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 320 per serving

Cuisine: American

Equipment

To make this delicious plum upside down cake, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before starting:

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board (for slicing plums)
  • Cooling rack

Nutrition

This Plum Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines sweet and tangy flavors. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 280 kcal
Total Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Cholesterol 45 mg
Sodium 180 mg
Total Carbohydrate 40 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 28 g
Protein 4 g

What to Serve With This Recipe

I love pairing this plum upside down cake with fresh summer fruits like berries or sliced peaches—it adds a burst of color and freshness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it even more indulgent, especially when the cake’s still warm. It’s a simple combo that feels like a treat every time.

Fresh Summer Fruits

When I’m serving plum upside down cake, I love pairing it with fresh summer fruits to brighten up the plate and add a burst of flavor. Sliced peaches, juicy berries, or even a handful of cherries work beautifully. Their natural sweetness complements the cake’s richness, and the vibrant colors make it look extra special. It’s a simple touch that feels like a celebration of the season.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Nothing beats a warm slice of plum upside down cake paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, sweet contrast melts into the spiced fruit, making every bite heavenly. I love using dairy-free vanilla ice cream to keep it vegan—it’s just as rich and satisfying. Trust me, this combo’s a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving dessert at a party or treating yourself on a cozy night in.

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Norma Ector

Norma Ector