Rustic Italian Plum & Almond Cake
Italian Plum and Almond Cake is a traditional Italian dish from
Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Crafted with ripe plums, fragrant almonds, and a tender, buttery crumb, this recipe delivers
a delightful balance of sweet and tart, perfect for a wholesome treat.
Ready in just 75 minutes, it’s the pinnacle of lunch/dinner elegance.
The Story Behind Rustic Italian Plum & Almond Cake
How to Make Rustic Italian Plum & Almond Cake
Follow our authentic Italian method for a delightful plum and almond cake
Ingredients
- Nonstick vegetable oil spray
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond meal
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or vanilla extract
- 14 Italian plums, halved, seeded
- 2 tablespoons demerara sugar
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
The Preparation
- **Prepare for Baking:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9-inch round springform pan or pie dish with nonstick vegetable oil spray, ensuring even coverage for easy release.
- **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond meal, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set aside.
- **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3-4 minutes.
- **Incorporate Wet Ingredients:** Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the finely grated orange zest and vanilla paste (or extract), mixing until just combined.
- **Fold in Dry Mixture:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are acceptable.
- **Assemble the Cake:** Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Arrange the halved and seeded Italian plums cut-side up on top of the batter, pressing them gently into the surface. Sprinkle the demerara sugar evenly over the plums.
- **Bake to Perfection:** Transfer the cake to the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake (avoiding the plums) comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the plums slightly caramelized.
- **Cool and Serve:** Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before carefully removing the springform sides. Allow it to cool completely before dusting generously with powdered sugar just before serving.
Expert Tips for Best Results
For an exceptionally moist crumb, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more tender final cake. Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added, as this can develop gluten and lead to a tough cake.
The fresh orange zest is key to enhancing the cake’s aroma and balancing the sweetness. For an extra aromatic touch, you can lightly macerate the plums in a tablespoon of limoncello or orange liqueur for 15 minutes before arranging them on the batter.
Store any leftover cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer preservation, individual slices can be wrapped and frozen for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Kcal
Wellness Note
Embrace this delightful Rustic Italian Plum & Almond Cake as a nourishing part of your Mediterranean lifestyle. Plums offer vital antioxidants and dietary fiber for digestive health, while almonds provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and essential minerals, contributing to sustained energy and overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe authentic?
Absolutely. This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Italian torta di frutta, celebrating seasonal plums and the classic pairing with almonds, a staple in Mediterranean baking. We’ve stayed true to simple, wholesome ingredients and methods cherished across Italian regions for centuries.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can warm individual slices slightly before serving.
Is it healthy?
In moderation, yes! This cake incorporates nutrient-dense ingredients like fiber-rich plums and heart-healthy almonds, aligning with key principles of the Mediterranean diet. While it contains sugar, it offers a more wholesome alternative to many processed desserts, providing natural energy and satisfying sweetness.
