Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 cup damson plums, pitted and chopped
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the chopped damson plums.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
5. Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat per serving: 12g
Carbohydrates per serving: 32g
Protein per serving: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Damson plums can be substituted with any other type of plum or stone fruit.
- Orange juice can be substituted with lemon juice or any other citrus juice.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the cake.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
- Top the cake with a cream cheese frosting for added sweetness.
- Substitute the damson plums with other seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or berries.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
- Don't overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done by inserting it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the cake, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cake on a cake stand or plate and dust with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish the cake with fresh damson plums or orange slices for added color and flavor.
Pairings:
Pair the cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious afternoon treat.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the cake with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added sweetness.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cake is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the batter. If the cake is too moist, bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash the damson plums thoroughly before using them in the recipe.
Food history:
Damson plums are a type of small, tart plum that are commonly used in baking. They are believed to have originated in ancient Persia and were brought to Europe by the Romans.
Flavor profiles:
The cake has a sweet and tangy flavor from the orange and damson plums, with a light and fluffy texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Region: British