Nantais Plum Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups fresh plums, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup turbinado sugar

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Beat in the vanilla extract.
6. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk.
7. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
8. Arrange the plums on top of the batter.
9. Sprinkle with the turbinado sugar.
10. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 300
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: You can substitute vegan butter or margarine for the butter in this recipe.
- Buttermilk: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.

Variations:
- You can use other types of stone fruit such as peaches, nectarines, or apricots in place of the plums.
- You can add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before you begin.
- Use ripe, but not overripe, plums for the best flavor.

Storage Instructions:
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
The cake can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Garnishes:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Candied almonds
- Chocolate shavings

Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
- Grilled asparagus

Troubleshooting Advice:
- Make sure the butter is softened before you begin.
- Use ripe, but not overripe, plums for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter or the cake will be dense.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all of your ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Wash your hands before and after handling food.

Food History:
Nantais Plum Cake is a traditional French cake from the region of Nantes. It is a simple cake made with fresh plums and is often served as a dessert or snack.

Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and tart flavor from the plums, with a hint of vanilla and a light, buttery texture.

Serving Suggestions:
This cake is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

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Region: French

Taste: Sweet, Fruity, Moist, Buttery, Nutty