Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh plums, pitted and chopped
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the molasses and eggs until well combined.
5. Gradually beat in the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, until the batter is smooth.
6. Fold in the chopped plums.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 292
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 27g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- If you don't have fresh plums, you can use canned or frozen plums instead.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for extra texture.
- You can also add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before beating it with the sugar to ensure a smooth batter.
- Don't overmix the batter once you add the flour mixture, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing it to prevent it from falling apart.
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 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cake on a cake stand or plate, and dust it with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
Garnishes:
You can garnish the cake with fresh plums or whipped cream.
Pairings:
Serve the cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the batter.
- If the cake is too moist, try reducing the amount of milk in the recipe.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash the plums thoroughly before chopping them, and discard any that are moldy or rotten.
Food history:
Gingerbread cake has been a popular dessert in Europe since the Middle Ages, and was often served during the Christmas season. Plum cake is also a traditional dessert in many European countries.
Flavor profiles:
This cake has a warm, spicy flavor from the gingerbread spices, and a sweet-tart flavor from the plums.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this cake as a dessert after a cozy fall or winter meal.
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