Spiced Plum Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4-5 ripe plums, pitted and sliced

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Electric mixer

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Arrange the sliced plums on top of the batter in a circular pattern.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing the sides of the pan and transferring the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
Temperature:
- 350°F
Serving size:
- 8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 450
- Total fat: 22g
- Saturated fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total carbohydrates: 59g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 38g
- Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- If you don't have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.

Variations:
- You can use other fruits such as peaches, nectarines, or apples instead of plums.
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.

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 as it can result in a tough cake.
- Use ripe but firm plums for the best flavor and texture.

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 for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

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

Garnishes:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Sliced plums

Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is browning too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through baking.
- If the cake is not cooked through after the recommended baking time, cover it with foil and continue baking until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the cake.
- Use a clean knife to slice the plums and remove the pits.

Food history:
- Plum cakes have been enjoyed for centuries in Europe, particularly in Germany and England.

Flavor profiles:
- This spiced plum cake has a warm and comforting flavor with hints of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cake as a dessert or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea.

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Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Fruity, Moist, Nutty