I remember the first time I made a cake from scratch. It was a rainy afternoon, and I had a bunch of ripe plums sitting on the counter. Instead of just eating them raw, I thought, “Why not bake something with them”? That’s when I stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s Plum Upside Down Cake recipe. It sounded perfect. The plums would caramelize beautifully, creating a sweet, tangy contrast to the soft cake. And I wasn’t disappointed. The cake came out warm, golden, and utterly satisfying, with the plums soaking into every bite. Ever since then, it’s become my go-to recipe whenever I want something both indulgent and simple.
Jamie Oliver’s Plum Upside Down Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a cake that’s easy to make and impresses every time, this is it. What makes Jamie’s recipe stand out? It’s all about the simplicity and the balance of flavors. The cake itself is light, with just the right amount of sweetness. The plums, on the other hand, add this rich, almost jammy quality that contrasts perfectly with the cake’s delicate crumb. When flipped over, it looks beautiful. Trust me, you’ll get tons of compliments.
Here’s how Jamie does it:
- Plums at the bottom: Plums are arranged in the pan and then coated with sugar and butter. As it bakes, they caramelize into a syrupy goodness.
- Cake batter: The batter is smooth and fluffy, with just the right rise. When it’s poured over the plums, it absorbs some of that plum flavor, creating an almost magical fusion.
- Upside down: After baking, the cake is flipped onto a plate, leaving the plums on top. The result? A glossy, beautiful cake that’s as much a work of art as it is a treat.
Ingredients Needed
When it comes to making this cake, the ingredients are simple and unpretentious, yet they come together to create something spectacular. You probably already have most of them in your pantry.
- Plums: Fresh, ripe plums are the star of the show. They’ll become soft and syrupy when cooked, creating that luscious topping.
- Butter: A must for that rich, decadent flavor. You’ll use it both in the topping and in the batter.
- Sugar: Used for the plum caramelization, and a little more in the batter for sweetness.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here. It gives the cake a nice, tender crumb.
- Baking powder: To give the cake a little lift. No need for fancy stuff-just your standard baking powder will do.
- Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the batter and provide structure.
- Milk: This adds moisture to the batter without making it too heavy.
- Vanilla extract: For a warm, sweet undertone.
- Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Plum Upside Down Cake
Here’s how to bring this delicious creation to life:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Prepare the plums: Slice the plums in half and remove the pits. Arrange them in a circular pattern at the bottom of the pan.
- Make the caramel: In a pan, melt butter and sugar until it starts to bubble and turn golden. Pour this mixture over the plums in the pan.
- Prepare the batter: In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in milk and vanilla. Then fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Bake: Pour the batter over the plums in the pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Flip and serve: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Then, carefully flip the pan onto a serving plate to reveal the beautiful caramelized plums on top.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Ever wondered why the plums turn into a glossy caramelized topping while the cake stays light and fluffy? Let’s break it down:
- Plums: Plums contain a lot of water, which, when heated, releases into the pan. The sugar and butter help this liquid transform into a sticky syrup that coats the fruit, turning it into that delicious caramelized topping. The natural sugars in the plums also contribute to that deep, rich flavor.
- Butter: Butter plays a dual role. In the cake, it keeps things tender and moist. In the caramel, it helps achieve that smooth, glossy finish.
- Baking Powder: This little leavening agent helps the cake rise. It releases carbon dioxide when it reacts with liquid, creating air pockets in the batter for a light texture.
- Flour: The flour is the backbone of the batter. It provides structure and stability but is balanced with enough fat and liquid to keep the cake soft and moist.
Expert Tips
Want to make your plum upside down cake even better? Try these tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined.
- Caramelize the plums carefully: When melting the butter and sugar, be sure to watch it closely. You don’t want it to burn, but you do want it to reach a golden color.
- Use ripe plums: The ripeness of the plums is key to the flavor. If they’re under-ripe, they won’t caramelize as well.
- Let it cool before flipping: If you flip it too soon, the syrup may spill out, and the cake could break. Let it cool for a few minutes to set.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile. You can swap out the plums for other fruits, or add flavors to make it your own.
- Other fruits: Peaches, nectarines, or even apricots work well in this recipe. Just make sure they’re ripe and juicy.
- Nuts: Add a handful of chopped almonds or pecans to the caramel for a little crunch.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger would add warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Alcohol: A splash of rum or brandy in the caramel can give it an extra layer of richness.
Final Words
Making a plum upside down cake isn’t just about baking-it’s about creating something that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. From the moment you slice into that golden top and see the caramelized plums, you know you’ve created something special. It’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a slice by yourself with a cup of tea.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Fruit Instead Of Plums?
Yes! You can swap plums for other fruits like peaches or nectarines for a similar result.
How Do I Prevent The Cake From Sticking To The Pan?
Make sure to grease the pan well and line it with parchment paper before adding the plums.
How Long Does It Take To Cook The Plum Upside Down Cake?
It typically takes around 45-50 minutes, but you should check with a skewer to ensure it’s fully baked.