Prep Time: 20 mins Total Time: 60 mins Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients: Adapted from onceuponachef.com
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for greasing the pan
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk (low fat is fine)
1-pound plums, pitted and quartered
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Grease a 9-inch spring form pan. (Alternatively, the cake may be made in a 9-inch cake pan or pie pan and served directly from the pan.)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, cream the butter and 1 cup of the sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat on low speed until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and beat on low speed until smooth. (Note: the batter will be quite thick.)
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Arrange the plums on top, skin side up, in a circular pattern so that they mostly cover the batter. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar over the plums.
Bake for 30 minutes, until golden on top and set in the center. If using a 9 inch cake pan, you may require less time for cooking.
When the cake is hot out of the oven, run a knife around the edges of the pan and then remove the spring form edge, leaving the base in place (if using a spring form pan). Let the cake cool on a rack completely. Slice and serve with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Note: This cake keeps well, loosely covered at room temperature, for several days.
Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, double wrap it securely with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap or place it in heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight on the counter top before serving.