| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 390 | 15g | 7g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 37g | 2g | 7g | 0.23g |
From the vibrant streets of Louisiana to the charming patisseries of France, my culinary journey has always been a passionate pursuit of taste and tradition. It’s probably one of the reasons why the Japanese Plum Cake (Ume Cake) has become a star in my repertoire of desserts. It carries an exquisite balance of tartness and sweetness growing from the Ume plums, quite akin to the blend of Creole richness and French elegance that I love infusing into my confections.
The Charm of the Ume Plums
It’s all about the fruit in this recipe! Ume plums, also known as Japanese apricots, carry an enlivening tang that permeates the cake’s sweet, moistened crumb, creating a magnificent dance of flavors in every bite. Not only are they packed with vitamin C, but they have been considered a symbol of health and longevity in Japanese culture for centuries.
A Healthy Indulgence
Besides contributing to taste and presentation, the almonds in our recipe are a worthy addition health-wise. These nutrient-packed nuts are known to be chock-full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, dietary fibers, and proteins. Folded into our Ume cake batter, they add a delectable crunch and a nutrition boost.
Just like the famous Plum-Almond Pie, our Japanese Plum Cake borrows the delightful harmony of plums and almonds. But our recipe also welcomes a twist – a teaspoon of Japanese plum liqueur. It deepens the plummy flavor notes and makes the cake a truly unique indulgence; indicative that it could be an intriguing pair to a clear glass of champagne or, perhaps, a nice dewy glass of Chardonnay.
As a dessert, the Japanese Plum Cake could make beautiful company to traditional Asian cuisine or even a delightful twist after a hearty Creole meal. It’s definitely one delightful way of traversing culinary worlds!
Between its aromatic fruitiness, the tantalizing crunch of almonds and the optional depth provided by the plum liqueur, this Japanese Plum Cake is an example of flavors transcending boundaries – something I have cherished throughout my food blogging journey. And, the final touch, a dusting of powdered sugar, brings it all together, seamlessly tying the love, ingredient, and tradition in a sweet bow of elegance and deliciousness.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup finely chopped Japanese plums (ume)
- 1 tablespoon Japanese plum liqueur (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Then, grease a 9-inch round cake pan and set it aside.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set it aside.
Step Three
In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s creamy. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step Four
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and beat until combined.
Step Five
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup plain yogurt, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat on low speed just until combined after each addition.
Step Six
Stir in 1 cup finely chopped Japanese plums and 1 tablespoon Japanese plum liqueur, if you’re using it.
Step Seven
Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle 1/2 cup sliced almonds over the batter.
Step Eight
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.
Step Nine
Remove the cake from the pan and let it finish cooling on the wire rack. Just before serving, dust the cake with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Enjoy your Japanese Plum Cake!
