| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 470 | 18g | 4g | 75g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 3g | 6g | 0.6g |
Why I Love Austrian Vegan Plum Cake with Streusel Topping
A Twist on Tradition with Vegan Plum Cake with Streusel Topping
The Vegan Plum Cake with Streusel Topping is one of those recipes that took me by surprise. Plums have never been a fruit I’ve thought much of, often overshadowed by the flashy colors and familiar comfort of tropical fruits in my Caribbean-influenced kitchen. However, having sampled a divine slice of traditional Austrian plum cake, or Zwetschgenkuchen, during a trip to Vienna, I was inspired to recreate that same flavorful symphony with a vegan twist back in Miami.
Mirroring the authentic recipe, but replacing dairy with plant-based milk variety and butter with a vegan alternative, the Vegan Plum Cake with Streusel Topping is a delightful dish that celebrates the earthy sweetness of fresh plums with a crumbly streusel finish.
Celebrating Cultural Influence in the Kitchen
One of the aspects that I most love about cookery is its capacity to bridge distinct cultures, and with this recipe, it’s exactly what happened. As a Latina living in Miami with a potpourri of cultural influences, Cuban and Spanish at heart, the conventional Austrian plum cake inspired me to experiment. Yotam Ottolenghi, a well-known and respected chef, whose approach to vegetables and fruits is nothing short of extraordinary, was an added inspiration.
While Austrian cuisine is quite distinct from the Spanish classics or Caribbean flavors I usually play around with, the essence of taking a simple ingredient like the plum and letting it shine through in a dish, is quite akin to what I do with my tapas.
A Perfect Pairing
Our Vegan Plum Cake with Streusel Topping pairs wonderfully with a black coffee or tea, a fitting companion to a lazy afternoon. If you want a more Spanish touch, serve it with a chilled glass of sangria, the fruity tones complementing the subtle sweetness of the plums in the cake. This delightful dessert could also take its place alongside one of my personal favorites, a creamy coconut flan or a rich Tarta de Santiago, making for an eclectic dessert spread.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, it’s ability to transform a humble fruit into a rich, inviting dessert without overshadowing its inherent flavors, a testament to the vibrant marriage of tradition and innovation.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh plums, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, chilled and cut into small pieces (for streusel)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for streusel)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and set it aside.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir well to mix the ingredients.
Step Three
In another bowl, whisk together the 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/3 cup canola oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step Four
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing well until the batter becomes smooth. Fold in the 2 cups of pitted and sliced fresh plums.
Step Five
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Step Six
To prepare the streusel topping, combine the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup vegan butter and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in another bowl. Use your fingers or a fork to mix the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Step Seven
Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the plum batter in the cake pan.
Step Eight
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan before unmolding.
Step Nine
Serve your Vegan Plum Cake with Streusel Topping and enjoy a sweet treat that’s not just vegan-friendly, but bursting with the rich, tart flavor of fresh plums.
