Description
Zwetschgenkuchen, or German Plum Cake, is a traditional German dessert made with fresh plums nestled on a buttery yeast or shortcrust base. It’s lightly sweet, slightly tart, and perfect for late summer or early autumn.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) fresh Italian plums (Zwetschgen), halved and pitted
- 2 1/2 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast (for yeast dough version)
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk, lukewarm
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (to sprinkle)
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs or ground almonds (optional, to absorb plum juice)
Instructions
- If using yeast dough: Warm the milk slightly and dissolve the yeast in it. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, lemon zest (if using), and the yeast mixture. Knead into a smooth dough. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash, halve, and pit the plums. Slice each half into quarters, keeping the ends attached for a fan shape.
- Roll out the dough and place it in a greased baking tray or springform pan. For shortcrust dough, press it evenly into the pan.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs or ground almonds over the dough to prevent sogginess.
- Arrange the plums tightly on top, skin side down, in rows or circles.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and additional sugar to taste.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, until golden and plums are bubbling.
- Let cool before slicing. Serve with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use Italian prune plums (Zwetschgen) for best results.
- To prevent sogginess, sprinkle the base with breadcrumbs or ground almonds.
- Can be served warm or cold—both are delicious.
- To make it vegan, use plant-based butter, milk, and an egg substitute.
- Add a streusel topping for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (+1 hour rising time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
