why make this recipe
German Plum Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tart flavor of plums with a soft, fluffy dough. The crunchy streusel topping adds a perfect finishing touch, making it a fantastic dessert for any occasion. Easy to make and sure to impress family and friends, this cake is a great way to use fresh plums and enjoy a slice of Germany’s baking tradition.
how to make German Plum Cake
Ingredients:
- 500g plums, pitted and sliced
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1 pinch salt
- 100ml warm milk
- 75g melted butter
- 1 egg
- 100g cold diced butter (for streusel)
- 100g flour (for streusel)
- 50g sugar (for streusel)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Add the egg and knead until you have a smooth dough.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Once risen, press the dough into a greased baking pan.
- Arrange the sliced plums on top of the dough.
- For the streusel, mix the cold diced butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle it over the plums.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
how to serve German Plum Cake
German Plum Cake is best served fresh, slightly warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added sweetness. It’s perfect for afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert after dinner.
how to store German Plum Cake
To store German Plum Cake, let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months.
tips to make German Plum Cake
- Ensure that your plums are ripe but not overly soft for the best texture.
- If you like a sweeter cake, you can add more sugar to the dough or streusel.
- Experiment with different fruits! While plums are traditional, peaches or apricots can also work well in this recipe.
variation
If you want to add a twist, try using almond extract in the dough for a nutty flavor. You can also mix in some chopped nuts in the streusel for added crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use other fruits besides plums?
Yes, you can use other fruits like peaches, cherries, or apricots. Just adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.
2. Is it necessary to use warm milk?
Yes, warm milk helps activate the yeast, making the dough rise properly. It should be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
3. How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

German Plum Cake
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Add the egg and knead until you have a smooth dough.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Once risen, press the dough into a greased baking pan.
- Arrange the sliced plums on top of the dough.
- For the streusel, mix the cold diced butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle it over the plums.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.