Absolute Gluten Free Plum Dessert Recipes: Easy Baking

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Have you ever craved a dessert that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy, but without the gluten? Well, you're in the right place! This isn't just any cake; it's a Gluten Free Plum Cake, a traditional Austrian treat that's about to become your new favorite. Imagine biting into a moist, tender cake, studded with juicy plums, all topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel. This recipe is my go-to when I need a dessert that's sure to impress, and the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make. We'll walk through everything, from the best gluten-free flours to use, to how to get that perfect streusel topping. We'll also cover essential tips on storing, cutting, and even fun variations you can try. Plus, I'll answer all your burning questions about making the most amazing gluten free plum dessert recipes. So, get ready to bake, because this cake is going to be a hit!

Recipe Ingredient Notes for Your Gluten Free Plum Dessert

The Stars of the Show: Flour and Plums

Alright, let's talk ingredients for this amazing gluten free plum cake. First up, the flour. Now, you might be thinking, "Oh no, gluten-free baking is tricky!" But trust me, it's not as scary as it seems. I've had great success with Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour – it's like the Swiss Army knife of gluten-free flours. But, if you're feeling adventurous, you can also use my own blend, which I’ll share later, it's a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. And then there are the plums! We need those juicy guys, and Italian plums, also called Zwetschgen, are the absolute best, their flavor is amazing when baked. They're usually a bit smaller and have a more oblong shape than your average plum, and they bake up beautifully.

If you cannot find Italian plums, don't worry! You can use other types of plums as a stand-in. Just make sure they're ripe, but not too soft, or they might turn to mush in the oven.

Streusel Secrets and Other Essentials

Next up, let's talk about that buttery, crumbly streusel topping. It's what makes this cake so special! You'll need gluten-free flour for that, too. Don't worry, you can use the same blend as you used in the cake batter. We'll also need some sugar, a little bit of cinnamon, and some cold, unsalted butter. The key to a good streusel is to keep that butter cold. That way, the streusel stays nice and crumbly instead of melting into a sticky mess. We're also going to need some sugar for our cake batter, eggs, and a little bit of vanilla extract.

The last thing you'll need is some baking powder to give our cake a bit of lift. It's a simple list of ingredients, but each one plays a very important role in making this cake the best it can be.

A Note on Gluten-Free Flour

Now, a quick note about gluten-free flour blends. They are not all created equal. Some can be very gritty, and others can be a bit too starchy. That’s why I recommend either Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 or trying out my blend, which I’ve perfected over many cake-baking experiments. If you use a different blend, just keep an eye on the consistency of your batter, you may need to adjust the liquid a little bit. And remember, baking is a science, but it's also an art. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.

With the right ingredients, you'll be making a delicious gluten free plum dessert in no time.

How to Make this Delicious Gluten Free Plum Cake

Getting Started: The All-in-One Method

let's get to the fun part – making the cake! Now, I'm all about keeping things simple, so we're using the "all-in" method. This means you just throw all the cake ingredients into a bowl and mix them together. Yep, that's right, no need to get a bunch of bowls dirty. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, in a large bowl, put in your gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it's smooth and well combined. The batter will be a little thick, but that's totally fine.

Once you have your batter ready, get a baking dish – I like using a 9-inch springform pan, but a regular cake pan will work just as well. Grease the pan lightly, or use parchment paper for easy removal. Now, pour the batter into the pan and spread it out evenly. This is where the magic starts!

Plum Placement and Streusel Magic

Now, let's get those plums ready. First, wash them, cut them in half, and remove the pits. It is important to know that cutting a plum is not that hard! I can share a tip on how to cut a plum later in this article. Once they’re ready, arrange the plum halves on top of the batter, cut side up. You can arrange them in a pretty pattern, or just scatter them around, it's totally up to you.

Next is the streusel. In a separate bowl, mix together the gluten-free flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Then, add the cold, unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. You want it to look like little pebbles. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the plums. Now, your cake is ready for the oven.

Storing, Cutting, and Variations of Your Gluten Free Plum Dessert

Keeping it Fresh: Storage and Freezing

so you've baked this beautiful gluten free plum cake, and now you're wondering what to do with it. Well, if you're planning on eating it within the next day or two, you can simply store it at room temperature. Just make sure to cover it loosely, so it doesn't dry out. A cake dome or a large container works great for this. If you live in a very warm area, you might want to store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. Now, if you want to keep it for longer, freezing is your best friend. Once the cake has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then put it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. It'll taste just as good as the day you baked it!

I know, you are asking, why not just eat the whole cake? Well, sometimes you need to save a bit for later.

The Art of Plum Cutting and Serving

Now, before we move on to variations, let's talk about cutting a plum. It's super easy, once you know the trick. First, place the plum on a cutting board and use a knife to cut around the plum lengthwise, following the natural line of the fruit. Once you’ve cut all the way around, twist the two halves to separate them. If the pit is still attached to one half, use the tip of your knife to pry it out. And that's it! You've perfectly cut your plum. This method works great for any type of plum. When it comes to serving your cake, a simple dusting of powdered sugar is a nice touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream also pairs really well with the warm, fruity cake.

It is always a good idea to serve this cake warm, so it is more comfortable to eat!

Switching Things Up: Plum Cake Variations

let’s talk variations. This is where you can get creative and make the recipe your own. If you’re not a fan of plums, you can totally swap them out for other fruits. Peaches or nectarines work really well, and so do berries. Just adjust the baking time slightly, depending on how juicy your fruit is. If you want to add a little extra flavor to the batter, you can add a tablespoon or two of almond flour, this will give it a nice nutty taste. You can also add a splash of dark rum or brandy to the batter for a little extra warmth.

Some people also like to add a little bit of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note. The streusel can also be changed up. Try adding some chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, or a sprinkle of cardamom for a different flavor profile.

• Swap plums for peaches or nectarines
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of almond flour to the batter
• Add a splash of dark rum or brandy to the batter
• Incorporate lemon zest for a citrusy flavor
• Mix chopped nuts into the streusel
• Sprinkle cardamom for a unique taste

FAQ about Gluten Free Plum Cake

Your Burning Questions, Answered!

so you've got the recipe, you're ready to bake, but maybe you've got a few questions swirling around in your head? It's totally normal! Gluten-free baking can seem like a mystery sometimes, but I'm here to clear things up. I've baked this plum cake more times than I can count, and I've definitely learned a thing or two along the way. So, let's get to some of the most common questions I get asked about this delicious gluten free plum dessert.

First off, a lot of people ask if they can use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free. The short answer is yes, you can, but you will need to change the flour quantity a bit. I’ve included a little guide below to help. You also might be wondering if the cake is vegan friendly, and unfortunately, it is not, because it includes eggs and butter. But you can try to change these ingredients for vegan options if you want. I've also been asked if you can bake this recipe in a convection oven, and yes you can, but you need to reduce the temperature by 25 degrees.

More Tips and Tricks

Another question that comes up a lot is about the plums. People want to know if they have to use Italian plums, and the answer is no, any plum will work, but Italian plums are my favorite because of their unique flavor. Also, some people ask about the streusel. They want to know if it has to be refrigerated before putting it on the cake, and the answer is yes, it needs to be cold, so the butter doesn't melt while you are preparing it. And finally, some people ask if they can add other spices to the cake, and the answer is definitely yes! You can try adding nutmeg, cloves, or even a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.

I hope these answers help you out, and remember, baking is all about experimenting. So don't be afraid to try new things and find what you like best! Now go and make some amazing gluten free plum cake!

• Use any type of plum, but Italian plums are the best.
• Refrigerate the streusel to keep the butter cold.
• Add spices like nutmeg, cloves, or ginger.

Wrapping Up Your Gluten Free Plum Dessert Adventure

So, there you have it! From the first mix to the last delicious bite, creating a gluten free plum cake is totally achievable and really satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and fun. Remember, the secret is in those fresh, juicy plums and that buttery streusel topping. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fruits or add a personal twist – baking should be an adventure, not a chore! I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, and that you enjoy sharing this delightful treat with friends and family. Happy baking!