Serves: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes + 10 minutes
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together the tartness of fresh plums and the richness of a buttery nut crumble, then this German Plum cake or Plum Kuchen as it is also known is the perfect treat. With a tender, slightly sweet dough base, juicy plums, and a crunchy, spiced nut crumble, this dessert is the perfect balance of textures and flavours. It’s a lovely twist on a classic German dessert that’s simple enough for everyday baking but special enough to impress your guests.
As professional chefs, we love this recipe because it’s versatile and allows you to showcase fresh, seasonal fruit. Plus, the nut crumble topping adds that extra wow factor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Kuchen:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp. sugar (first amount)
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ¾ cup butter, room temperature
- 2 tbsp. water
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. cornstarch
- ¼ cup sugar (second amount)
- 2 ½ lbs. fresh prune plums
- 4-5 tbsp. butter
For the Nut Crumble:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 tbsp. white sugar (third amount)
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. ground cardamom (optional, but we love it!)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almond slices)
How to Make Plum Kuchen with Nut Crumble
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Prepare a 9-inch flan or pie pan, no greasing necessary.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Rub in the room-temperature butter with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, egg, and vanilla extract. Add this wet mixture to the flour mixture and gently knead it into a soft dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
3. Prepare the Plums
Cut and pit the fresh prune plums, and place them on the dough with the cut side facing up.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, cornstarch, and second amount of sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the plums. Dot the top with small pieces of butter to add extra richness.
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4. Bake the Plum Cake
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough under the plums is golden brown and the fruit is tender.
5. Make the Nut Crumble
While the plum cake is baking, prepare the nut crumble. In a bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, salt, cinnamon, and ground cardamom (if using). Rub in the unsalted butter until the mixture starts to come together in clumps.
Spread the crumble mixture out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F, stirring occasionally to crumble the mixture, until it’s golden brown but still soft and chewy, about 10 minutes. You don’t want to overbake—it should be just slightly crisp.
6. Assemble and Serve
Once the kuchen has cooled slightly, sprinkle the nut crumble generously over the top for extra texture and flavor. Serve the kuchen warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Chef’s Tips for the Perfect German Plum Cake:
- Choose the Right Plums: Prune plums are ideal for this recipe as they’re slightly tart and hold their shape when baked. Other plums will work, but you may need to adjust the sweetness.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft to handle, let it rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
- Crumble Texture: The nut crumble should have a soft and chewy texture with a little crisp on the edges. Stirring it while baking ensures that the topping stays loose and crumbly.
How to Serve and Enjoy
Plum Kuchen with Nut Crumble is a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with several accompaniments:
- Serve with coffee for an afternoon treat.
- Pair with whipped cream or ice cream for a special dessert.
- Enjoy as a breakfast pastry alongside a cup of tea.
Final Thoughts
This German Plum Cake with Nut Crumble is the ultimate combination of fruity, buttery, and nutty flavours. With its tender dough, juicy plums, and delicious crumble, this dessert is a delightful way to enjoy fresh fruit in a simple yet elegant dish. Perfect for any occasion, this kuchen is sure to become a favourite in your recipe collection.
