Fresh Plum Kuchen

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 40 min. + cooling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Aug. 13, 2023
I love this stunning cake in autumn with apples and pears, but each year I secretly can't wait for summer to roll back around so I can make plum kuchen. —Anna Daley, Montague, Prince Edward Island
Fresh Plum Kuchen Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 2 cups sliced fresh plums (about 4 medium)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Confectioners' sugar, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs. Combine flour and baking powder; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Add lemon zest. Pour into a greased 10-in. springform pan. Arrange plums on top; gently press into batter. Sprinkle the top with brown sugar and cinnamon.
  2. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake until top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 40-50 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Run a knife around edge of pan; remove rim. Cool on a wire rack. If desired, dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.
Plum Kuchen Tips

What kind of plums should you use to make plum kuchen?

Choose fresh in-season plums that yield slightly when pressed gently with your thumb. Hard plums are not as juicy and are tougher to cut—but you can ripen your fruit on the counter for perfect results. While color choice is completely up to you, red-skinned plums with golden interiors make really pretty plum desserts.

How do you store plum kuchen?

Store plum kuchen, covered, at room temperature. Eat within a couple of days. Like other coffee cake recipes, this kuchen is best enjoyed the day it’s made!

What can you serve with plum kuchen?

Coffee, brunch salads, milk, tea and smoothies are all great accompaniments to plum kuchen. Also consider sweetened whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, almond brickle ice cream, or this delicious hot almond drink—because a hint of almond beautifully accents the flavor of fresh plum!

—Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Book Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 185 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.