Plum Ring Cake

Name: Plum Ring Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Prunes 4 ¼ cups; Butter at room temperature 0.8 cup; Sugar 0.9 cup; Eggs (about 3 at room temperature) 6.2 oz; Type 00 flour 2 ½ cups; Whole milk at room temperature 0.625 cup; Fine salt 1 pinch; Baking powder 2 tsp; Lemon peel 1; Brown sugar 1 ½ tbsp; Powdered sugar to taste

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Vegetarian

Difficulty: Average
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Serving: 8
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

In Italian kitchens, plum cake makes its grand entrance when Stanley plums are at their best—typically from late summer to early autumn. Italians have a knack, you know, for using fresh, local ingredients to create a super moist ring cake, or ciambella, that everyone loves. This plum cake recipe captures the heart of these sweet, tender plums, transforming them into something really really delicious. Unlike the heavier, spiced holiday cakes, the Italian version keeps it simple—highlighting the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Italians enjoy playing with seasonal ingredients. So, you'll also find apples or cherries popping up in similar cakes throughout the year. But when plums are in season, a traditional plum cake takes center stage at breakfast or snack time. Pretty simple. Often enjoyed with coffee or a glass of cold milk.

People immediately notice the cake's texture—golden and light, yet rich from the juicy plums. This isn’t just a quick plum cake you throw together; it's about savoring what's fresh and making the most of the season. Really, it's a thing. Italian families might switch things up with pumpkin for a different cake in the fall or add cherries for a refreshing summer twist, but the easy plum cake remains a favorite because it brings out the best in ripe plums. The aroma is incredible—fruity and a bit tangy when you slice it. Both kids and adults enjoy it, especially since it’s not overloaded with sugar or heavy spices.

It’s the kind of homemade plum cake that makes any day feel special, fitting right in with Italy’s tradition of simple, genuine desserts. And here's the thing: even though it’s a classic, each family might add their own twist, ensuring you’ll never tire of this soft fruit cake when plums are in season. This focus on freshness and flavor is what makes Italian desserts be different, for real, giving everyone a taste of something seriously special with every bite.

How to prepare Plum Ring Cake

To make the plum ring cake, first ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to work the batter better. Then wash the plums and cut them in half 1 to remove the pit 2. Cut some into wedges 3.

Dice the rest of the plums 4. Now focus on the batter: in a bowl, add the softened butter, sugar 5, and grated lemon zest 6.

Beat with electric whisks for at least 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the eggs 7 one at a time (make sure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next). Add the salt and slowly pour in the milk 8, alternating with the sifted flour 9.

Also incorporate the baking powder 10 and mix gradually with the electric whisks until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. Now add the diced plums 11 and stir 12 to distribute them evenly.

Butter a 9-inch ring cake pan with a height of 3.5 inches and pour in the batter 13. Level it well and place the plum wedges on top 14. Sprinkle the surface with brown sugar 15.

The ring cake is ready for baking 16. Bake in a preheated static oven at 356°F for 50 minutes. Once done 17, let it cool, then turn it out onto a serving plate and garnish with powdered sugar as desired. The plum ring cake is ready to be enjoyed 18.