Plum Upside Down Cake
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Plum Upside Down Cake is a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its sweet, caramelized fruit topping and moist, tender cake, it’s sure to become a favorite.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples to create this show-stopping dessert.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant plums create a stunning design that’s perfect for impressing guests.
- Perfect Balance: The tartness of the plums pairs beautifully with the sweet, buttery cake for a flavor that’s just right.
Recipe

This delightful Plum Upside Down Cake is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, featuring juicy plums caramelized in a buttery brown sugar topping over a moist vanilla cake. It’s an easy yet impressive dessert that’s ideal for summer gatherings or cozy fall baking.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Pour melted butter into the pan and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over it. Arrange plum slices in a circular pattern on top.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Alternately add flour mixture and milk, mixing until just combined. Pour batter over plums and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
Notes:
- Use firm but ripe plums for best results.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Time:
- Prep: 20 min
- Cooking: 45 min
- Servings: 8
- Calories: ~280 per serving
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Plum Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of plums with a moist cake base. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Total Fat | 10 g |
Saturated Fat | 6 g |
Cholesterol | 50 mg |
Sodium | 200 mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 38 g |
Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
Sugars | 25 g |
Protein | 4 g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my plum upside down cake with a warm cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but sometimes I’ll pair it with something unexpected, like a tangy yogurt or a drizzle of caramel. A light salad with fresh greens can balance the cake’s sweetness, making it feel like a more complete treat. If you’re feeling fancy, a sparkling cider or coffee works wonders too.
Complementary Beverages
How can you make your plum upside down cake even more delightful? I love pairing it with a glass of sweet dessert wine, like a Moscato or Riesling, which complements the cake’s fruity richness. If you’re not into wine, a warm cup of coffee is a cozy choice—try a light roast to balance the cake’s sweetness. I’ve found that a latte or cappuccino adds a creamy touch that’s just perfect. Sometimes, I’ll even brew a pot of herbal tea, like chamomile, for a lighter option. The right drink can turn a simple dessert into a memorable treat!
Side Dish Pairings
While drinks can elevate the experience of enjoying plum upside down cake, the right side dishes can take it to the next level. I love pairing it with vanilla ice cream—the creamy sweetness balances the tart plum flavor profiles perfectly. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce works wonders too. For a lighter touch, fresh berries or a citrus salad brighten each bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a cheese plate with mild brie complements the cake’s richness. These dessert pairings make every slice feel like a celebration, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!