Home » Recipes » » German Plum Cake
Jump To Recipe by Lily Ernst
This German plum cake is perfectly rich and buttery. It has a thick layer of tender, juicy plums and is topped with a delicate, sweet streusel. This quick and easy version is made without yeast, but it looks and tastes just the same!
What is German plum cake?
German plum cake (akaPflaumenkuchen or Zwetschgenkuchen) is a classic European dessert. This delectable treat features a dense cake base, a generous layer of fresh sliced plums in the middle, and a streusel topping. Traditional German plum cake is made with yeast dough and Italian plums. However, over time recipes have evolved to include easier versions made without yeast and with other varieties of plums. 
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Quick and easy – The German plum cake recipe is made without yeast so there’s no fuss with kneading and proofing. Simply make the cake batter, scatter the plums, and top with streusel.
- Three amazing layers in one cake – You have a rich butter cake bottom, jammy sweet and tart plum filling, and crispy sweet streusel on top. All three components are combined into one delicious cake!
- Can be made in advance – This cake can be made one day in advance. I find that the cake becomes more moist the day after. However the streusel does become a bit less crunchy.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- AP flour
- baking powder & salt
- unsalted butter
- granulated sugar
- eggs
- vanilla extract & ground cinnamon
- fresh plums
How to make German plum cake:
(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)
- In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs and vanilla. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to a buttered 9″ square pan lined with parchment paper. Arrange the plums on top. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
- Top with streusel and bake at 350F for 45 minutes.
How to serve:
Serve as is with coffee or tea. It can also be served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or vanilla yogurt.
FAQ:
What types of plums are best to use for this cake?
Any type of plum you like. Traditionally Italian prune plums are used. However, I like to use whatever is in season or is cost-effective.
Can I substitute the streusel topping with something else?
While streusel adds a wonderful texture, you can customize the topping. Chopped nuts, oats, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar are alternatives that provide a different element of taste and texture.
Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes, you can. Stone fruits are best, like peaches, apricots, mangoes, and cherries.
You might also like:
- Fresh Plum Cake
- Fresh Pear Cake
- Easy Pear Crisp
Did you make this recipe? Please kindly leave a comment with your star rating below.
German Plum Cake
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
- Author: Lily Ernst
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: dessert
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: German
Description
This German plum cake is perfectly rich and buttery. It has a thick layer of tender, juicy plums and is topped with a delicate, sweet streusel.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1/2 cup (114g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) plus 1 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups fresh plums, sliced 1/4″ thick
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Streusel
- 1/2 cup (63g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Butter and line a 9″ square pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Prepare the streusel first. In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the plums on top.
- Mix the cinnamon with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar and sprinkle over the plums. Top with streusel.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden on top and plums are tender.
Notes
Leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Recipe from Taste of Home
Fall
by Lily Ernst on Aug 17, 2023 (updated Sep 29, 2023)
2 commentsLeave a comment »
« Previous PostFresh Peach Cake
Next Post »Blueberry Chocolate Chip Muffins
Leave a Reply
2 comments on “German Plum Cake”
Leave a comment »
Jody —Reply
I made this recipe today using plums for the fruit layer and it turned out great. I used an 8″ x 8″ pan (no 9″ x 9″ pan in this house) so it was a little thicker than the cake in the photo, but it was still so, so tasty. It is just the right amount of sweet. My other half added a scoop of ice cream to his plum cake serving and commented on how much he enjoyed his dessert. It would be a great addition to a brunch menu or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee. Thank you for sharing this recipe. It’s a keeper!!
Lily Ernst —Reply
You’re very welcome and thank you for your kind words, Jody. Enjoy the cake!
