Zwetschgenkuchen (Bavarian Plum Cake) Recipe

Name: Zwetschgenkuchen (Bavarian Plum Cake)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: For the Dough; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick); 1 egg; 1/4 cup sugar, plus; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/4 ounce active dry yeast (1 package); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk, lukewarm; For the Crumb Topping (optional); 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into tiny cubes; 1 cup sugar; 2 -3 tablespoons sugar with a teaspoon vanilla (or 1 package Vanilla Sugar ); 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 cups flour; Additional Ingredients; 2 lbs plums (Italian Prune Plums); 2 -3 teaspoons sugar; whipped cream, for garnish (optional)

Servings: persons

For the Dough
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar, plus
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 ounce active dry yeast (1 package)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk, lukewarm
For the Crumb Topping (optional)
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into tiny cubes
1 cup sugar
2 -3 tablespoons sugar with a teaspoon vanilla (or 1 package Vanilla Sugar )
1 1/2 - 2 1/2 cups flour
Additional Ingredients
2 lbs plums (Italian Prune Plums)
2 -3 teaspoons sugar
whipped cream, for garnish (optional)

1
In a small bowl, combine the yeast and half of the milk. Mix in 2 tablespoons of the flour and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Allow this mixture to sit in a warm place for 1 hour.
2
Combine remaining dough ingredients then add in the yeast mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms, then knead by hand. Allow dough to sit in a warm place until double in volume.
3
Preheat oven to 350u00b0F (175u00b0C).
4
Grease a baking sheet. Roll out dough to fit the size of the baking sheet. Transfer dough to baking sheet.
5
Wash plums and remove any stems. Slice each in half and remove stones. Arrange plum halves evenly on the dough - plums should not be lying down, instead they should be standing stem-side up. Sprinkle plums with sugar.
6
Crumbs are optional. If you choose to add them, prepare the crumbs by mixing the butter, vanilla sugar, and sugar. Gradually work in flour until mixture becomes dry and crumbly. Sprinkle crumbs over dough, distributing them evenly.
7
Allow cake to sit and rise for another 30 minutes.
8
Bake cake for around 30-40 minutes or until crumbs and crust become golden brown.
9
Remove cake from oven and allow to cool completely.
10
Serve at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream.

1851

kcal

Calories

Fat

247

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: For the Dough, 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), 1 egg, and more.

Yes, Zwetschgenkuchen (Bavarian Plum Cake) falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Zwetschgenkuchen (Bavarian Plum Cake)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions