I have made this torte many times over the last year and I’m just getting around to posting the recipe. It’s delicious when plums are in season, and when they’re not, it’s quite tasty with berries as well. Make sure the berries on top are well packed; don’t leave too much interstitial space. Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream are nice additions.
This is an incredibly easy recipe to make, it’s very forgiving, and it’s a great dessert to serve at a dinner party. It’s always a big hit.
Plum Torte
Recipe from the NY Times3/4 to 1 cup sugar (I typically split the difference and use 7/8 cup of sugar)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup unbleached flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt (optional)
2 eggs
24 halves pitted Italian plums (I use ~4 – 5 regular plums (not the small Italian ones) and slice each plum into 8 wedges and tightly pack them on top of the batter)
Sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon, for toppingPreheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream the sugar and butter in a bowl. Add the eggs and beat well. Mix in the flour, baking powder and salt.
Spoon the batter into an 8″, 9″ or 10″ springform pan. Place the plum halves skin side up on top of the batter. Tightly pack the fruit. Sprinkle lightly with sugar and lemon juice, depending on the sweetness of the fruit. Sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, depending on how much you like cinnamon.
Bake for approximately 40-50 minutes. Watch the torte so it doesn’t burn or dry out. Remove from oven and cool; refrigerate or freeze if desired. Or cool to lukewarm and serve plain or with whipped cream. (To serve a torte that was frozen, defrost and reheat it briefly at 300 degrees.)
Yield: 8 servings
One year ago: No Bake Healthy Breakfast Cookies
Two years ago: Salted Caramel and Chocolate Rice Krispies Squares
Three years ago: Curried Peas and Tofu
Four years ago: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Energy Bars
Five years ago: Crispy Chicken and Apple Salad
Six years ago: Baked Orzo with Mozzarella and Oregano
Seven years ago: Classic Tomato Soup
Eight years ago: Whole Wheat Apple Muffins
Nine years ago: French Toast
Ten years ago: Fun Fall Cookies
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Thanks for this recipe! My neighbor gifted me a bag of very ripe plums from their tree, and I wanted a new recipe to try them in. Delicious!
So glad you liked it Caroline! This is one of my go-to desserts. If I don’t have plums, I make it with blueberries and strawberries. I plan to try it with peaches this summer.