Imagine a dessert that combines the vibrant green elegance of Japanese matcha with the luscious sweetness of ripe plums, all nestled in a perfectly caramelized upside-down cake. This isn't just another dessert—it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary sensory experience. Prepare to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds with a cake that's as beautiful as it is delicious, blending traditional Japanese flavors with a classic American dessert technique.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe plums, sliced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
- Wash the plums thoroughly, then slice them in half, remove the pits, and cut them into wedges. Arrange the plum slices in a circular pattern at the bottom of the prepared cake pan, overlapping slightly if necessary.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of brown sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the arranged plum slices in the cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of matcha powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the 2 large eggs and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter over the arranged plums in the cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, allowing the plums to be on top.
- Allow the cake to cool for another 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Matcha Plum Upside Down Cake warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Plum Selection: Choose ripe but firm plums for the best texture and flavor. Look for fruits that yield slightly when gently pressed.
- Matcha Quality Matters: Use high-grade culinary matcha for the most vibrant green color and robust flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into wet ingredients to keep the cake light and tender.
- Caramel Layer Technique: When pouring the butter-brown sugar mixture, ensure even distribution for perfect caramelization.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes after inverting to allow the caramel to set and prevent sticking.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
