german plum kuchen recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
german plum kuchen recipe
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The Best german plum kuchen recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich history and cultural significance of German plum kuchen. This traditional dessert has been a staple in German bakeries for centuries, and its popularity has only grown over time. I remember the first time I tried it – it was love at first bite!

The combination of sweet, juicy plums, crispy pastry, and the subtle hint of spices is truly magical. My family and I have been making this recipe for years now, and it’s always a hit. Whether we’re having a family gathering or just a quiet Sunday dinner, this plum kuchen is always the centerpiece of our meal.

It’s not just delicious, but also relatively easy to make and packed with nutrients. The fresh plums provide a good dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, while the whole wheat flour gives us a boost of fiber. I love that this recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a special treat or just a comforting dessert to brighten up your day.

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream or powdered sugar. The possibilities are endless!

As an added bonus, this recipe makes two beautiful kuchens, so you can enjoy one now and freeze the other for later. I often make double batches and freeze them for impromptu gatherings or potlucks. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and I’m sure your family will adore it just as much as mine does.

German Plum Kuchen

German Plum Kuchen

4.6 from 530 votes

A traditional German yeast-based cake topped with fresh plums and a buttery streusel. This rustic dessert is perfect for late summer when plums are at their peak.

Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 5 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Plum Topping

1 1/2 lbs fresh plums (about 8-10), halved and pitted
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Streusel

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F) and yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar.
2Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
3In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
4Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
5Mix with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes until doubled in size.
7Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
8Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.
9Transfer to the prepared pan, pressing it evenly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides.
10Arrange plum halves cut-side up in rows over the dough, pressing them gently into the surface.
11In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle over the plums.
12For the streusel, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
13Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
14Sprinkle streusel evenly over the plums.
15Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the plums are tender and bubbling.
16Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking pan
Rolling pin
Pastry cutter or fork
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl
Plastic wrap
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 22g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

For best results, use firm but ripe plums. Let the kuchen cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Watch Video Of How German Plum Kuchen Works

This German plum kuchen recipe is truly a classic – it’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a quiet Sunday dinner treat, this recipe is sure to impress.

And don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days – it makes for a delicious snack or dessert later on. Reheat the kuchen by wrapping it in foil and baking it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warm through.

You can also serve it cold with whipped cream or powdered sugar on top – either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About German Plum Kuchen

Q: What is German plum kuchen?

German plum kuchen is a traditional dessert that consists of a layer cake made with sweetened bread dough, topped with a mixture of fresh plums, sugar, and spices.

Q: What type of flour should I use?

We recommend using whole wheat flour for this recipe to give it an extra nutritional boost.

Q: Can I use fresh or frozen plums?

You can use either fresh or frozen plums for this recipe – just thaw them before using.

Q: How do I store leftover kuchen?

You can store leftover kuchen at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flours like almond flour or coconut flour.

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