German Plum Streusel Cake is a classic European dessert known for its tender crumb, juicy plums, and buttery crumb topping. This German Plum Streusel Cake is perfect for late summer baking when plums are at their peak, offering a balance of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake combines soft, fluffy texture with a crunchy streusel topping and bursts of juicy fruit. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry staples, and delivers bakery-quality results at home. Perfect for family gatherings, afternoon coffee, or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 125 g unsalted butter, softened
- 125 g white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 250 g plain (all-purpose) flour
For the filling:
- 500 g dark plums
For the streusel:
- 150 g plain (all-purpose) flour
- 100 g ground almonds
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 50 g white sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 125 g unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 26 cm springform pan.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and beat in eggs one at a time.
- Mix in baking powder and salt, then gently fold in flour until combined.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Wash, halve, and pit the plums. Arrange them cut-side down in the batter.
- In a bowl, mix flour, almonds, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and mix into crumbly streusel.
- Sprinkle streusel evenly over the plums.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Cool slightly, then remove from pan and allow to cool completely before serving.
This German Plum Streusel Cake is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Tricks
- Use ripe but firm plums for best texture
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light
- Add a little lemon zest for brightness
- Chill the streusel slightly for extra crunch
- Cover with foil if topping browns too quickly
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Vegetarian, Halal
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- You can substitute plums with apricots or peaches
- Store in a cool place to maintain freshness
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 16g
FAQ
Can I make German Plum Streusel Cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
What type of plums should I use?
Dark European plums work best for authentic flavor.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Why is my streusel not crumbly?
Add a bit more flour if it becomes too wet.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheating: Warm slices in oven or microwave
Similar Recipes
German Plum Streusel Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 125 g unsalted butter softened
- 125 g white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 250 g plain all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 500 g dark plums
- For the streusel:
- 150 g plain all-purpose flour
- 100 g ground almonds
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 50 g white sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 125 g unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 26 cm springform pan.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and beat in eggs one at a time.
- Mix in baking powder and salt, then gently fold in flour until combined.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Wash, halve, and pit the plums. Arrange them cut-side down in the batter.
- In a bowl, mix flour, almonds, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and mix into crumbly streusel.
- Sprinkle streusel evenly over the plums.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Cool slightly, then remove from pan and allow to cool completely before serving.
- This German Plum Streusel Cake is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Conclusion
German Plum Streusel Cake is a timeless dessert that delivers comfort, flavor, and texture in every bite. With its juicy fruit and crisp topping, it’s a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.