Legend has it that the plum cake was invented by Giovanni Plum, who was baking a cake in his pastry shop in the city of Pompoya when Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted. Faced with this event, Giovanni ran out of his shop with the cake in his hands, and as he passed in front of a fruit stand, the explosions caused various fruits and nuts to fall onto Giovanni's cake, thus accidentally creating the plum cake....
Chefadora AI has the answer - timers, swaps, step-by-step help.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, oil, milk, cocoa powder, and the two egg yolks.
Beat with a mixer for 5 minutes until all the ingredients are well combined.
Add the orange zest and mix well.
Add the baking powder and mix gently.
Fold in the egg whites, previously beaten to stiff peaks, using gentle, folding motions.
Pour the batter into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 50-60 minutes. Do not open the oven during the first 30 minutes to ensure proper rising.
Check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Remove from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 5 minutes.
Unmold and let it cool on a wire rack.
Do not open the oven during the first 30 minutes of baking to ensure the cake rises properly.
Use fresh orange zest for a more vibrant flavor.
Serve the cake plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can substitute sunflower oil with another neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.
What can I use instead of orange zest?
You can use lemon zest or a few drops of orange extract as an alternative.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the batter?
Yes, you can fold in chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk.
