German Prune Kuchen. Recipe

German Prune Kuchen, also known as Pflaumenkuchen, is a traditional German dessert that showcases the delicious flavor of ripe plums. This recipe has been passed down through generations, originating in Germany where plums are a popular fruit. Prune Kuchen is often enjoyed as a special treat during the late summer and early autumn months when plums are in season.

Fun fact: Prune Kuchen is a popular dish in Germany's Swabian region, where it is often served during the harvest season. This region is known for its rich culinary traditions, and this cake is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Now, let's get started with the recipe for this delightful German Prune Kuchen:

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:
- 2 pounds ripe plums, halved and pitted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt for the dough.

3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. In a separate small bowl, mix together the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually pour this mixture into the dough mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. You may need to add a little more milk if the dough seems dry.

5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth. Roll out the dough into a circle slightly larger than the cake pan.

6. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into the prepared cake pan, pressing it gently to cover the bottom and sides of the pan.

7. In a medium bowl, toss the halved and pitted plums with sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Arrange the plum halves neatly on top of the dough in the cake pan.

8. In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cold cubed butter, and ground cinnamon for the streusel topping. Use your fingertips to rub the ingredients together until crumbly.

9. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the plums in the cake pan.

10. Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the plums are soft.

11. Remove the German Prune Kuchen from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

12. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Serve this delicious German Prune Kuchen at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the slightly tangy plums with the tender crust and sweet streusel topping is simply divine.

Fun fact: In Germany, Prune Kuchen is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee during Kaffee und Kuchen, a traditional afternoon coffee break that is an important part of everyday life.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

1. Cherry Kuchen: This variation of the recipe uses fresh cherries instead of plums. The rest of the recipe remains the same, resulting in a delightful cherry-filled cake.

2. Apple Streusel Kuchen: Substitute peeled and sliced apples for the plums in the filling. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged, resulting in a mouthwatering apple-filled cake topped with crunchy streusel.

3. Apricot Kuchen: Replace the plums with fresh apricots, halved and pitted. Follow the same instructions for the dough and streusel topping. The result is a delicious apricot-filled cake with a slightly tangy flavor.

German Prune Kuchen is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of the German culinary tradition. Whether enjoyed during the harvest season or as an afternoon treat, this cake never fails to impress. So gather your ingredients and try your hand at making this scrumptious dish for your friends and family. Guten Appetit!

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