This delightful plum walnut skillet cake is a rustic dessert that will surely impress your guests. It combines the tartness of plums with the earthy crunch of walnuts, all enveloped within a moist, tender cake. The unexpected hint of lemon zest adds a refreshing twist, while a brushing of honey gives the perfect glaze. Baked in a skillet, this cake not only tastes wonderful but also looks homely and inviting. It's a charming end to any meal or an indulgent treat to enjoy with a cup of tea.
Most of these ingredients are fairly common and can be found in your local grocery store. However, you might need to look for Turbinado sugar. This is a raw sugar that has a subtle molasses flavor and a beautiful golden color. It's used to add a sweet crunch on top of the cake. If you can't find it, you can substitute with granulated sugar. Lemon zest is simply the outer, yellow skin of a lemon, grated finely. Just make sure to avoid the white pith underneath, which is bitter.
Essential Ingredients for Plum Walnut Skillet Cake
Butter: Used to grease the pan and in the batter for a rich, moist cake.
Plums: Gives the tart, fruity freshness to the cake. Pick firm, ripe ones.
Walnuts: Adds a lovely crunch and earthy flavor. Ensure they are fresh, not rancid.
Sugar: Sweetens the cake, balancing the tartness of the plums.
Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure.
Lemon zest: Adds a refreshing twist.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake.
All-purpose flour: The main structure for the cake.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become light.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Turbinado sugar: Adds a sweet crunch on top.
Honey: Used for glazing the cake for shine and additional sweetness.
One reader, Jenine Brumfield says:
This plum walnut skillet cake recipe is a game-changer! The combination of plums and walnuts creates a delightful texture and flavor. The cake is moist, and the hint of lemon zest adds a refreshing touch. It's a hit every time I make it, and my friends always ask for the recipe!
Key Techniques for Making This Skillet Cake
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter the skillet or cake pan: Generously butter a 10-inch ovenproof skillet with a heatproof handle or a 9-inch cake pan.
Slice the plums: Halve, pit, and thinly slice the plums.
Chop the walnuts: In a food processor or nut mill, very finely chop the walnuts.
Prepare the batter: Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of the food processor and process until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, and process after each addition until fluffy. Add the lemon zest, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and salt, and pulse just until the batter is smooth.
Incorporate the walnuts: Add the ground walnuts to the batter and pulse to mix them in. The batter will be thick.
Arrange the plums: Scrape the batter into the skillet and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Lay slices of plums in a ring around the outside edge of the pan, overlapping the slices slightly. Arrange a second ring of slices inside the first, and then fill in the very middle of the cake with the remaining slices.
Sprinkle with turbinado sugar: Sprinkle the top with the turbinado sugar.
Check for doneness: Begin checking the cake around 35 minutes, and continue baking (checking every 5 to 10 minutes) until the top is browned and a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Total cooking time is typically 40 to 50 minutes.
Cool the cake: Set the skillet on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
Brush with honey: Heat the honey in the microwave for 10 seconds and brush the cake with it for a shiny finish.
Serve: Serve the cake straight from the skillet.
How To Make Plum Walnut Skillet Cake
This skillet cake filled with plums & walnuts comes out beautifully it’s hard to believe how easy it is. Lemon zest adds a nice aroma to this dessert.
Serves:
Ingredients
- butter,for the pan
- 1lbfirm plums
- ¾cupwalnuts halves
- ½cupunsalted butter,cut into slices
- ¾cupsugar
- 2largeeggs
- zest of one lemon
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 1¼cupsall purpose flour
- ¾tspbaking powder
- ⅛tspsalt
- 2tbspturbinado sugar,or sugar in the raw
- 2tbsphoney,optional
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously butter a 10-inch ovenproof skillet with a heatproof handle or a 9-inch cake pan. Halve, pit, and thinly slice the plums.
-
In a food processor or a nut mill, very finely chop the walnuts. Transfer to a bowl.
-
Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of the food processor and process until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, and process after each addition, until fluffy. Add the lemon zest, vanilla, flour, baking powder and salt, and pulse just until the batter is smooth.
-
Finally, add the ground walnuts and pulse to mix them into the batter. The batter will be thick.
-
Scrape the batter into the skillet and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Lay slices of plums in a ring around the outside edge of the pan, overlapping the slices slightly.
-
Arrange a second ring of slices inside the first, and then fill in the very middle of the cake with the remaining slices. Sprinkle with the turbinado sugar.
-
Begin checking the cake around 35 minutes, and continue baking (checking every 5 to 10 minutes) until the top is browned and a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
-
Total cooking time is typically 40 to 50 minutes. Set the skillet on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
-
The cake is sweet enough as it is, but to add a little shine for an even more beautiful presentation, heat the honey in the microwave for 10 seconds and brush the cake with it.
-
Serve the cake straight from the skillet.
Nutrition
- Calories: 357.37kcal
- Fat: 15.56g
- Saturated Fat: 9.09g
- Trans Fat: 0.55g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.08g
- Carbohydrates: 53.33g
- Fiber: 2.98g
- Sugar: 33.41g
- Protein: 4.84g
- Cholesterol: 82.54mg
- Sodium: 92.07mg
- Calcium: 65.52mg
- Potassium: 217.71mg
- Iron: 1.68mg
- Vitamin A: 144.89µg
- Vitamin C: 36.16mg
Crucial Technique for Perfect Plum Walnut Skillet Cake
When preparing the plums, make sure to slice them thinly and evenly. This ensures that they cook at the same rate and provide a consistent texture throughout the cake. Additionally, when arranging the plum slices on the batter, try to overlap them slightly. This not only creates a beautiful pattern on the cake, but also allows the plum flavor to permeate more deeply into the cake during baking.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Plum Walnut Skillet Cake
Prep ahead: Prepare the plums and walnuts the night before and store them in the refrigerator to save time on the day of baking.
Room temperature: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting the recipe to expedite the mixing process.
Efficient slicing: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and uniformly slice the plums for the cake.
One-bowl mixing: Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another to streamline the mixing process.
Convection bake: Consider using the convection setting on your oven for more even and faster baking.
Substitute Ingredients For Plum Walnut Skillet Cake Recipe
plums - Substitute with nectarines: Nectarines have a similar texture and flavor to plums, making them a great substitute in this recipe. They will provide a sweet and slightly tangy taste, complementing the other ingredients in the skillet cake.
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar rich and buttery flavor to walnuts, and they will add a delightful crunch to the cake. They are a great alternative for adding a nutty element to the dish.
Plating Ideas for a Beautiful Presentation
Elevate the plating: When presenting the plum walnut skillet cake, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a large, round plate to showcase the cake and its vibrant plum slices. Ensure the cake is centered and use the negative space on the plate to enhance the overall visual impact.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the cake with delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums. The vibrant hues of the flowers will complement the deep purple plums and add a pop of color to the presentation.
Drizzle with honey artfully: Instead of simply brushing the cake with honey, drizzle it artfully in a zigzag pattern across the top of the cake. This technique adds a touch of finesse and creates an enticing visual element that reflects the care and attention to detail in the dish.
Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream: Serve the plum walnut skillet cake with a small quenelle or dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side. The cream not only enhances the flavor but also adds a luxurious element to the presentation.
Sprinkle with edible gold leaf: For an extravagant touch, consider delicately placing edible gold leaf on the cake. The shimmering gold accents will elevate the dessert to a luxurious level, making it a standout dish for any discerning palate.
Essential Kitchen Tools You'll Need
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, grinding, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's perfect for finely chopping the walnuts and blending the batter for the cake.
- Ovenproof skillet with a heatproof handle or a cake pan: An ovenproof skillet with a heatproof handle or a cake pan is essential for baking the plum walnut skillet cake. It should be generously buttered before adding the batter and plum slices.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is necessary for combining the butter, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, and salt to make the cake batter. It's also used for mixing the ground walnuts into the batter.
- Wire rack: A wire rack is used for cooling the cake to room temperature after it's been baked in the skillet. It allows air to circulate around the cake, preventing it from becoming soggy.
- Spatula or spoon: A spatula or spoon is used for smoothing the cake batter in the skillet and arranging the plum slices on top of the batter before baking.
- Microwave: The microwave is used for heating the honey for a few seconds before brushing it over the cake to add a beautiful shine.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Plum Walnut Skillet Cake
Let the plum walnut skillet cake cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
To store the cake at room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. The cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Label the container with the date and contents. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to serve the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can warm it up slightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes before serving, if desired.
If you have leftover slices of cake, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer, following the same guidelines as above.
To maintain the best texture and flavor of the plums and walnuts, it's recommended to consume the cake within the suggested storage times.
How To Reheat Leftover Plum Walnut Skillet Cake
Reheat leftover plum walnut skillet cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the cake's moisture and texture while ensuring it's evenly warmed.
For a quicker option, place a slice of the cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the cake to become dry or rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat a slice of the plum walnut skillet cake at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This method will help to restore some of the cake's crispiness while keeping the interior moist.
For a tasty twist, cut the leftover cake into bite-sized pieces and sauté them in a pan with a little butter over medium heat until crispy and caramelized. Serve the warm cake bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Create a plum walnut cake parfait by layering crumbled leftover cake with yogurt, fresh plums, and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts. This no-heat option is perfect for a quick and refreshing breakfast or dessert.
Interesting Trivia About Plum Walnut Skillet Cake
Plum walnut skillet cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of plums with the nuttiness of walnuts. This cake is a perfect treat for any occasion and can be served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of flavors and textures in this cake makes it a unique and delicious addition to any dessert table.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical?
This plum walnut skillet cake recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main cost lies in the plums and walnuts, which can be pricier depending on the season. However, the simple ingredients and minimal use of expensive items make it a reasonable choice. The overall verdict for this recipe is an 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-$15, making it a budget-friendly dessert option.
Is This Skillet Cake Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This plum walnut skillet cake recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the indulgent side rather than being a healthy choice. The primary concerns are:
- High sugar content from the added sugar, turbinado sugar, and honey
- Significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat
- Refined all-purpose flour, which lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives
- Relatively low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as:
- Plums, which are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants
- Walnuts, which provide healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus
- Eggs, which offer high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline and vitamin D
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste and texture, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of added sugar by 1/4 to 1/3, and opt for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or date paste
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Swap half of the butter with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to reduce saturated fat content
- Increase the amount of plums and walnuts to boost the fiber, vitamins, and minerals in each serving
- Serve the cake with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for added protein, calcium, and antioxidants
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Skillet Cake Recipe
This plum walnut skillet cake recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of fresh plums and finely chopped walnuts adds a delightful crunch and natural sweetness to the cake. The incorporation of lemon zest and vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and taste. The method of arranging the plum slices creates a visually appealing presentation. The addition of honey at the end adds a beautiful shine and a touch of extra sweetness. Overall, this recipe promises a delicious and visually stunning dessert that would be a delightful addition to any meal or gathering.
Enhance Your Plum Walnut Skillet Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Suggested Appetizers and Entrées to Serve With This Skillet Cake
Why trust this Plum Walnut Skillet Cake Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh plums and crunchy walnuts, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of lemon zest adds a refreshing citrusy note, while the honey glaze provides a beautiful shine and enhances the overall sweetness. The careful arrangement of the plum slices not only adds visual appeal but also ensures even distribution of fruit throughout the cake. With a well-structured method and precise measurements, this recipe guarantees a delectable dessert that will surely impress both novice and experienced bakers.
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