Classic Plum Delight Torte

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, take a 9-inch springform pan and grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. This will help ensure the torte releases easily after baking.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, yielding a tender cake.

3. Beat in Eggs

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to maintain the emulsion, keeping your batter smooth and consistent.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Over-mixing can result in a dense torte, so mix gently.

5. Spread Batter in Pan

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared springform pan. The batter will be thick, so use a spatula to smooth it out and ensure an even layer.

6. Arrange Plums

Take your halved and pitted plums and arrange them skin-side up on top of the batter. It's okay if they overlap slightly. This arrangement not only looks beautiful but ensures that each slice of torte has a generous amount of fruit.

7. Add Lemon Juice

Drizzle the plums with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This adds a subtle brightness that balances the sweetness of the plums and the cake.

8. Add Cinnamon and Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the plums. As the torte bakes, this topping will caramelize, adding a lovely, slightly crunchy texture and a warm, spicy flavor.

9. Bake

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the torte is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The plums will become soft and jammy, infusing the cake with their juices.

10. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the torte from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time helps the torte set and makes it easier to remove from the pan. Release the sides of the springform pan and transfer the torte to a serving plate. You can enjoy this torte warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.