Name: Plum Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 58 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/4 cup flour; 2 tablespoons cornmeal; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; Pinch of salt; 4 tablespoons cold butter, diced; 5 small plums (10-11 ounces), diced with skins on; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 large egg whites; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons whole milk

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 34 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly balances fruity sweetness with a delightful crunch, then this Plum Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It brings together tender, juicy plums nestled in a soft, moist cake, all crowned with a golden, buttery streusel that adds just the right amount of texture and warmth. The blend of aromatic spices and the subtle tang from the plums makes each bite a comforting reminder of cozy afternoons and heartwarming gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Plum Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe, it will become a staple you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows twelve white bowls and plates placed neatly on a white marbled surface, each with different baking ingredients. At the top left, a white bowl holds four dark purple plums, two of which are halved, showing deep red interiors. Moving right, a small white bowl contains yellow cornmeal, and next to it, a larger white plate filled with white flour. In the middle row, from left to right, there is a bowl filled with white granulated sugar, a small metal bowl of white baking powder, a tiny white bowl holding a beige powder, a small white bowl with dark vanilla extract, and a small plate with several cubes of pale yellow butter. The bottom row has a bowl of light yellow olive oil, a small glass cup with white milk, and a bowl filled with light brown sugar. The layout is clean and organized, with the ingredients clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this Plum Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe truly shine, you want simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in the final taste and texture. From the spice-kissed brown sugar in the streusel to the juicy freshness of ripe plums, these ingredients come together effortlessly to create a vibrant, delicious cake.

Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel sweetness and moisture to the streusel topping.
Flour: The foundation that gives the cake its tender crumb.
Cornmeal: Adds a subtle crunch to the streusel for that extra textural surprise.
Ground ginger: Provides a warm, aromatic spice that complements the plums beautifully.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
Cold butter: Creates the crumbly texture of the streusel when mixed in.
Plums: The star of the show—ripe, juicy, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Melted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the cake batter together.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping create a tender texture.
Egg whites: Provide lightness and structure without heaviness.
Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant note that ties all the flavors.
Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises to a perfect fluffy consistency.
Whole milk: Adds moisture while keeping the crumb soft and rich.

How to Make Plum Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel

Begin by combining the brown sugar, flour, cornmeal, ginger, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Use your fingertips to work the cold, diced butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly and evenly distributed. This streusel topping will bake into a crisp, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake beneath.

Step 2: Prep the Plums

Slice the plums in half, remove the pits, then slice each half into quarters. Next, chop those slices into smaller chunks, leaving the skins on for color, texture, and a burst of tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly. Set these juicy plum pieces aside for mixing into the batter.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg whites, and vanilla extract until well blended. This forms the rich, flavorful base of your cake batter that will keep each forkful moist and satisfying.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt evenly over the wet mixture. Gently fold them together just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stir carefully to keep the batter light and tender.

Step 5: Add the Plums and Milk

Fold the chopped plums into the batter, then pour in the whole milk. Stir gently until no streaks of flour remain and the batter is smoothly mixed. The plums will distribute through the cake, providing juicy pockets of flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into the buttered 8-inch square baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel mixture generously over the top. Bake in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 35 to 38 minutes, until the streusel topping is golden and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out mostly clean. Your kitchen will fill with the warm, inviting scent of baked plums and spices as it cooks!

How to Serve Plum Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

The image shows two square pieces of crumb cake stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface. Each piece has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light beige cake with a soft, moist texture and scattered dark red and purple berry spots throughout; the middle layer is similar, blending smoothly with the bottom; and the top layer is a crumbly, golden brown streusel topping with a rough texture. The berries inside the cake add pops of deep red and purple, contrasting with the light beige cake and golden crumbs on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a delicate sweetness and looks beautiful against the golden streusel. For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm cake.

Side Dishes

This cake shines best on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. If serving brunch, consider a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Plum Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal dessert. Alternatively, cut into neat squares and arrange on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh plum slices and sprigs of mint for an inviting display that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover plum cake tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for about 4 days without losing its moistness or flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this Plum Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe for longer storage. Wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and then foil, or place the entire cooled cake in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. You can also warm them in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to refresh that crisp streusel topping.

FAQs

Can I use frozen plums for this cake?

Frozen plums can work in a pinch, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the cake soggy. Fresh plums give the best texture and flavor for this recipe.

What can I substitute for cornmeal in the streusel?

If you don’t have cornmeal, finely ground oats or additional flour will work. Cornmeal adds a lovely crunch, but the cake will still turn out delicious if you swap it.

Is it okay to use whole eggs instead of just egg whites?

The egg whites keep the cake light and fluffy, but you can use whole eggs if necessary. Just note the texture and flavor will be a bit richer and denser.

How ripe should the plums be?

Choose plums that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe plums can make the batter too wet and sometimes slightly bitter after baking.

Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the streusel in advance saves time on baking day. Keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to sprinkle it on the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Plum Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe is such a wonderful way to showcase seasonal plums with a scrumptious crumb topping that will wow your friends and family. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to impress at gatherings. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of those cherished recipes you’ll return to again and again with a smile.