Polish Yeast Plum Cake

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Polish Yeast Plum Cake.

1. Step 1

   Start by warming 1/2 cup of whole milk in a saucepan over very low heat, ensuring it doesn't exceed 100°F (38°C). Stir in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of white sugar until well combined. Remove from heat and transfer this mixture to a bowl. Crumble the cake yeast into the warm milk mixture, gently stirring until it becomes creamy. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it sit in a warm place for about 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become spongy.

2. Step 2

   While the yeast is working its magic, melt 1 1/3 cups of margarine in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool until lukewarm.

3. Step 3

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and sprinkle it with dry bread crumbs to prevent sticking.

4. Step 4

   In a blender, combine 4 eggs and 1 1/8 cups of white sugar. Blend until the mixture is fluffy and a vibrant yellow. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 8 cups of all-purpose flour and 4 teaspoons of vanilla sugar. Add the egg mixture, the activated yeast mixture, and the lukewarm margarine to the flour. Gradually knead in 1 cup of whole milk, or as needed, until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky. Knead for at least 15 minutes, incorporating air into the dough for a light texture.

5. Step 5

   Once your dough is ready, press it evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the quartered fresh plums over the top, creating a beautiful layer of fruit.

6. Step 6

   For the streusel topping, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/2 cup of white sugar in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel over the plums, and if you like, dust it with a hint of ground cinnamon for extra flavor.

7. Step 7

   Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before serving.