Go Back
+ servings
A blue plate with a piece of plum torte and a fork.

The New York Times Famous Plum Torte (Video!)

The New York Times Plum Torte is an iconic recipe that's incredibly easy to make and is a perfect way to use up beautiful in season summer plums. It's is dense, yet light, super moist, not too sweet and great with a cup of coffee or tea.  
5 from 30 votes
Print Pin
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: new york times, plum torte, plums, springform pan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 294kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon divided*
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6-12 plums depending size, pitted and halved**
  • Juice from ½ lemon
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter the inside of a 9-inch springform pan.
  • Cream together the butter and 1 cup of sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer, but I find a wooden spoon and a little elbow grease to the job just fine.
  • Add in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated.
  • Mix in the flour, baking powder and salt until just combined.
  • Spread the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
  • Arrange the halved plums cut-side-down, then use your fingers to gently press them into the batter.
  • Squeeze the lemon juice over the fruit, then mix together the remaining tablespoon of sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle over the top.
  • Bake for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes prior to cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature. The cake is also excellent served cold after chilling in the fridge overnight.

Video

Notes

  • *Depending on how sweet your plums are and how sweet you like your cake, the sugar can be cut down to ¾ cup.
  • **You will use more or less plums depending on the variety and size, but also depending on your preference. I tend to use more plums for a fruitier cake, but you can always opt to use less for a cakier-cake. You can't go wrong either way, trust me.

Nutrition

Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 216mg | Potassium: 115mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 585IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg