French Plum Cake with Yogurt and Crumb Topping

French Plum Cake with Yogurt and Crumb Topping
This French Plum Cake with Yogurt and Crumb Topping is a delicate and delightful dessert that brings together a buttery, moist yogurt-infused cake base and sweet-tart halved plums, all topped with a simple buttery crumble. Inspired by rustic French baking traditions, this cake is perfect for showcasing fresh seasonal plums and is ideal for afternoon tea, brunch, or as a light dessert. The cake batter comes together quickly with pantry staples, and the crumb topping adds a delicious contrast in texture. The plums, baked to juicy perfection, slightly sink into the batter while keeping their vibrant color and flavor. Served warm or at room temperature, this cake feels both elegant and homey—a timeless treat with broad appeal.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8–10 slices
Cuisine: French / European-style Baking

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

2 eggs

Pinch of salt

100 g granulated sugar

10 g vanilla sugar

100 g melted butter

200 g plain yogurt

230 g all-purpose flour

15 g baking powder

For the Topping:

2 tbsp granulated sugar

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

40 g butter, softened

14 fresh plums, pitted and halved

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

Beat the Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add a pinch of salt. Whisk using a hand mixer or stand mixer until frothy and pale.

Incorporate Sugars
Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla sugar to the eggs while mixing. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

Add Butter and Yogurt
Slowly pour in the melted butter and continue mixing. Add the yogurt and stir until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy.

Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. This helps aerate the flour and ensures even mixing.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or mixer on low until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Prepare the Crumb Topping

Make the Crumble
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and softened butter. Using your fingertips, rub the mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

These 2 Ingredients Burn Fat Like a Furnace! 100% Effective – Ginger & Garlic
These 2 Ingredients Burn Fat Like a Furnace! 100% Effective – Ginger & Garlic
Assemble the Cake

Pour the Batter
Transfer the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly with a spatula.

Arrange the Plums
Place the halved plums, cut side up, on top of the batter in concentric circles or evenly spaced across the surface.

Add the Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the plums, covering evenly for a nice golden crunch.

Bake the Cake

Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This Serve

Slice and Enjoy
Once the cake has cooled, slice into wedges and serve as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 10 servings)

Calories: 250

Protein: 4g

Carbohydrates: 30g

Sugars: 16g

Fat: 13g

Saturated Fat: 7g

Fiber: 2g

Sodium: 160mg

Origin and Popularity

This recipe draws inspiration from French countryside baking traditions, where yogurt-based cakes and stone fruits like plums are staples of summer and autumn desserts. Often referred to as “gâteau au yaourt aux prunes,” these cakes are cherished for their simplicity and rustic elegance. Yogurt provides natural moisture and tenderness, while the addition of fresh plums gives the cake a tart burst that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, buttery base. The crumb topping, similar to a streusel, is a popular addition across Europe for both fruit pies and coffee cakes. This French plum cake blends all these comforting elements into one visually stunning and delicious dessert.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to yogurt and butter

Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Lightly sweet cake balanced by tart plums

Simple to Make: Easy steps, no special tools needed

Great Use of Fresh Fruit: Ideal for summer and fall produce

Visually Beautiful: Halved plums create a colorful, rustic look

Health Benefits

Fruity Quark Casserole with Tangerines
Fruity Quark Casserole with Tangerines
While this cake is a treat, it also includes ingredients that offer modest health benefits:

Plums: Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A and C

Yogurt: Provides probiotics, calcium, and protein

Eggs: A good source of protein and essential nutrients

Homemade: Lower in preservatives and additives than store-bought desserts

Serving Suggestions

With Tea or Coffee: Makes a perfect pairing with afternoon beverages

As a Brunch Dessert: Light and not overly sweet

With Whipped Cream: Add a swirl of whipped cream or crème fraîche

Topped with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream complements the warm cake

Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant presentation

Cooking Tips

Use Ripe but Firm Plums: Overripe plums can make the cake soggy

Don’t Overmix the Batter: This ensures a soft, fluffy crumb

Cool Before Cutting: Helps the cake slice cleanly and hold its shape

Grease the Pan Well: Or use parchment for easy removal

Double for a Larger Crowd: This cake doubles well for a 9×13 pan

Variations

Add Almond Flour: Swap ⅓ of the flour for almond flour for nutty richness

Spice It Up: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or cardamom to the batter

Use Different Fruits: Try apricots, cherries, or figs instead of plums

Add Lemon Zest: For brightness in the batter

Make It Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

Conclusion

This French Plum Cake with Yogurt and Crumb Topping is an effortlessly elegant dessert that feels as at home at a family brunch as it does at a tea party. With its light and fluffy texture, juicy fruit center, and golden streusel top, it’s the kind of recipe that you’ll come back to whenever plums are in season—or when you simply want a cozy, homemade dessert. Easy to prepare, lovely to serve, and a joy to eat, this cake is a delightful addition to any baker’s repertoire.