Plum Skillet Cake

Back in the day when it was super safe to play outside on hot summer days without adult supervision, my friends and I would spend hours riding bikes and playing hide-and-go seek. Then we would snack on my parents plum tree. I remember how they tasted so sweet and how I loved the tartness of the skin just as much as the flesh. When the street lights came on, my parents would call me inside (because everyone knows you had to go inside when the street lights came on) and I would have stained red lips and clothing...

Now every time I eat plums, it takes me back to those simple days when the most I had to worry about was getting good grades and if my mom would be upset if the plum juice didn't come out of my clothes. So when I found this seemingly beautiful, simple plum cake, I knew I had to make it... 

I found this Martha Stewart recipe on Rachel's blog, Elephantine. I adore her blog...This cake is so simple to make, so delicious and so light. It would be perfect for a little dinner party served right in the skillet... Here is what you need and what to do:

1 cup all purpose flour, + more for the skillet

4 Tbsp unsalted butter  + more for the skillet

3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp of sugar

1/2 cup of lowfat buttermilk

1/2 tsp of baking powder

1/4 tsp of baking soda

1/2 tsp course salt

1 large egg

2 - 3 plums, sliced

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter and flour a 9 in skillet. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder and set aside. Using an electic mixer to beat the butter and the sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the egg. Then add the flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with the buttermilk. 

Pour batter into the skillet and smooth the top with a spatula. Fan the plum slices on top and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake for 30 - 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving.

Feel free to substitute the plums for pears, peaches or any other fruit you like. And of course, let me know if you make it!