Fresh Plum and Kefir Cake with Cinnamon

Name: Fresh Plum and Kefir Cake with Cinnamon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Eastern European-inspired
Ingredients: 500 g ripe plums, pitted and quartered; 200 g all-purpose flour; 150 g granulated sugar; 100 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 2 whole large eggs; 100 ml plain kefir; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 pinch fine salt; 1 tbsp coarse sugar, optional

A tender kefir cake topped with fresh plums and a little cinnamon.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 5 minMakes 8 servings

Jump to Recipe

This plum cake has a soft, lightly sweet crumb with ripe plums arranged on top. The source lists both kefir and sour cream as optional variants, which can make the batter proportions unclear; this version chooses kefir and keeps the batter simple. Use firm-ripe plums, cut side up, and avoid pressing them too deeply into the batter. Bake until the centre springs back and a tester comes out with a few crumbs. Serve warm or at room temperature. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 23 cm round cake pan. Whisk eggs and sugar until combined. Whisk in cooled butter, kefir and vanilla. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt and half the cinnamon. Fold into wet mixture just until combined.

How to tell when it is ready

Centre springs back lightly and tester shows a few moist crumbs.

Tips

Use ripe but firm plums.
Do not overmix after adding flour.
Arrange plums cut-side up.
Cool before covering.

Troubleshooting

If the mixture is too thick, add liquid a little at a time.
If browning too quickly, lower the heat.

Substitutions

Use a suitable neutral oil if needed.
Choose a broth or seasoning that suits your dietary needs.

Variations

Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
Add a little citrus for brightness.

Serving suggestions

Serve with tea.
Add crème fraîche.
Pair with vanilla ice cream.
Dust lightly with icing sugar.

Make ahead

Measure ingredients ahead and finish cooking shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains wheat, egg and dairy. Cool cake before covering to prevent condensation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly.

How should I store plum cake with kefir?

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Fresh Plum and Kefir Cake with Cinnamon