Juicy Plum Sheet Cake with Soft Butter Streusel

This cake beautifully captures the late summer season and is a delight for the whole family. The soft yeast dough is especially suitable for children from three years of age, as it absorbs the sweet plum juice and is easy to chew. The plums also provide valuable dietary fiber for balanced digestion.

Ingredients

• 150 g spelt flour (type 630 or all purpose)
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 50 ml lukewarm milk
• 30 g soft butter
• 1 tbsp fine raw cane sugar
• 300 g ripe plums (preferably organic)

For the streusel:

• 50 g spelt flour
• 30 g cold butter in small pieces
• 1 tbsp raw cane sugar
• 1 pinch Ceylon cinnamon

Preparation Steps

1. Knead the flour, dry yeast, lukewarm milk, soft butter, and sugar in a bowl until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about 45 minutes.
2. Wash the plums, cut them in half, and remove the pits. You can quarter the halves for younger children to make them easier to eat.
3. Press the dough into a small, greased baking dish (approx. 20 by 20 centimeters). Arrange the plums closely together on top of the dough.
4. For the streusel, use your fingers to crumble the flour, cold butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture over the plums.
5. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (standard top heat and bottom heat) for about 25 to 30 minutes.
6. Let the cake cool completely and check the temperature before serving it to your child.

Variations and Tips

• Fruity Variation: Instead of plums, soft pear slices or apple slices are also an excellent match for this autumnal dough.
• Storage: Covered, the cake keeps well in the refrigerator for two to three days. You can easily freeze individual slices and let them thaw at room temperature.
• Adjusting Texture: For children who find streusel too crunchy, you can simply leave it out and add a little more fruit.
• Tip for the Family: Adults often enjoy this cake served slightly warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Allergy Information and Safety Guidelines

• This recipe contains gluten (spelt flour) and dairy products (butter, milk).
• Introduce new ingredients like plums one at a time and in small amounts to observe any potential reactions.
• Ensure all plum pits are removed completely to avoid any choking hazard.
• If you have any concerns about your child's diet or digestion, talk to your pediatrician.

Nutritional Information

Plums are little powerhouses and provide valuable dietary fiber, which gently supports a child's digestion. They also contain important vitamins like vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system as the season turns cooler. The spelt in the dough also offers complex carbohydrates for long lasting energy during playtime. Enjoyed in moderation, cake can absolutely have a place in a balanced diet for children.