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Prajitura cu Prune

Prajitura cu Prune

Origin: RomanianPeriod: Traditional

Prajitura cu Prune is a traditional Romanian plum cake characterized by its tender, enriched crumb and the natural sweetness of seasonal plums. The cake typically employs a creamed base of egg yolks, confectioner's sugar, and shortening, enriched further with sour cream, while beaten egg whites are folded in to impart a light, airy texture. Cinnamon provides the signature warm spice note that complements the tartness of the plums. Rooted in Romanian home-baking traditions, this dessert reflects the broader Eastern European practice of showcasing stone fruits in simple yet satisfying baked goods.

Cultural Significance

Prajitura cu Prune holds a cherished place in Romanian domestic culinary tradition, particularly during late summer and early autumn when plums — one of Romania's most abundant and culturally significant fruits — reach peak ripeness. Plums occupy a special role in Romanian food culture, being the source of the national spirit țuică as well as a wide range of preserves and baked goods, making this cake an expression of seasonal and agricultural heritage. While its precise historical origins are not thoroughly documented, the recipe is widely considered a staple of grandmotherly, home-kitchen cooking passed down through generations.

vegetarian
Prep25 min
Cook50 min
Total75 min
Servings4
Difficultyintermediate

Ingredients

Method

1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking pan thoroughly with shortening, then lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
5 minutes
2
Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in a large mixing bowl and the whites in a clean, grease-free bowl. Set the whites aside for later use.
3 minutes
3
Beat the egg yolks together with the confectioner's sugar until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and creamy. Blend in the sour cream and a generous pinch of cinnamon until fully incorporated.
5 minutes
4
In the separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff, glossy peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture in two or three additions to keep the batter light and airy.
7 minutes
5
Wash, halve, and pit the fresh plums, then arrange them cut-side down evenly over the batter in the prepared pan, pressing them in slightly.
5 minutes
6
Dust the top of the cake lightly with additional cinnamon and a little confectioner's sugar before placing it in the preheated oven.
2 minutes
7
Bake the cake in the preheated oven until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
40 minutes
8
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before dusting with extra confectioner's sugar, slicing, and serving.
30 minutes

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