Plum Torte

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) PLUS 1 or 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sugar
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder
• 2 eggs
• Pinch salt
• 24 halves pitted Italian (aka prune or purple) plums
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon, or more
• Vanilla ice cream, optional

Preparation

1. Arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In an electric mixer, cream the 3/4 cup (180 ml) sugar and the butter. Add the flour, baking powder, eggs, and salt, and beat to mix well.
3. Spread the batter in a 9-inch (23 cm) greased springform pan. Cover the top with the plums, skin side down.
4. Mix the cinnamon with the remaining 1 or 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of sugar and sprinkle over the top.
5. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the center tests done with a toothpick. Remove and cool to room temperature, or serve warm.

Serve with vanilla ice cream.