Marian Burros's Original Plum Torte

Ingredients

• 3/4 c. to 1 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened
• 1 c. unbleached flour, sifted
• 1 . baking powder
• pinch of salt, optional
• 2 eggs
• 24 halves pitted purple plums
• sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon, for topping
• whipped cream, for optional serving

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cream the sugar and butter together in a bowl. Add the flour, baking powder, salt and eggs; beat well.
3. Spoon the batter into a greased spring-form pan of 8, 9 or 10 inches. Place the plum halves skin side up on top of the batter. Sprinkle lightly with sugar and lemon juice, depending on the sweetness of the fruit. Sprinkle with about 1 t. cinnamon, to taste.
4. Bake 40 minutes to 1 hour.
5. Remove from oven; let cool to lukewarm and serve plain or with whipped cream, if desired.
6. 8 servings.
7. *You could also refrigerate or freeze, if desired. To serve it from frozen, defrost and reheat it briefly at 300 degrees.