Place them in a bowl and gently toss with the sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice.
Set aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla and lemon zest.
Add the sour cream and dry ingredients gradually, mixing just until combined.
The batter should be thick and smooth.
Step 3: Spread the Batter
Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan.
Use a spatula to spread it evenly from corner to corner.
Because the batter is relatively thick, take your time smoothing the surface.
Step 4: Arrange the Plums
Arrange the plum slices over the batter in slightly overlapping rows.
Press them gently into the surface without completely burying them.
As the cake bakes, the plums will soften and release their juices into the cake.
Step 5: Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 40–50 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out mostly clean.
The plums should be tender and slightly caramelized around the edges.
Step 6: Cool
Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack.
Allow it to cool in the pan for approximately 20–30 minutes.
This gives the cake time to firm up and makes slicing easier.
Step 7: Dust With Powdered Sugar
Once the cake has cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar.
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Tips for the Best Szilvás Pite
Choose ripe but firm plums
Very soft plums can release too much liquid. Choose fruit that is ripe and juicy but still holds its shape.
Don’t overmix the batter
Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Arrange the plums evenly
Distribute the plum slices across the entire surface so every piece gets plenty of fruit.
Add cinnamon
Cinnamon pairs beautifully with plums and gives the cake a warm, traditional flavor.
Let it cool before slicing
The plum juices are very hot when the cake comes out of the oven. Cooling allows the crumb to set and makes cleaner slices.
What Does Hungarian Plum Cake Taste Like?
Szilvás Pite has a wonderful combination of textures.
The cake base is soft and buttery, while the baked plums become tender and juicy. Cinnamon adds warmth, and the natural tartness of the plums keeps the dessert from becoming overly sweet.
A final dusting of powdered sugar adds just enough sweetness.
What Is Szilvás Pite?
In Hungarian, szilva means plum, while pite refers to a pie or pastry. Szilvás Pite is therefore a traditional Hungarian plum pastry or cake.
There are several variations of Hungarian plum desserts, but this style highlights fresh plums baked directly over a tender pastry or cake base.
What to Serve With Hungarian Plum Cake
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
Powdered sugar
Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream
Vanilla custard
Sour cream
Fresh berries
A cup of coffee
Hot black tea
A warm slice served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes an especially wonderful dessert.
Can I Use Frozen Plums?
Yes, although fresh plums are preferable.
If using frozen plums, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before adding them to the cake. Too much moisture can make the cake soggy.
Can I Make Szilvás Pite Ahead?
Absolutely.
The cake can be baked a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature.
The flavors become beautifully blended as the cake rests, and it remains tender and moist.
How to Store Hungarian Plum Cake
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container.
At room temperature, it is best enjoyed within a couple of days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerate it.
Bring refrigerated slices closer to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of plums are best?
European or Italian plums are excellent choices because they have a firm texture and concentrated flavor, but other ripe fresh plums can also work.
Can I use other fruit?
Yes. Apricots, peaches, cherries, or apples can be used for variations, although plums give this cake its traditional character.
Why is my cake soggy around the plums?
Plums naturally release juice as they bake. Using very watery fruit or overcrowding the cake with too much fruit can add excess moisture.
Can I add walnuts?
Yes. A small amount of finely chopped walnuts can be sprinkled over the batter or plums for extra texture.
Is Szilvás Pite served warm?
It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. For a classic afternoon treat, room temperature is particularly enjoyable.
Hungarian Szilvás Pite is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh plums in a traditional homemade dessert. The combination of tender buttery cake, juicy plums, cinnamon, and powdered sugar is simple, comforting, and full of seasonal flavor.
Whether you’re baking with plums from the farmers’ market or simply looking for a cozy Hungarian dessert to serve with coffee, this classic Szilvás Pite is a recipe worth keeping. 🇭🇺💜
