Drozdzowka (Polish Yeast Plum Cake)

Drozdzowka (Polish Yeast Plum Cake)
  • PREP TIME
    1 hrs
  • COOK TIME
    1 hrs
  • TOTAL TIME
    2 hrs 20 mins
  • SERVING
    24 People
  • VIEWS
    25

Experience the comforting warmth of Drozdzowka, a classic Polish yeast cake studded with juicy plums and topped with a buttery, cinnamon-kissed streusel. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat, this cake is a celebration of simple flavors and comforting aromas.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    61 g
  • Cholesterol
    43 mg
  • Fiber
    2 g
  • Protein
    8 g
  • Saturated Fat
    5 g
  • Sodium
    179 mg
  • Sugar
    19 g
  • Fat
    16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step
30 mins

Activate the Yeast: In a small saucepan, gently warm 1/2 cup milk over very low heat until it reaches approximately 100°F (38°C). Remove from heat and whisk in 1 tablespoon flour and 1 tablespoon sugar. Transfer to a bowl. Crumble the cake yeast into the milk mixture and stir gently until creamy. Cover with a clean cloth and let stand in a warm place until the yeast mixture becomes spongy and frothy, about 20-30 minutes.

02

Step
5 mins

Prepare the Dough: Melt the margarine or butter in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and let it cool to lukewarm. [Prep time: 5 minutes]

03

Step
5 mins

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and sprinkle evenly with bread crumbs. [Prep time: 5 minutes]

04

Step
5 mins

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a blender or using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and 1 1/8 cups sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and fluffy. [Prep time: 5 minutes]

05

Step
20 mins

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 8 cups flour and vanilla sugar (or add vanilla extract later with wet ingredients). Stir in the egg mixture, activated yeast mixture, and lukewarm melted margarine/butter. Gradually add 1 cup milk, or as needed, kneading until the dough comes together and is smooth and elastic. Knead for at least 15 minutes to develop the gluten and incorporate air into the dough.

06

Step
10 mins

Assemble the Cake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the quartered plums evenly over the surface of the dough. [Prep time: 10 minutes]

07

Step
10 mins

Make the Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, cold cubed butter, and 1/2 cup sugar. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the plums. If desired, dust with cinnamon. [Prep time: 10 minutes]

08

Step
1 hrs 10 mins

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. [Bake time: 60-70 minutes]

09

Step
10 mins

Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

For best results, use high-quality European-style butter for the streusel, as it has a higher fat content and will create a richer, more flavorful topping.
If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with 4 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Be sure to proof it according to the package directions before adding it to the milk mixture.
Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as apples, pears, or blueberries. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
To make ahead, the unbaked cake can be assembled and refrigerated overnight. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Fredy Paucek

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 3.8/ 5 ( 8 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (5)
  • Dahlia Monahan

    I made this for a Polish-themed dinner party, and it was a huge hit! Everyone raved about the streusel topping.

  • Heidi Emmerich

    This recipe is fantastic! The cake is so light and fluffy, and the plums add the perfect touch of sweetness.

  • Adele Gerlach

    I added a little lemon zest to the streusel, and it gave the cake a lovely bright flavor!

  • Freeda Bruen

    I've made this recipe several times, and it always turns out perfectly. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.

  • Emery Kuhn

    The first time I tried making this cake, it didn't rise properly. I realized that my yeast was old and no longer active. Make sure you are using fresh ingredients.

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