Plum Charlotte is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness and tartness of plums with layers of buttered bread, resulting in a delicious and comforting treat. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for showcasing the flavors of ripe plums. The plums are poached until tender and sweetened with sugar. The bread slices are buttered and used to line the dish, creating a base for the plums. Finally, the remaining bread is cut into strips and arranged in a lattice pattern on top. The Plum Charlotte is baked until golden brown, creating a beautiful presentation.
INGREDIENTS:
- 450g/1lb plums
- 1 tablespoon caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 4 slices white bread
- 25g/1oz butter
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas mark 5.
- Halve and stone the plums, then place them in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon of water. Poach the plums until they become tender.
- Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the poached plums and mix well.
- Spread the slices of bread with butter and use two of them to line a 20cm/8in ovenproof serving dish.
- Arrange the poached plums on top of the bread-lined dish.
- Cut the remaining bread slices into thin strips and arrange them in a lattice pattern on top of the plums.
- Sprinkle the lattice with some extra caster sugar.
- Bake the Plum Charlotte in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.
YIELD: Serves 4
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- You can serve the Plum Charlotte warm or at room temperature.
- Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of custard for added indulgence.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the plums and your personal preference.
- Experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, for variations in flavor and texture.
- You can add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar for extra flavor.
- Serve the Plum Charlotte as a delicious ending to a meal or as a sweet treat for afternoon tea.
TIPS:
- Choose ripe and flavorful plums for the best results in this dessert.
- If desired, you can peel the plums before halving and stoning them.
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for easier slicing and better texture.
- Make sure to butter the bread slices evenly to create a barrier between the plums and the bread to prevent sogginess.
- Test the readiness of the Plum Charlotte by ensuring that the top is golden brown and the plums are soft and tender.
Plum Charlotte is a classic dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness and tartness of plums. With its layers of buttered bread and poached plums, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The plums are gently poached until tender, then sweetened with sugar to enhance their natural sweetness. The bread slices, buttered and arranged in a dish, create a perfect base for the plums. The lattice of buttered bread on top adds a beautiful touch and bakes to a golden brown perfection.
Whether served warm or at room temperature, the Plum Charlotte is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of custard. It is a wonderful dessert to serve after a meal or to enjoy during a cozy afternoon tea. Try this recipe and savor the deliciousness of Plum Charlotte with its comforting flavors and satisfying textures.
