Name: Protein Yoghurt Plum Cake with Sourdough Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; ½ cup protein powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp almond extract (optional but highly recommended); 1 cup Greek yogurt; ½ cup sourdough discard; 18 oz plums; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp icing sugar (optional, for dusting)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

If you love discovering unique bakes that combine nutrition with rich flavors, the Protein Yoghurt Plum Cake with Sourdough Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This cake brings together the tangy goodness of sourdough discard, the moist creaminess of Greek yoghurt, and a burst of juicy plums, all wrapped in a lightly sweetened, protein-packed batter. It’s one of those recipes that feels wholesome yet indulgent, delivering a tender crumb with a stunning cinnamon-sugar crust. Perfect for breakfast, an energizing snack, or even a comforting dessert, this cake champions creative baking with simple ingredients that yield extraordinary results.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a close-up of a slice of cake on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. The cake has two layers: a golden-brown baked top layer with a slightly crispy texture dusted with powdered sugar and a soft, light yellow inside layer. There is a bright red fruit filling, likely plum, visible in the middle of the slice. A fork is placed in the cake, breaking it apart, and a woman's hand is gently holding the edge of the white plate. In the background, the rest of the cake with a deep brown crust is in a glass pie dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right for this Protein Yoghurt Plum Cake with Sourdough Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, yet every component plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. These essentials are easily found in your kitchen, and each adds its own little magic touch—from nutty browned butter to the sweet-tart freshness of ripe plums.

All-purpose flour (¾ cup): The base that provides structure and softness to the cake.
Baking powder (1 ½ tsp): Essential for giving the cake a light and fluffy rise.
Kosher salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors by balancing the sweetness.
Unsalted butter (½ cup): Browned to add a rich, nutty aroma that transforms the whole cake.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens while whipping up lightness in the batter.
Large egg (1) and egg yolk (1): Help bind all ingredients and contribute to the cake’s tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Offers warm, familiar fragrance that harmonizes with plums.
Almond extract (1 tsp, optional): Adds an aromatic nutty hint, highly recommended for depth.
Protein powder (½ cup): Sneakily boosts the nutritional profile without compromising taste.
Greek yogurt (1 cup): Ensures moisture and a subtle tang that counterbalances the sweetness.
Sourdough discard (½ cup): A wonderful way to reduce waste while imparting a subtle complexity.
Plums (18 oz): Juicy, sweet, and slightly tart, they provide bursts of flavor and beautiful color.
Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Combined with cinnamon to create a caramelized topping that crisps wonderfully.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Infuses the cake with warm spice notes that complement luscious plums.
Icing sugar (1 tsp, optional): For a delicate dusting finish that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Make Protein Yoghurt Plum Cake with Sourdough Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot. Line the bottom of a springform pan with baking parchment and grease the sides thoroughly with butter. This ensures your cake releases easily, keeping all those beautiful plums intact after baking.

Step 2: Brown The Butter

This step is where the magic begins. Melt your butter slowly on medium-high heat until it starts bubbling, then lower the heat and keep stirring until the foam appears and you see golden brown specks forming. That nutty aroma signals readiness. Pour the browned butter immediately into a cake bowl to prevent burning.

Step 3: Cool the Butter Properly

Cooling the browned butter is crucial for texture. You can either refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes until it’s firm on the outside with a liquid center or whisk it over an ice bath until creamy and firm but not fully solid. This step helps the butter whip beautifully with sugar, avoiding a greasy cake.

Step 4: Whip the Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Add the granulated sugar to the butter and whip it vigorously until you get a light, fluffy mixture. If you have a stand mixer, this is the perfect time to use it. If not, a whisk and some patience will do just fine. This process traps air and adds volume to your cake batter.

Step 5: Add Eggs, Yogurt, Protein Powder, and Flavors

Whisk in the eggs until fully incorporated, then add the Greek yogurt, protein powder, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Mixing the protein powder into the wet ingredients helps it dissolve smoothly, keeping your cake tender rather than dry or powdery.

Step 6: Fold In Flour and Sourdough Discard Gently

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Switch to a spatula and gently fold these dry ingredients into the batter along with the sourdough discard. Be careful not to overmix here; the goal is a light, fluffy base with no dense gummy spots. The sourdough adds a subtle complexity and helps keep the cake moist.

Step 7: Prepare the Plums

Wash, pit, and slice your plums into sizeable pieces—about 6-8 slices per plum if they are large. Their juicy brightness will truly shine when baked, creating those sought-after pockets of fruit throughout your cake.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake Layers

Mix your brown sugar and cinnamon to make a spiced topping. Spread half the batter on the bottom of your pan, then layer half the plums evenly over it. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar on top. Cover with the remaining batter and arrange the rest of the plums on top in a decorative circle or scatter them stylishly. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon-sugar to form a crisp, caramelized crust.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Pop your cake into the oven for about 45-55 minutes. Rotate the pan midway through baking to ensure even browning. If your cake begins to brown too fast but isn’t fully cooked, cover loosely with foil for the final 10 minutes. The cake should come out golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should be clean, with edges delightfully crispy.

How to Serve Protein Yoghurt Plum Cake with Sourdough Recipe

A round pastry cake is shown on a white plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. The cake has a golden-brown crust with visible dessert fruit slices arranged in a circular pattern on top. The fruit slices have a mix of yellow and red colors, slightly caramelized. A light dusting of powdered sugar covers the top, adding a fine texture and soft white contrast to the warm cake colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of icing sugar adds just the right amount of elegance and a touch of sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or a few slivered almonds complement the almond extract beautifully, making the presentation pop and adding subtle texture contrasts.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or a hot cup of tea or coffee to balance its richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a side of Greek yogurt to echo the cake’s tangy depth. Layer thin plum slices on top of the cake before serving for extra flair. You could also turn it into a trifle by breaking the cake into cubes and layering it with yoghurt and plum compote in individual glasses for a stunning dessert presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It keeps more freshness at room temp but can last up to 4 days refrigerated—just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well with cling film and place it in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or on the counter, then reheat gently to enjoy that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

To revive the moistness and brought-back warmth, reheat slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low-temperature oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating as it can dry out the crumb and dull the nutty browned butter notes.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit instead of plums?

Absolutely! While plums offer a unique balance of tartness and sweetness, other fruits like peaches, apricots, or berries can work wonderfully. Just keep in mind the moisture content and adjust baking times slightly if needed.

What kind of protein powder works best in this recipe?

Unflavored or vanilla whey protein powders are ideal as they blend smoothly without altering the taste drastically. Plant-based powders can also work but may slightly affect texture and flavor, so choose one you enjoy.

Is the sourdough discard essential?

While the sourdough discard adds a lovely depth and moist crumb, you can substitute it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or buttermilk if you don’t have sourdough discard on hand. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure your baking powder and protein powder are also gluten-free. The texture might be a little different but still tasty!

Why is browning the butter so important in this recipe?

Browned butter imparts a deep, nutty flavor and aroma that you simply cannot get with melted butter. It elevates the overall taste, adding complexity and richness that pairs beautifully with both the plums and cinnamon-sugar topping.

Final Thoughts

This Protein Yoghurt Plum Cake with Sourdough Recipe is such a joyful bake to make and even better to share. It’s the perfect blend of wholesome and indulgent, capturing the season’s best with every bite. Once you try it, I promise it will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients and let the humble plum inspire your next kitchen adventure!