Recipes | Eggless Desserts | Food Styling | Food Photography | In Season
Stone Fruit Tea Cake … perfect inspiration for summer!
“No self-respecting mother would run out of intimidations on the eve of a major holiday.”
Erma Brombeck
A Stone Fruit Tea Cake must be one of the best ways to use stone fruit in a cake this summer. Light enough to be a snack to satiate that grumbling in the tummy, yet indulgent enough to offer a light summer dessert if served with whipped cream or ice cream! As I write this post, I am desperately trying to get organised as we are due to leave for a vacation to Hong Kong and Sydney tomorrow … and nothing seems to be moving!Ever since summer and stone fruit arrived, I’ve been looking out for options to use them differently. The Google gods are ready to oblige, and enter the magic words and soon I was led to Rima’s beautiful blog. Her Stone Fruit Tea Cakecaught my eye instantly. It was P R E T T Y, and looked like such an elegant tea cake.Back home my stash of stone fruit nudged me to get going. I seriously needed inspiration to begin as the day was dark and dreary, rainy gray, so no fun taking pictures outdoors! I got onto Twitter after absolute ages and boy was I glad to be back! No lack of inspiration there … a great bunch of folk, and a racing time-line sucked me into another world. Then came the nudge to move it …
dazzler2980: @vindee the mood to photograph doesnt always run parallel to the the weather.. SO you should just go for it.
Before I knew it, I was out with the camera and clicking. Thanks for the dazzling nudgeAnita@ dazzler2980… The cake was baked soon after; was an absolute joy to make. The vibrant colours, the expectancy of a new bake, the uneventful release from the pan {very important happiness factor} all made it so worthwhile! I played around with the original recipe a little {which is now more the norm with me} to up the healthy factor some! It was healthy enough with all the fruit in there, but I put in some almond meal as I love the added texture and flavour it lends to bakes. It does make the cake crumb a little heavier as against using only plain flour, yet the end result is certainly delicious; well worth the healthy addition. As was the Gateau Aux Pommes {apple cake} I recently posted, this tea cake is another good example of a snack cake as well as dessert. Fruit bakes pair well with ice cream and low fat cream {my first preference}, and this cake is no exception. Go on, indulge!! We particularly liked the density and body the almond meal gave the cake, and the fruit were wonderful in here!This is a great cake for tea, served warm, but also nice to make ahead and chill. The dieting diva was back from Dubai and literally hacking LARGE slices off, devouring every crumb with pleasure! The cake kept well in the fridge for 3-4 days {covered}. I love this season … and have done a roasted plum and apricot quark panna cotta too, which hopefully will see the light of day {blog-day} sometime!The kids came back refreshed after a good holiday {away from the Mum}, and were spoilt silly by their cousin and her hub in Dubai. They are now back in the clutches of the ‘wicked mother‘ as we embark on phase 2 of the summer vacations headed Down Under {and HKG}. I am already TIRED, and the intimidations on the quote above are running fast & thick!
[print_this]Recipe: NAME
Summary: A Stone Fruit Tea Cake must be one of the best ways to use stone fruit in a cake this summer. Light enough to be a snack to satiate that grumbling in the tummy, yet indulgent enough to offer a light summer dessert if served with whipped cream or ice cream!
Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Ingredients:
1 tbsp butter (for greasing pan)
1/2 cup almond meal {I ground whole almonds}
1 cup plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
110gms unsalted butter, room temperature
125gm sugar powdered with 1/2 vanilla bean, sifted
2 eggs
1 sachet vanilla sugar for sprinkling over
5 apricots, 5 plums, 3 peaches, 1 cup of cherries {or any combination of stone fruit you like}
Method:
Preheat the oven to 170C. Grease a round 9″ tart tin with the tbsp of butter.
Run the almond meal, flour, baking powder and salt briefly in a blender to mix
Cream the butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes until light. Add the eggs and beat again.
On low speed, add the flour mix in 3 goes and blend until just mixed. The dough will be soft. You can divide this into 2 and chill one half. Push the other half to line the base of your tart pan/ baking tin
Pit and chop the stone fruit, and scatter evenly over the base lined with dough. Sprinkle generously with sugar if your fruit are sour.
Dollop and roughly spread the remaining dough over the top, spreading roughly with an offset spatula. The dough will even out while baking, leaving pretty gaps for the fruit to peep out. Sprinkle over with vanilla sugar.
Bake at 170C for about 30 minutes. The top will feel firm and set. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before removing from pan.
About me: I am a freelance food writer, recipe developer and photographer. Food is my passion - baking, cooking, developing recipes, making recipes healthier, using fresh seasonal produce and local products, keeping a check on my carbon footprint and being a responsible foodie! I enjoy food styling, food photography, recipe development and product reviews. I express this through my food photographs which I style and the recipes I blog. My strength lies in 'Doing Food From Scratch'; it must taste as good as it looks, and be healthy too. Baking in India, often my biggest challenge is the non-availability of baking ingredients, and this has now become a platform to get creative on. I enjoy cooking immensely as well.
View all posts by Deeba @ PAB
64 thoughts on “Stone Fruit Tea Cake … perfect inspiration for summer!”
Looks fantastic! I haven’t been able to get here for a while and I think I have some catching up to do!!
I am glad you didn’t wait for better weather to bake this cake. The photographs are stunning even without sun. This cake reminds me of my grandmother’s apple cake that I have wanted to try with other fruit. I am like you with the almond meal, always trying to sneak it in.
I have peaches, nectarines, and apricots in my fridge just waiting to be used! How much stone fruit did you use in the recipe? (It’s in the method but not in the ingredients). I can probably guess. Will be making this soon! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
This time around I’m prepared for your ‘stone fruits’ – I just never put those type of fruits into a group and last year my first thought was…stoned fruits…what? They have booze in them?
Your cake looks delicious but today I really noticed your props Deeba. Beautiful mug and knives and bowl. They look used and lovely.
Hi Deeba! This looks fantastic! I’ve gone and bought a ton of peaches and cherries. But how much of the fruit do I put in? The quantity seems to have skipped the ingredient list. Do let me know!
The weather seems to have given a moody look to the images contrasting with the bright jewels of the fruit. I love them. You’ve got me thinking too as I have a glut of apricots and peaches waving at me from the fruitbowl.
What a fabulous cake. I could relate to the happiness of a cake’s release from the pan. Have fun on your trip. Are you planning on meeting up with Lorraine, Not Quite Nigella, when you’re in Sydney?
I’ve been missing this space but finally I’ve made it and see you delight me with lovely summer fruit and cake. Love the freshness of the cake and the power of Twitter ;o) The images are gorgeous. Missing you my friend!
This looks absolutely amazing Deeba! I love stonefruit but I always end up buying more of it then I can handle but this is perfect for getting rid of leftovers..
I cannot wait for stone fruit to make their appearance in our markets. I love using them in simple recipes such as this gorgeous tea cake. Would make a lovely addition to brunch. I hope you have a wonderful vacation. Are you going to get a chance to head to Melbourne to see Nanette? Jealous if so!
Beautiful! Food looks at its best when looking at pictures on your blog! Do you fancy taking food photography classes? I’ll be your first student ….We do eat by our eyes…and your pics just inspire me to read the recipe and give it a go…amazing!!!
This cake has my name all over it! I cannot wait until the weather gives me the right fruit for and I’ll be making it. It looks amazing.
I’ve never visited your site before, but I love it. It was my serendipitous find for today. I’ll be back.
Your photos of the Stone Fruit Tea Cake are simply stunning Deeba. I love the creative rustic feel you captured. Amazing! The tea cake looks yummy too.
This looks both beautiful and delicious – almost too pretty to even eat! I’ve made similar cakes in the past (not nearly as photogenic :}), usually adding nectarines (my favorite fruit) into the mix. Wonderful recipe!
Enjoy your trip! I hear Sydney’s beautiful in June.
This looks exactly like my kind of dessert…packed with all the wonderful goodness and tastiness from Mother Nature…FRUIT! Thank you for providing a great recipe and photos. I’m sure this will be a very delicious ‘stand by’ recipe, which I love!
Hey there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the superb work!
Looks fantastic! I haven’t been able to get here for a while and I think I have some catching up to do!!
Dear Deeba look amazing and delicious I love this type of cake, Je aime,and I love your pictures, really look perfect!! xoxoxoxo gloria
I am glad you didn’t wait for better weather to bake this cake. The photographs are stunning even without sun. This cake reminds me of my grandmother’s apple cake that I have wanted to try with other fruit. I am like you with the almond meal, always trying to sneak it in.
Have a great trip!
I am a big fan of stone fruits. This cake looks and sounds fantastic. Yummylicious!
Cheers,
Rosa
Looks so juicy and lovely for summer! I’m totally envious of your stone backdrop too ;p
wow what photographs.. you gotto really start tutorials in the photography.
I have peaches, nectarines, and apricots in my fridge just waiting to be used! How much stone fruit did you use in the recipe? (It’s in the method but not in the ingredients). I can probably guess. Will be making this soon! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Now updated Katherine…I basically eyeballed the amount of fruit {about 2-3 cups is what I used, and gladly chomped up the leftovers}. Cheers
I made this, making a few changes, and it was just spectacular! You can check out my blog post on it here: http://www.katherinemartinelli.com/blog/2011/stone-fruit-tea-cake/. Thanks for the inspiration!
This time around I’m prepared for your ‘stone fruits’ – I just never put those type of fruits into a group and last year my first thought was…stoned fruits…what? They have booze in them?
Your cake looks delicious but today I really noticed your props Deeba. Beautiful mug and knives and bowl. They look used and lovely.
Hi Deeba! This looks fantastic! I’ve gone and bought a ton of peaches and cherries. But how much of the fruit do I put in? The quantity seems to have skipped the ingredient list. Do let me know!
Now updated Sneha…I basically eyeballed the amount of fruit {about 2-3 cups is what I used, and gladly chomped up the leftovers}. Cheers
Quite decadent indeed. I can imagine how moist and tasty it is from all these fruits!!
Stunning photographs and a delicious looking desserts.
Oh, this sounds so good! I love stone fruits and this ALMOST sounds healthy! 🙂 Thanks for another wonderful recipe! David
Hi Deeba, what quantity of the fruit goes into the cake? I just bought a ton of cherries and peaches – am waiting to use ’em up.
The weather seems to have given a moody look to the images contrasting with the bright jewels of the fruit. I love them. You’ve got me thinking too as I have a glut of apricots and peaches waving at me from the fruitbowl.
Your pies and cakes are always so pretty as are your utensils and photos. LOVE the knife in the photo!
Those yellows and reds are so beautiful !!!
Marvellous,elegant and pretty irresistible cake..
Hmm… the cake looks incredible darling and the picutres are super gorgeous as well. Hope you’re having a great day ahead.
Blessings, Kristy
Absolutely gorgeous and the photos are *dazzling* :-). It’s always a pleasure to come visit your blog, Deeba!
Have a wonderful holiday.
When I first looked at it, I thought it was a tart. But reading on, I could see the cake amidst the fruit. Lovely, Deeba, and very unusual!
Such a pretty cake, Deeba! Love it 🙂
This looks delicious! I just discovered your blog, I WILL be back for more inspiration! 🙂
Man that looks good. Is this a baking blog or a photography blog? 🙂 You take great pictures. I love the reds and yellows together.
What a fabulous cake. I could relate to the happiness of a cake’s release from the pan. Have fun on your trip. Are you planning on meeting up with Lorraine, Not Quite Nigella, when you’re in Sydney?
Okay, I finally have cherries and peaches and apricots and I’m gonna make everything I’ve been staring at on your blog
I’ve been missing this space but finally I’ve made it and see you delight me with lovely summer fruit and cake. Love the freshness of the cake and the power of Twitter ;o) The images are gorgeous. Missing you my friend!
This looks absolutely amazing Deeba! I love stonefruit but I always end up buying more of it then I can handle but this is perfect for getting rid of leftovers..
Your tea cake is absolutely stunning, I would love to have a piece right now!
Ah, another slice of perfection 😀
*kisses* HH
Hi Deeba,
I cannot wait for stone fruit to make their appearance in our markets. I love using them in simple recipes such as this gorgeous tea cake. Would make a lovely addition to brunch. I hope you have a wonderful vacation. Are you going to get a chance to head to Melbourne to see Nanette? Jealous if so!
Yum! That is what I want to mak!e today…have to hold off for those peaches to come into season here though. Can’t hardly wait!
Beautiful! Food looks at its best when looking at pictures on your blog! Do you fancy taking food photography classes? I’ll be your first student ….We do eat by our eyes…and your pics just inspire me to read the recipe and give it a go…amazing!!!
Beautiful photos and cake Deeba. have lots of fun on your holiday 🙂
Have a fabulous holiday Deeba….I love cakes that don’t require frosting and this one looks very rustic and filling.
This looks gorgeous… totally bursting with color! Am thinking of baking it and packing it away to take on my vacation…
This cake has my name all over it! I cannot wait until the weather gives me the right fruit for and I’ll be making it. It looks amazing.
I’ve never visited your site before, but I love it. It was my serendipitous find for today. I’ll be back.
That cake looks gorgeous, D! I’m sure you’re having a great vacation. Come back soon! I miss your posts 🙂
Your photos of the Stone Fruit Tea Cake are simply stunning Deeba. I love the creative rustic feel you captured. Amazing! The tea cake looks yummy too.
I agree this stone fruit cake is perfect for summer! Looks amazing 🙂
This looks both beautiful and delicious – almost too pretty to even eat! I’ve made similar cakes in the past (not nearly as photogenic :}), usually adding nectarines (my favorite fruit) into the mix. Wonderful recipe!
Enjoy your trip! I hear Sydney’s beautiful in June.
Take care,
–Chelsey
Your tea cake looks magnificently delicious! Just stunning!.
this look so heavenly. and your photos are stunning. thank you for sharing this.
I love that kind of cake because it fits to all fruit. Can’s await to bake it with plums 🙂
Nice, I can’t wait to give these a try.
I haven’t baked with cherries yet this year, and I need to! This is a beautiful cake. Love all the fruit in it.
Have a great vacation!
This looks exactly like my kind of dessert…packed with all the wonderful goodness and tastiness from Mother Nature…FRUIT! Thank you for providing a great recipe and photos. I’m sure this will be a very delicious ‘stand by’ recipe, which I love!
The cake looks wonderful.
Hi Deeba ,
I am in love with your pictures – the rustic props… and offcourse the food…
Cake looks wonderful..
Made this stone fruit tea cake and I love the recipe. http://sliceofmylyfe.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/friends-food-and-fun-stone-fruit-tea-cake/
This cake looks and sounds fantastic. This looks both beautiful and delicious – almost too pretty to even eat! Jealous if so! I’ll be back.
Amazing Stone Fruit Tea Cake, sounds delicious !!
Hey there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the superb work!
Good day Deeba @ PAB thanks for your informative blog post on . It was very beneficial for a report I am finishing up for class.
Hey there Deeba @ PAB thank you for your great blog post on . The post was very beneficial for a report I am putting together for university.
I am one of cake lovers. Your recipe looks very delicious. I like that.
your cake {and pictures} are gorgeous.
loving your recipes,,,, living in Canada….. need the recipes translate-able to volume and non-metric…. puuleezzzz???