Name: Poppy Seed Pound Cake with Plum Pluot Compote
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 1/2 hr (includes cooling)
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising; sift before measuring); 1/4 cup poppy seeds; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 vanilla bean; 1 3/4 sticks unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 3 large eggs, warmed in very warm water 10 minutes; 1/2 cup half-and-half at room temperature 30 minutes; 2 pounds firm-ripe plums and pluots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wedges; 3/4 cup sugar, or to taste; 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest , divided; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg; Accompaniment: lightly sweetened whipped creamAccompaniment: lightly sweetened whipped cream

Image may contain Human Person Food Confectionery Sweets Finger Cream Dessert Cake Creme Icing and Clothing

Poppy Seed Pound Cake with Plum Pluot CompoteRoland Bello

Plums and pluots—a hybrid that blends the color of plums with the flavor and soft texture of apricots—have a natural tartness that flatters the accompanying pound cake (which tastes even better if made a couple of days ahead).

Cooks' notes:

•Pound cake can be baked 3 days ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
•Compote can be made 1 day ahead and chilled.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Our Best Sweet and Savory Plum Recipes
When the late-summer fruit is in season, we're eating it every way we can.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

London Fog Brownies

Yes, brownies can—and should—be made with white chocolate.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Recipe notes

Our Best Sweet and Savory Plum Recipes