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.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts

There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

31 Cashew Recipes That Go Beyond the Snack Bowl

Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.

How to Thaw Fish Fast

The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.

Béchamel Sauce

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

I Tried a Daily Wellness Drink for Better Digestion and Energy—Here's How It Went

A mix of turmeric, ginger, and milk thistle in Dose for Your Liver purports to support your liver health—but what does the research say?

Recipe notes

Our Best Sweet and Savory Plum Recipes