Fantastic Plum Swirls – You Absolutely Have to Try Them!

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

• In a small bowl, stir the lukewarm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar and the fresh yeast until the yeast is dissolved.

• In a larger mixing bowl, combine the flour, the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar, the slightly cooled melted butter, and the egg yolk.

• Pour in the yeast-milk mixture. Using the dough hooks of a hand mixer (or by hand), knead for several minutes until you have a smooth, soft dough.

• Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 45 minutes, or until it has roughly doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Plum Filling:

• While the dough rises, combine the chopped plums with 1 tablespoon of water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the plums have softened and most of the liquid has evaporated.

• In a small dish, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the plums and cook for another minute until the mixture thickens.

• Remove from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar. Set aside to cool completely.

3. Assemble the Swirls:

• Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it briefly, then roll it out into a rectangle measuring roughly 20 x 30 cm (8 x 12 inches).

• Brush the surface of the dough with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, leaving a small border around the edges.

• In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar with the cinnamon, ground cloves, and chopped almonds. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

• Carefully spread the cooled plum compote over the spiced almond layer.

4. Shape and Final Rise:

• Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.

• Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the log into 6 equal pieces.

• Place the swirls, cut-side up, on a baking tray lined with baking paper, leaving some space between them for rising.

• Cover the tray with a towel and let the swirls rise again for another 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

5. Bake:

• Just before baking, brush the tops and sides of the swirls generously with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

• Bake on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Let the swirls cool on the tray for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm!

Guten Appetit! 😋