Italian Plum Squares

There’s something about Italian prune plums that makes them irresistible in cakes and batters. Tart and sweet, divinely coloured and quick to disappear.

• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 15 to 20 Italian prune plums, pitted and quartered

For the streusel topping

• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup soft butter
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Preheat your oven to 350˚F, and grease a 9-by-12-inch pan.

In a large bowl, mix together the butter, sugar and egg until combined. Add the flour, baking powder and milk, and mix again. In an even layer, press the mixture into a greased 9-by-12-inch pan. Then top the layer with the pitted and quartered plums, placing them skin-side down.

Next, place all the streusel ingredients in a mixing bowl, and crumb them together with your fingers. Sprinkle the topping over the plums and bake the squares for 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool on a rack for 15 minutes, and serve warm.