Happy Endings Plum Cake
Source: The Cereal Murders by Diane Mott Davidson

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 (16-ounce) can purple plums, packed in syrup, well drained, the syrup reserved and the plums chopped
confectioners' sugar

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy and light, then gradually add the sugars, beating until creamy and smooth. Beat in the eggs, then the vanilla.

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together. Stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup reserved syrup, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Stir in the plums. Pour the batter into a buttered 9x13-inch pan.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Turn the cake out onto a rack and allow it to cool, then dust with confectioners' sugar.

Makes 12 to 16 servings

High Altitude:
add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
subtract 1/2 teaspoon baking powder