Plum Torte

3/4 cup plus 1-2 T granulated sugar
8 T (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
pinch of salt
24 halves pitted Italian plums
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or more to taste

Optional: vanilla ice cream

Arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In an electric mixer, cream the 3/4 cup of sugar and butter. Add the flour, baking powder, eggs and salt and beat to mix well. Place in a 9- or 10-inch ungreased springform pan. Cover the top with the plums, skin side down.

Mix the cinnamon with the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle over the top.

Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the center tests done with a toothpick.

Remove and cool to room temperature or serve warm.

Serve plain or with vanilla ice cream.

Serve 8