Imagine the combination of rich, velvety chocolate melting in your mouth with the burst of sweet-tart plums, perfectly ripe and juicy. This Plum and Chocolate Cake brings these two flavors together in a way that’s both decadent and comforting. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this cake offers a balance of indulgence and freshness in every bite. As the plums soften and caramelize on top, they add a fruity contrast to the deep chocolate richness, making each slice an irresistible experience.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 4-5 ripe plums, pitted and sliced (about 2 cups)
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup (90 g) dark chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add Plums:
- Gently fold in half of the sliced plums into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Add Topping:
- Arrange the remaining plum slices on top of the batter. Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips or chunks evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle a little sugar over the plums for extra sweetness.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay, but it shouldn’t be wet).
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
Tips
- Serving Suggestions: This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
With every bite of this Plum and Chocolate Cake, you’ll savor the delightful harmony of fruity sweetness and luscious chocolate. It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a little moment of joy to share with loved ones or enjoy as a personal indulgence. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a warm cup of tea, and watch how quickly it disappears from the table. Happy baking, and enjoy this delicious slice of happiness!
Enjoy your delicious Plum and Chocolate Cake!