Moist Plum Cake Cioccolato Recipe
Sweet dessert? Learn how to make an amazing plum cake cioccolato. This easy recipe provides a delightful, moist cake with a delicious flavor.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, chocolatey cake studded with juicy plums that burst with flavor in every bite. This plum cake cioccolato combines the rich decadence of Italian chocolate with the fresh sweetness of seasonal plums, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.
What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible simplicity – you can whip it up in just 20 minutes of prep time using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s the perfect family-friendly treat that brings everyone together around the table.
What is Plum Cake Cioccolato?
Ever wondered why we call it “plum cake cioccolato“? Well, it’s quite simple really! The Italian word “cioccolato” means chocolate, and when you combine it with sweet, juicy plums, you get pure magic in cake form.
It’s like the saying goes – “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” – and this cake certainly delivers on that promise! Ready to fall in love with this delightful dessert?
Why You’ll Love This Plum Cake Cioccolato:
Rich Chocolate Flavor: The star of this dessert is the deep, luxurious chocolate that creates a perfect base for the sweet plums. Each bite delivers that satisfying cocoa richness that chocolate lovers crave, while the plums add natural sweetness and moisture.
Budget-Friendly Home Baking: Making this plum cake cioccolato at home saves you money compared to buying expensive bakery desserts. With simple pantry staples and fresh plums, you’ll create a gourmet-tasting cake for a fraction of the cost.
Perfect Fruit and Chocolate Combination: The tender, caramelized plums create beautiful pockets of sweetness throughout the rich chocolate cake. Their natural tartness balances the cocoa perfectly, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s neither too sweet nor too intense.
Unlike our popular chocolate chip cookies recipe, this cake offers a more sophisticated flavor profile that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests. Ready to create this masterpiece in your own kitchen?
How to Make Plum Cake Cioccolato:
Quick Overview
This plum cake cioccolato is surprisingly easy to make and incredibly satisfying to eat. The combination of rich chocolate batter and juicy plums creates a moist, flavorful cake with beautiful texture contrast.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Key Ingredients for Plum Cake Cioccolato:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
- 6-8 medium ripe plums, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for plums)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for coating plums)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes removal easy.
Step 2: Prepare the Plums
Wash and pit your plums, then slice them into wedges. Toss the sliced plums with brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour. This coating helps prevent the plums from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 5: Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Gradually add the hot coffee while stirring – this will make the batter quite thin, but don’t worry, that’s normal!
Step 6: Add Plums and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Arrange the coated plum slices evenly across the top, pressing them slightly into the batter. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before serving. This helps it set properly and makes cutting easier.
What to Serve Plum Cake Cioccolato With:
This rich chocolate and plum cake pairs beautifully with several accompaniments:
Creamy Additions: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature and texture contrast against the warm cake.
Beverage Pairings: Serve with a strong espresso or cappuccino for an authentic Italian experience. For evening dessert, try it with a glass of red wine or port.
Breakfast Option: This cake is also wonderful with your morning coffee as a special weekend breakfast treat, similar to a coffee cake but with more indulgent chocolate flavor.
Top Tips for Perfecting Plum Cake Cioccolato:
Choose the Right Plums: Use plums that are ripe but still firm. Overly soft plums will break down too much during baking and create soggy spots in your cake.
Don’t Skip the Coffee: The hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. If you prefer, substitute with hot water, but coffee gives superior results.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and a more tender crumb.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten and creates a tough cake texture.
Test for Doneness: The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake, as this will dry out the cake.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Room Temperature Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake actually improves after a day as flavors meld together.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Freezing Instructions: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating Method: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1/10 of cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 425mg |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 38g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
| Iron | 12% DV |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions:
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute buttermilk with non-dairy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Use dairy-free butter or additional oil.
Fruit Alternatives: Try this recipe with pears, cherries, or even mixed berries when plums aren’t in season.
Spice It Up: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or ½ teaspoon cardamom to the dry ingredients for warm, aromatic flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen plums for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.
Why did my plums sink to the bottom?
Coating plums in flour helps, but also ensure your batter isn’t too thin. If using very juicy plums, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the coating.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as flavors develop. Store covered at room temperature.
What’s the best cocoa powder to use?
Dutch-processed cocoa gives the richest flavor, but natural cocoa works fine too. Avoid cocoa mixes with added sugar.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but use two separate pans rather than one large one to ensure even baking.
How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Certainly! Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips with the flour coating for extra chocolate goodness.
Final Thoughts:
This plum cake cioccolato represents the perfect marriage of Italian-inspired chocolate richness and the natural sweetness of fresh fruit. It’s proof that the most memorable desserts often come from simple ingredients combined with love and care.
Whether you’re serving this at a dinner party, bringing it to a potluck, or simply treating your family to something special, this cake delivers on all fronts. The contrast between the deep chocolate and bright plums creates not just a delicious dessert, but a beautiful one too.
The best part? Once you master this basic recipe, you can adapt it throughout the year with different seasonal fruits, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.
So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create something truly special. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family and friends will be asking for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first slice!
