Plum Chocolate Muffins Recipe

Fluffy Plum Chocolate Muffins Recipe: A Cozy Breakfast Treat

Delectable plum chocolate muffins offer a surprising twist on classic breakfast treats.

Sweet fruit mingles perfectly with rich cocoa notes.

Juicy plums bring unexpected depth to each tender bite.

Bakers seeking something different will adore this creative combination.

Chocolate’s deep flavor complements the bright, slightly tart plum essence.

Mediterranean summer orchards inspire this delightful morning indulgence.

You’ll want to savor every crumbly, moist morsel right away.

Why Plum Chocolate Muffins Are a Match Made in Dessert Heaven

  • Tackle Quickly: Simple steps and straightforward ingredients make these plum chocolate muffins a breeze to prepare for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Combo: Unexpected pairing of rich dark chocolate and sweet plums creates a unique flavor profile that surprises and delights taste buds.
  • Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, these muffins adapt to any mealtime or gathering with their irresistible chocolatey-fruity charm.
  • Smart Baking Technique: Gentle folding and careful mixing ensure a tender, moist texture that keeps these muffins soft and delectable, avoiding the common pitfall of tough, dry baked goods.

Everything You’ll Need for Plum Chocolate Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All Purpose Flour: The base that provides structure and texture to the muffins.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the batter.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the muffins.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and helps with caramelization.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
  • Milk: Adds liquid and helps create a smooth batter consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the muffins.
Fruit and Chocolate Additions:
  • Plums, Dark Chocolate Chips: Add bursts of fruity sweetness and rich chocolate flavor throughout the muffins.
Topping:
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a delicious caramelized crust on top of the muffins.

How to Bake Plum Chocolate Muffins Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F. Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and line it with paper liners or generously coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure no pesky lumps remain in your dry mixture.

Step 3: Whip Up Egg Base

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweetness.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour into the egg mixture:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend everything until it becomes a smooth, uniform liquid that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Create Muffin Batter

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir carefully to combine, being careful not to overmix. The goal is a tender, soft batter that will create dreamy muffins.

Step 6: Add Fruity Chocolate Goodness

Carefully fold in:
  • Chopped plums
  • Dark chocolate chips

Distribute these delicious mites evenly throughout the batter for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin. Fill each cup about two-thirds full, allowing space for the muffins to rise and become beautifully puffy.

Step 8: Sprinkle Sweet Topping

Generously sprinkle brown sugar over the top of each muffin. This will create a mouthwatering caramelized crust that adds extra deliciousness.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the muffins from the oven. Let them sit in the tin for 5 minutes to set. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely. Now they’re ready to be devoured and enjoyed!

Pro Tips for Soft, Rich Plum Muffins

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently and minimally to keep muffins tender and fluffy, stopping when dry and wet ingredients are just combined.
  • Check Plum Ripeness: Use ripe but firm plums for best texture, avoiding overly soft fruits that might make muffins soggy.
  • Enhance Chocolate Depth: Consider using high-quality dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content to intensify the rich chocolate flavor in the muffins.
  • Store Smartly: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month to maintain freshness.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Reduce brown sugar topping if using very sweet plums, balancing the overall flavor profile of the muffins.

Unique Takes on Plum Chocolate Muffins

  • Tropical Plum Paradise: Replace dark chocolate chips with white chocolate and add diced mango or passion fruit for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile.
  • Nutty Plum Crunch: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans and sprinkle crushed amaretto cookies on top for added texture and rich, nutty undertones.
  • Spiced Plum Warmth: Incorporate ground cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients, creating a cozy, aromatic muffin with deep, warming spices.
  • Berry Plum Fusion: Swap half the plums with fresh raspberries or blueberries, adding a tangy burst of berry flavor alongside the rich chocolate base.

Pairing Ideas for These Chocolatey Muffins

  • Pair Velvety Red Wine: Select a smooth, fruity red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot to complement the rich chocolate and sweet plum notes in the muffins, enhancing the dessert's complex flavor profile.
  • Create Creamy Coffee Companion: Brew a medium-roast espresso or cappuccino with a hint of cinnamon to balance the muffins' sweetness and provide a warm, aromatic contrast to the chocolate and plum combination.
  • Elevate with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm muffins, allowing the cold, creamy texture to melt slightly and create a luxurious dessert experience with contrasting temperatures.

Best Storage Tips for Plum Chocolate Muffins

  • Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor and texture.
  • Keep muffins in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and enjoyable for quick snacking.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.

Plum Chocolate Muffins FAQs

  • What makes plums and chocolate work well together in this recipe?

The combination of sweet-tart plums and rich dark chocolate creates a balanced flavor profile, with the fruit’s brightness cutting through the chocolate’s intensity, resulting in a complex and delightful taste experience.

  • Can I use frozen plums instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen plums. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before chopping to prevent excess moisture from making the muffins soggy. Pat the plum pieces dry with a paper towel before adding to the batter.

  • How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

Stop mixing as soon as the dry and wet ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make muffins tough and dense. Visible streaks of flour are okay; the batter should look slightly lumpy.

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Plum Chocolate Muffins Recipe

Plum Chocolate Muffins Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet aromas of Plum Chocolate Muffins waft through kitchens, promising delightful moments of pure indulgence. Richly packed with seasonal plums and dark chocolate, these morsels offer comfort and elegance you’ll savor with each heavenly bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Fruit and Add-ins:

  • 1.5 cups fresh plums, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the muffins.
  4. Pour vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, blending until well incorporated and uniform in consistency.
  5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and maintaining a tender texture.
  6. Carefully fold chopped plums and dark chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  7. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
  8. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top of each muffin, creating a caramelized sweet crust.
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Prevent overmixing by folding ingredients gently to keep muffins light and fluffy, stopping when just combined.
  • Ensure plums are ripe but firm to maintain texture and prevent excess moisture in the batter.
  • Swap chocolate chips with dairy-free alternatives for vegan version, using dark chocolate without milk solids.
  • Reduce sugar by 25% and use whole wheat flour for a healthier, more nutritious breakfast muffin option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 205
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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