These Dark Chocolate Plum Muffins are a delectable fusion of sweet, juicy plums and rich dark chocolate, creating a moist, fluffy treat with a unique twist. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these muffins are bursting with fresh fruit flavor and feature a double dose of dark chocolate in the batter and as a drizzle on top. Perfect for plum season, these muffins are easy to make and have a gorgeous presentation with sliced plums on top. Try this recipe for a mouthwatering, gourmet-style muffin everyone will love!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
• Add-Ins:
  • 1 cup chopped fresh plums
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped plums (for filling)
• For Drizzling & Garnish:
  • 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate (for drizzling)
  • Sliced plums (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Combine the mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the muffins from becoming dense.
2. Fold in the plums and chocolate: Gently fold in the chopped fresh plums and dark chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the batter light.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups

1. Fill the muffin cups halfway: Spoon about half of the batter into each muffin cup.
2. Add plum filling: Add a few pieces of chopped plums (reserved for filling) into the center of each muffin.
3. Top with remaining batter: Spoon the remaining batter on top, filling each muffin cup about 3/4 full.

Step 5: Bake the Muffins

1. Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
2. Cool the muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Decorate with Chocolate Drizzle and Plums

1. Drizzle with melted chocolate: Once the muffins have cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top of each muffin.
2. Garnish: Garnish with a fresh plum slice on top for an attractive presentation.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per muffin, based on 12 muffins)

• Calories: 245
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use frozen plums instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen plums can be used in place of fresh ones. Thaw and drain the plums before chopping them to remove excess moisture, which can affect the muffin’s texture.

Q2: Can I substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate?
Certainly! While dark chocolate adds a richer flavor, milk chocolate will make the muffins slightly sweeter. Adjust according to your preference.

Q3: How can I make these muffins dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter, and replace the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or your preferred dairy-free milk.

Q4: Do I have to use both granulated and brown sugar?
Using both sugars gives a balanced sweetness and adds a subtle molasses flavor from the brown sugar, enhancing the overall taste and texture. However, you can use only granulated sugar if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Dark Chocolate Plum Muffins

• Use ripe plums: Ripe, juicy plums add the best flavor and texture. If your plums are slightly underripe, try macerating them with a bit of sugar for a few minutes to soften.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Stir until ingredients are just combined for a fluffy result.
• Let the muffins cool before drizzling: Ensure the muffins are completely cool before adding the melted chocolate drizzle to prevent it from melting or spreading too thinly.
• Experiment with spices: For a more complex flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dry ingredients. These spices pair well with chocolate and plum.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For extended freshness, line the container with a paper towel to absorb any moisture, helping the muffins maintain their texture.

Refrigerating
To keep the muffins fresh for up to a week, refrigerate them in an airtight container. Let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly before eating for the best flavor.

Freezing
Freeze the muffins by individually wrapping each one in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Plum Muffins bring together the richness of chocolate and the natural sweetness of fresh plums in a delightful and moist muffin. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these muffins are easy to make and are packed with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of fruit-filled muffins or looking to add a twist to your usual chocolate treats, these muffins are sure to be a hit. So, grab some fresh plums and dark chocolate, and whip up a batch of these irresistible muffins!