Plumcake Bicolore: A Delicious Italian Two-Tone Cake Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
The Plumcake Bicolore is a delightful Italian dessert that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the freshness of orange zest, creating a visually stunning and delicious cake thatβs perfect for any occasion. This two-tone cake is moist, fragrant, and simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both novice bakers and seasoned enthusiasts.
Ingredients for Plumcake Bicolore:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00 flour) | 250g |
| Eggs | 124g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 30g |
| Sugar | 150g |
| Sunflower oil | 70g |
| Whole milk | 120g |
| Baking powder | 16g |
| Orange zest | 1 |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 265 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 17g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and measurements.
Instructions for Plumcake Bicolore:
Step 1: Preparing the Wet Ingredients
Begin by cracking the eggs into a mixing bowl. Add the sugar and grated zest of one orange, which will infuse the cake with a fresh, citrusy aroma. Use a whisk to beat these ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Incorporating Liquids
Next, pour in the sunflower oil and whole milk. Continue mixing gently, making sure that everything is evenly combined. The oil ensures that the cake will be wonderfully moist, while the milk adds a creamy texture to the batter.
Step 3: Adding Dry Ingredients
Once the wet ingredients are thoroughly mixed, sift the baking powder into the batter. This step helps avoid lumps and ensures an even rise during baking. Stir the mixture gently to incorporate the baking powder into the batter, making sure no pockets of dry ingredients remain.
Step 4: Dividing the Batter
At this point, divide the batter into two equal portions, placing each portion into a separate bowl. To one of the bowls, add the cocoa powder, carefully sifting it in to avoid any clumps. Stir the cocoa powder into the batter until it is fully integrated, resulting in a smooth, chocolatey mixture.
Step 5: Preparing the Baking Tin
Take a 25 x 11 cm (approximately 10 x 4 inches) loaf pan and grease it with butter. Then, lightly flour the pan to prevent sticking. You could also line it with parchment paper for extra ease when removing the cake after baking.
Step 6: Layering the Batter
To create the beautiful bicolore effect, alternate spoonfuls of the light and dark batter into the prepared loaf pan. You can add the batter randomly or in a more structured pattern, depending on how you want the final look to be. Each spoonful of batter should be placed gently on top of the previous one to allow the two batters to form a marbled effect as they bake.
Step 7: Baking the Cake
Preheat your oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F) in static mode. Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure to keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 8: Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this, carefully remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure that it has set properly and is easier to cut.
Step 9: Enjoying Your Plumcake Bicolore
Once fully cooled, slice your Plumcake Bicolore into generous pieces. The result will be a delicious, moist cake with a delightful contrast between the light, fluffy yellow batter and the rich, chocolatey brown one. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy it as a sweet treat after any meal.
This Plumcake Bicolore is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round, whether youβre serving it for a festive gathering or a simple family dinner. The combination of orange zest and cocoa powder provides a perfect balance of freshness and depth of flavor, making this cake both a visual and gastronomic delight.
