PLUM-TOPPED CHOCOLATE KUCHEN

Plum-Topped Chocolate Kuchen image

Plums star in this rich cake. Four to five medium plums will yield 2 cups sliced. -Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 cups sliced fresh plums
1/4 cup port wine
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup butter, divided
5 tablespoons finely chopped hazelnuts, divided
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 eggs
2/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
2 tablespoons 2% milk
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Whipped cream and confectioners' sugar, optional

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine the plums, wine and honey; let stand 30 minutes., Meanwhile, grease bottom and 1 in. up the sides of a 9-in. springform pan with 1 tablespoon butter. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons hazelnuts. Place pan on a baking sheet; set aside., Preheat oven to 375°. In a microwave, melt chocolate and remaining butter; stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, combine eggs, 2/3 cup sugar and milk. Add chocolate mixture. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; gradually add to chocolate mixture just until combined. Transfer to prepared pan. , Drain plums, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. Arrange plums over batter; drizzle with reserved liquid. Combine cinnamon and remaining sugar and hazelnuts; sprinkle over top., Bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of pan to loosen. Serve warm or cold. Garnish with whipped cream and confectioners' sugar if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 56mg cholesterol, Sodium 286mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.