In the kitchen, there’s always a special magic hidden in the little details, and my star-shaped surprise plum-cake is the perfect demonstration of that. Imagine cutting a slice of a soft plum-cake and discovering a sponge cake star inside: a charming touch that amazes both kids and adults. This cake is ideal for those who love to experiment and are looking for a scenic yet easy-to-prepare recipe. Thanks to its soft texture and delicate vanilla flavor, it’s perfect for a tasty snack or a special occasion, like a birthday or a family gathering. Additionally, the surprise inside adds an element of fun and amazement that makes every slice unique.
If you love plum cakes, take a look at these recipes:

- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons, Christmas
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 6.7 oz sugar
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.35 cups potato starch
- 0.56 oz baking powder
- 0.42 cups milk
- 5.3 oz butter
- 1 packet vanillin
- 1.4 oz unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
Tools
- Mixer
Steps
To achieve the star-shaped design, the process is simple and requires just a few extra steps.
To make it, start with a basic batter: whisk the eggs and sugar until you achieve a light and frothy cream. Then incorporate the sifted flour, starch, and baking powder, butter, and milk gradually, and mix until you get a homogeneous mixture. Fragrance everything with a packet of vanillin or a few drops of vanilla extract.
Now, take 6-7 tablespoons of this light batter and pour it into a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spreading it evenly. Bake at 338°F (170°C) for about 10 minutes, just enough time for it to set slightly.
Once cooled, use a star-shaped cutter to create the light vanilla core you will hide inside the plum-cake.
Add unsweetened cocoa and two tablespoons of milk to the remaining batter, mixing well until you achieve a dark and homogeneous consistency. Now take a greased and floured plum-cake mold and pour a thin layer of cocoa batter on the bottom. Place the vanilla stars in the center, trying to keep them straight and well-aligned, then cover with the rest of the cocoa batter, ensuring that the stars are completely immersed.Decorate with sugar sprinkles and chocolate chips and bake at 338°F (170°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the plum-cake cool completely before unmolding and cutting it, so you’ll get a clean cut that will perfectly showcase your star in the center.
Have fun and enjoy!