36 Lady Prune Cake
A moist and flavorful prune cake with warm spices, perfect for tea time or dessert, appealing to those who enjoy rich, fruity, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the pitted prunes and hot water until the prunes are chopped and mixture is smooth.
- Blend the prune mixture with the remaining ingredients: flour, sugar, vegetable oil, chopped nuts, eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, salt, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 12-cup tube pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of allspice to the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. For a healthier option, use unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the oil. This cake is quite moist, so be cautious not to overbake it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Lady Prune Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Hoppin' Good Salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Lady Prune Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 36 Lady Prune Cake contains roughly 346 calories, with 8g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), calcium (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 542mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried fruits other than prunes?
Yes, you can substitute prunes with other dried fruits like apricots or figs, but keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and moisture level of the cake. Ensure that any fruit you choose is pitted and chopped finely for even blending.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Lady Prune Cake gluten-free, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that your baking soda is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still yield a delicious cake.
What can I do if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing or too much flour. To lighten the texture, try folding in the dry ingredients gently and ensure you measure the flour accurately. Adding an extra egg might also help improve the texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).