Excellent Prune Cake
A moist, flavorful prune cake with warm spices and crunch from walnuts, perfect for teatime or special occasions, offering a rich, fruity taste with comforting aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely chopped prunes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup prune juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and chop the prunes before measuring.
- Cream the butter, sugar, and spices until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift the flour, measure and sift again with baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with prune juice and milk to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in the chopped prunes and walnuts.
- Pour the batter into two greased and floured 8-inch layer cake pans (lined with paper, if desired).
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the pans and cool on a wire rack. Serve plain, frosted, or warm with lemon or orange sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be great alternatives. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of ground ginger. Make sure to chop the prunes coarsely for better distribution throughout the cake. For an added twist, you can incorporate some orange zest into the batter for a citrusy kick.
Serving Suggestions
This prune cake is delightful served plain, but it also pairs beautifully with a drizzle of warm lemon or orange sauce for added zest. For a festive touch, consider frosting it with cream cheese icing or serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It can also be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover prune cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Excellent Prune Cake contains roughly 261 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 778mg per serving (34% 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 fruit other than prunes for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute prunes with other dried fruits like apricots or raisins. Just make sure to chop them coarsely and adjust the moisture by adding a bit more juice or milk if needed, as different fruits have varying moisture content.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the prune cake either whole or in slices. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
What can I serve with prune cake?
Prune cake is versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. It pairs well with whipped cream, ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a heartier option, consider serving it with a side of Apple Cream Dip or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat.
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).