Mary Lester'S Prune Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful prune cake with warm spices, perfect for tea time or dessert, appealing to those who enjoy rich, fruity, and spiced baked treats.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (4 oz.) jars prunes with tapioca
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon additional cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients until well blended.
  2. Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  4. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50 minutes or until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a handful of walnuts for texture. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. To enhance the spice profile, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. Make sure to blend the batter well for a smooth cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the prune cake warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect accompaniment to your afternoon snack. For a festive touch, drizzle with a simple glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover prune cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through. This will help maintain its moist texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mary Lester'S Prune Cake contains roughly 938 calories, with 11g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

938 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11g 22% DV
Total Fat 54.5g 70% DV
Carbs 106g 39% DV
Fiber 13.9g 49% DV
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 181.8mg 8% DV
Potassium 597.7mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 154.8mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 40.8mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 6.6mg 7% DV
Calcium 256mg 20% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 fresh prunes instead of jarred ones?

Yes, you can use fresh prunes, but you'll need to pit and chop them first. Additionally, you'll want to soak them in hot water for about 10-15 minutes to soften, as jarred prunes are softer due to being packed in syrup. Adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly based on the sweetness of the fresh prunes.

Is this cake suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Absolutely! This prune cake contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients aside from the eggs, making it suitable for vegetarians. If you're looking to make it vegan, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal or applesauce alternative, which will still provide moisture and binding.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

To check if your prune cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary; start checking around the 45-minute mark to ensure it doesn't overbake.

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).

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