Mountaineer'S Fruit Cake(Prune Cake)
Mountaineer's Fruit Cake, also known as Prune Cake, is a moist, spiced dessert packed with the richness of prunes and nuts. Its warm allspice and cinnamon flavors make it perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations, offering a hearty, flavorful treat for fruitcake lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour a tube pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, soda, allspice, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add vanilla, buttermilk, cooked prunes, Wesson oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients.
- Mix thoroughly until batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing from the pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. When mixing, avoid overbeating to keep the cake tender. Adding chopped dried fruits or different nuts can also enhance the texture and taste. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra touch, drizzle with a warm caramel sauce. This fruit cake also complements a variety of teas, making it a perfect choice for an afternoon gathering. You can browse more vegetarian recipes for additional sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Mountaineer's Fruit Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three weeks. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mountaineer'S Fruit Cake(Prune Cake) contains roughly 650 calories, with 16g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1895mg per serving (82% 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 fresh prunes instead of cooked prunes?
Yes, you can use fresh prunes, but they should be chopped and pitted. It’s best to soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften before adding them to the batter. This will help maintain moisture in the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the other ingredients, including baking soda and spices, are also gluten-free to ensure the cake remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How can I enhance the flavor of the cake?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the batter. You could also incorporate zest from an orange or lemon for a refreshing citrus note. Experimenting with different spices, like nutmeg or ginger, can also elevate the taste.
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).