Ms. Prunella Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Cuisine: American

Ms. Prunella Cake is a moist, spiced dessert featuring prunes and pecans, perfect for those who enjoy rich, fruity flavors with warm spices and a tender crumb.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 1/3 cups cooked prunes
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 1/3 cups sour milk
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 3 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Cream the shortening and sugar together.
  2. Beat in the eggs.
  3. Add the cooked prunes, dry ingredients, pecans, and sour milk to the mixture.
  4. Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan.
  5. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use almond flour for a gluten-free option, but adjust the liquid to maintain the batter consistency. Ensure the prunes are well-cooked and mashed to integrate smoothly into the batter. Adding a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Ms. Prunella Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a full meal, consider serving it alongside an Icebox Salad for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Ms. Prunella 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, place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ms. Prunella Cake contains roughly 1040 calories, with 6g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2283mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).

1040 kcal 52% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6g 12% DV
Total Fat 87.9g 100% DV
Carbs 83.3g 30% DV
Fiber 19.2g 69% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 2283.3mg 99% DV
Potassium 961.6mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 3.5mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 49.8mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 44.1mg 49% DV
Calcium 699.5mg 54% DV
Iron 5.6mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 pitted and chopped finely. Cooking them beforehand helps to soften their texture and enhance their sweetness, making them easier to incorporate into the batter.

What can I use instead of sour milk?

If you don't have sour milk, you can easily make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly before using it in the recipe.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Ms. Prunella Cake can be made a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall 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).

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