Prune Pudding
Prune Pudding is a luscious, naturally sweet dessert featuring the rich flavors of prunes and raisins simmered with tapioca to create a comforting, pudding-like treat. Perfect for those seeking a healthy yet indulgent finish to their meal, it pairs beautifully with cream or half and half.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put prunes, raisins, and water in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Keep just at boiling point and mash with a potato masher.
- Add sugar and stir with the masher.
- Add tapioca, one tablespoonful at a time.
- Keep cooking and stirring for 2 or 3 minutes.
- Pudding will thicken as it cools.
- Serve with cream or half and half.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture after cooking, but keep some chunks for texture. If you're looking for a natural sweetener, try using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. You can also substitute tapioca with cornstarch; just dissolve it in a bit of water before adding to avoid lumps. If you prefer a different fruit flavor, dried apricots can be an excellent substitute for prunes.
Serving Suggestions
This prune pudding is delicious served warm or chilled. For an extra touch, drizzle with cream or half and half just before serving. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast or serve alongside a slice of spiced cake. It also complements savory dishes like Dutch Pea Soup beautifully, creating a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover prune pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of water or milk to loosen it if it thickens too much while cooling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Prune Pudding contains roughly 989 calories, with 8g protein, 255g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dried ones?
Fresh prunes will not work well in this recipe as they contain too much moisture. Dried prunes are essential for achieving the right texture and sweetness. If you only have fresh ones, consider drying them out in an oven or using another type of dried fruit for a similar effect.
Is this pudding suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this prune pudding can easily be made vegan by ensuring that you use a plant-based cream or milk for serving. The ingredients themselves are vegan-friendly, making it a great option for those looking for vegan recipes. Just be mindful of the type of sugar used, as some sugars may not be vegan.
How do I know when the pudding is thick enough?
The pudding will thicken as it cools, but you can tell it's ready when it coats the back of a spoon. After cooking for 2-3 minutes, remove it from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to observe the thickness. If it’s too runny, you can cook it for an additional minute or two.
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).