Southern Prune Cake
A moist, flavorful prune cake with warm spices and nuts, perfect for dessert or teatime, appealing to those who enjoy rich, fruity baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, mace, soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add brewed coffee, shortening, sugar, eggs, and nuts; mix well.
- Stir in the prunes until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Delicious with cream cheese frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of orange zest to the batter. If you prefer a healthier twist, you can substitute half of the shortening with applesauce. Make sure to chop the prunes into smaller pieces for better distribution throughout the cake. This cake pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting for added richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southern Prune Cake warm or at room temperature, ideally topped with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent touch. It pairs well with a cup of brewed coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon snack. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Southern Prune 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, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it chilled for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Prune Cake contains roughly 1299 calories, with 20g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and iron (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2290mg per serving (100% 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 plums instead of prunes?
Yes, dried plums can be used as a substitute for prunes in this recipe. Just ensure they are soft and moist. You may want to soak them in hot water for a few minutes to achieve a similar texture to prunes, which will help the cake stay moist.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you're looking for alternatives to shortening, you can use unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both will provide a different flavor profile but will yield a delicious cake. Butter will make the cake richer, while coconut oil will add a subtle tropical taste.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Southern Prune Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for better texture. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, such as baking soda and spices, are gluten-free.
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).