Zesty Prune Cake
A moist, spiced prune cake with nuts and a tender crumb, perfect for teatimes or special occasions, combining fruity sweetness with warm spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Crisco oil ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 cups sifted regular flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup cut up cooked prunes ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat Crisco oil, eggs, and sugar until smooth.
- Combine sifted flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Add alternately with buttermilk and vanilla to the egg mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Combine 1 tablespoon flour, chopped prunes, and nuts.
- Add the flour, prune, and nut mixture to the batter and mix well.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Zesty Prune Cake, consider adding a zest of orange or lemon to the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Zesty Prune Cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea and can be complemented by a side of Strawberries And Cream Salad for a refreshing contrast. This cake is also a delightful choice for dessert at gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Zesty Prune Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it can last up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold with a scoop of Janie's Famous No-Cook Yogurt Ice Cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Prune Cake contains roughly 439 calories, with 6g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 711mg per serving (31% 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 ones?
Yes, you can use fresh prunes, but be sure to chop them finely. Fresh prunes are juicier, so you might want to reduce the amount of buttermilk slightly to maintain the cake's texture. Cooked prunes offer a softer consistency, which blends well into the batter.
What can I substitute for Crisco oil?
If you prefer not to use Crisco oil, vegetable oil or canola oil can be excellent substitutes. For a more flavorful option, try using melted coconut oil or avocado oil, which will add a subtle richness to your cake without altering the overall flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version of Zesty Prune Cake, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the cake's structure. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert!
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).