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Old Fashioned Prune Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

Old Fashioned Prune Cake is a moist and warmly spiced dessert featuring chopped prunes soaked in buttermilk and a rich blend of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. This classic cake is baked to perfection and topped with a buttery, sweet glaze made from brown sugar, dark corn syrup, and vanilla, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture. Perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup pitted prunes, chopped (about 25 prunes cut into six pieces each)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup oil (Canola oil recommended)
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Prunes and Mix Wet Ingredients: In one small bowl, place the chopped prunes and cover them with 1 cup buttermilk, then set aside to soak. In the large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of oil, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and 3 eggs, stirring well with a spoon until thoroughly mixed.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the remaining small bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon allspice, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg until evenly combined.
  3. Mix Batter: Pour the soaked prunes and buttermilk mixture into the large bowl with the oil, sugar, and eggs. Add the dry ingredient mixture to this and stir well with a wooden spoon until the batter is smooth. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and blend thoroughly. Spray a 9 x 13 inch cake pan with cooking spray and pour in the batter evenly.
  4. Bake Cake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake edges start to pull away from the pan.
  5. Prepare Topping: While the cake is baking, combine 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small pan. Heat the mixture over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and meld flavors. Alternatively, this topping can be made in the microwave by heating until bubbly.
  6. Apply Topping to Cake: When the cake is out of the oven but still warm, poke holes across the surface gently using a skewer or fork. Pour the hot topping evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in and add moisture and flavor. Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Do not use a mixer for this cake; mixing by hand preserves the texture.
  • Ensure the prunes soak adequately in buttermilk to keep the cake moist.
  • The topping adds a rich glaze that enhances the cake’s moistness and texture.
  • Use a wooden spoon or spoon for mixing to avoid overworking the batter.
  • Poking holes before adding topping ensures the glaze seeps deeply into the cake.
  • This cake is best enjoyed the day it’s made or the next day for optimum moisture.

Keywords: Prune Cake, Old Fashioned Cake, Spiced Cake, Moist Cake, Dessert, Buttermilk Cake, Fall Dessert, Holiday Cake

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/old-fashioned-prune-cake-recipe/