Pioneer Woman Prune Cake Recipe

Introduction

Pioneer Woman Prune Cake is a moist, warmly spiced dessert that combines sweet prunes with a rich, buttery icing. This classic cake is simple to prepare and perfect for an afternoon treat or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup prunes
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 whole eggs
• 1 cup canola oil
• 1 1/2 cups sifted flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the icing:
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon white corn syrup
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prepare it for the cake batter.
2. Step 2: Simmer the prunes in water for 8 minutes. Then drain them well and mash into a smooth consistency.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and canola oil until fully combined. In another bowl, mix the sifted flour with baking soda, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon.
4. Step 4: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the egg mixture, stirring gently after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Fold the mashed prunes into the batter. Pour everything evenly into the prepared pan, then bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: While the cake bakes, combine the icing ingredients—sugar, buttermilk, baking soda, white corn syrup, butter, and vanilla—in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 5 to 7 minutes without stirring.
7. Step 7: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm icing evenly over the top. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the icing set.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
• If you don’t have white corn syrup, substitute with light honey or an equal amount of sugar dissolved in a little water.
• Use fresh prunes if available for an extra natural sweetness; dried prunes soaked in warm water work just as well.
• Make sure to sift the flour and spices to avoid lumps and ensure a light, tender crumb.

Storage

Store the prune cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated for up to a week; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor. If desired, warm slices gently in the microwave to revive the softness and enhance the icing’s texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, but ensure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best texture.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds tang and tenderizes the cake, but you can substitute it by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar; let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Pioneer Woman Prune Cake Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 118 reviews

Pioneer Woman Prune Cake is a moist, warmly spiced dessert featuring a tender crumb infused with mashed prunes for natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Topped with a glossy, rich buttermilk icing, this cake offers a nostalgic homemade treat perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 1 cup prunes
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 whole eggs
• 1 cup canola oil
• 1 1/2 cups sifted flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon white corn syrup
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
2. Prepare Prunes. Simmer the prunes in water for 8 minutes until they soften. After simmering, drain and mash them thoroughly to be incorporated smoothly into the batter.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and canola oil until fully combined and slightly fluffy for a good cake texture.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
5. Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the wet egg mixture, stirring gently after each addition until just combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
6. Fold in Prunes. Carefully fold the mashed prunes into the cake batter, ensuring they are evenly incorporated without overmixing.
7. Bake the Cake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Prepare Icing. While the cake is baking, combine all icing ingredients—sugar, buttermilk, baking soda, white corn syrup, butter, and vanilla—in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 5 to 7 minutes without stirring, allowing it to thicken and develop a smooth texture.
9. Ice the Cake. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm icing evenly over the hot cake so it seeps in beautifully. Let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow the icing to set.

Notes

• Make sure to simmer the prunes properly so they mash easily and integrate smoothly into the batter.
• Preheating and properly greasing the pan helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
• Do not overmix the batter once the prunes are added to keep the cake tender.
• Pour the icing while the cake is very warm to allow good absorption and a shiny finish.
• If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Keywords: Pioneer Woman prune cake, prune cake recipe, spiced cake, buttermilk cake, warm spice dessert, homemade prune cake