Growing up, old-fashioned prune cake always held a special place in my heart. Its rich spice cake flavor and moist texture make it a comforting treat, perfect for any time of day. This vintage recipe, with its roots in traditional church cookbooks, has a timeless appeal that never fails to intrigue. What sets this cake apart is its simplicity; no mixer needed, just a few basic ingredients and a touch of nostalgia.
The warm blend of spices in this prune cake creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a decadent dessert, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. The addition of a tangy buttermilk glaze adds a delightful twist to this classic recipe. Make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld for an even more delicious experience. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised by how this seemingly humble cake can steal the show with its old-fashioned charm.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Cinnamon
- White sugar
- Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Large eggs
- Prunes
- Pecans
- Butter
- White sugar
- Corn syrup or honey
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
- Baking soda
Equipment Needed
To make this delicious Old Fashioned Prune Cake, you will need a few essential kitchen tools and equipment to ensure everything comes together smoothly. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: Use mixing bowls to combine and mix the cake batter as well as the frosting ingredients.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: A hand mixer or a stand mixer will help you beat the cake batter and frosting until smooth and well incorporated.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, so have measuring cups and spoons on hand to measure out ingredients precisely.
- Cake Pans: Prepare your cake pans for baking the prune cake. You can use round or square pans depending on your preference.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack will help cool the cake layers evenly once they are out of the oven.
- Saucepan: You will need a saucepan to prepare the caramel frosting for the cake.
- Whisk: Have a whisk ready to ensure there are no lumps in the cake batter or frosting.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature to bake the prune cake to perfection.
Preparation
Preparing the Old Fashioned Prune Cake involves getting the prunes ready and making a flavorful batter. Let’s dive into the prepping process step by step.
Prepping Prunes
To start, make sure to have one cup of prunes for the recipe. Begin by placing the prunes in a small glass bowl or measuring cup. Cover them with water and microwave for about 3 minutes on high. Once done, drain the prunes and rinse them with cold water. Proceed by blending the prunes into a smooth paste using a mini food processor. These prepared prunes will add a rich, fruity flavor to the cake.
Making the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: eggs, oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the mashed prunes. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure a uniform consistency. In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while beating well to avoid lumps. Once the batter is well combined, pour it into a prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake the cake in a preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes until it’s cooked through.
Baking the Cake
To bake this delicious Old-Fashioned Prune Cake, follow these simple steps:
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients, including the chopped prunes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla.
- Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, while stirring continuously until well combined.
Baking the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยบ Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 baking pan.
- Pour the prepared cake batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Buttermilk Glaze:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the buttermilk glaze by adding all the ingredients to a pot.
- Let the mixture boil and thicken for about 4-5 minutes.
Adding the Glaze:
- Once the cake is baked, use a toothpick to poke holes all over the cake’s surface.
- Pour the warm buttermilk glaze over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes for added flavor and moisture.
Finishing Touches:
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Serve slices of this Old-Fashioned Prune Cake warm or at room temperature for a delightful dessert experience.
By following these steps, you’ll create a moist and flavorful Old-Fashioned Prune Cake that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Making the Glaze
To create the perfect finishing touch for your Old-Fashioned Prune Cake, making the buttermilk glaze is key. This sweet and tangy glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and moistness to the cake, making each bite deliciously unforgettable.
Buttermilk Glaze Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, buttermilk, baking soda, butter, and corn syrup.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Your buttermilk glaze is now ready to be poured over the warm Old-Fashioned Prune Cake.
The buttermilk glaze will soak into the cake, infusing it with sweetness and moisture. This final step elevates the flavor profile of the cake, ensuring a delectable treat that will have your guests asking for seconds. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious glaze and savor the joy it brings to your Old-Fashioned Prune Cake.
Assembling the Cake
Assembling the Old Fashioned Prune Cake is the final step to bring together all the flavors and textures for a delightful dessert.
Applying the Glaze
- Once the cake is out of the oven, prepare the buttermilk glaze.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, buttermilk, sugar, corn syrup, and baking soda.
- Cook the mixture until the sugar and butter melt, then remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
- While the cake is still hot, make deep holes in it and pour the glaze slowly, letting it soak in gradually.
- After applying the glaze, allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the Old Fashioned Prune Cake warm or at room temperature for the best taste.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring the cake maintains its moisture for the next indulgent treat.
Serving and Storage Tips
When it comes to serving your delicious Old Fashioned Prune Cake, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure a delightful experience for you and your guests.
Serving Tips:
- Serve Warm: Prune cake is best enjoyed when warm. The comforting flavors and aromas are heightened when the cake is served fresh out of the oven.
- Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Enhance the indulgence by serving each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture complements the rich flavors of the cake.
- Garnish with Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of each slice before serving to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor profile.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: Accompany your prune cake with a steaming cup of coffee or a soothing pot of tea for a perfect afternoon treat or dessert.
- Airtight Container: To maintain the freshness and moisture of your prune cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This will prevent the cake from drying out.
- Avoid Refrigeration: While some cakes benefit from refrigeration, the prune cake is best stored at room temperature. Refrigeration can cause it to lose its soft texture.
- Reheating Instructions: If you have stored the cake and wish to reheat it, simply place the entire cake in a 200-degree oven for about 5 minutes to warm it through. Alternatively, heat individual slices in the microwave for 10 seconds for a quick and convenient treat.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Old Fashioned Prune Cake remains a delectable treat even after it’s been baked, allowing you to savor its flavors for days to come.
Conclusion
I hope this detailed guide on preparing Old Fashioned Prune Cake has inspired you to try out this delicious and timeless recipe. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your family and friends. Remember to serve the cake warm, consider adding whipped cream or nuts for extra flair, and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect pairing. Storing leftovers properly in an airtight container at room temperature and following the reheating instructions will help you savor the cake’s goodness for days to come. Happy baking!