Spiced Prune Cake with Buttermilk Icing

Mary’s Prune Cake is a traditional recipe with a rich history, handed down through generations. This cake combines the wholesome sweetness of prunes with a symphony of spices, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and beloved. Whether you’re making this cake for the first time or reuniting with a cherished family tradition, its dense texture and complex flavors are sure to captivate your taste buds.

Recipe Summary

• Name: Mary’s Prune Cake
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Description: A sweet, dense cake rich in prunes and spices, handed down from a mother-in-law’s cherished recipe collection.
• Category: Breads
• Keywords: Dessert, Fruit, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
• Yield: 1 cake

Nutritional Information (per cake)

• Calories: 7236.7
• Fat: 402.9g
• Saturated Fat: 103.9g
• Cholesterol: 893.2mg
• Sodium: 5921.1mg
• Carbohydrates: 863.4g
• Fiber: 33.3g
• Sugar: 593.6g
• Protein: 85.6g

Ingredients

For the Cake

1. 3 eggs
2. 1 cup sugar
3. 1 ½ cups flour
4. 2 teaspoons baking soda
5. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
6. 1 teaspoon nutmeg
7. 1 teaspoon allspice
8. 1 teaspoon salt
9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10. 1 cup prunes, chopped
11. 1 cup buttermilk

For the Icing

1. 1 cup sugar
2. 1 cup buttermilk
3. 1 tablespoon Karo light corn syrup
4. ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
5. ½ teaspoon salt
6. 1 stick butter (½ cup)

Instructions

Cake Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, blend 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 eggs until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together 1 ½ cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
5. Add Flavorings: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 cup of chopped prunes.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured 13x9x2 inch baking pan. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare for Icing: Leave the cake in the pan and immediately prepare the icing.

Icing Preparation

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of Karo light corn syrup, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 stick of butter.
2. Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Apply Icing: Remove from heat and pour the hot icing over the hot cake.
4. Absorb Icing: Use a fork to pierce holes throughout the cake to help it absorb the icing fully.
5. Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before serving.

Detailed Steps and Tips

Preparing the Cake Batter

1. Blending Ingredients: Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, blend the sugar and eggs thoroughly. The sugar should dissolve partially, and the mixture should be slightly frothy.

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2. Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt together to ensure they are well combined and free of lumps. This step helps in achieving an even distribution of flavors throughout the cake.

3. Mixing the Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture in increments, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. This technique helps prevent the batter from becoming overmixed, which can result in a tough texture.

4. Incorporating Prunes: Fold in the chopped prunes gently. Prunes should be chopped into small, bite-sized pieces. They add not only sweetness but also moisture to the cake.

5. Baking: Pour the batter into a well-greased and floured 13x9x2 inch baking pan. This size ensures the cake bakes evenly and fits comfortably.

6. Checking for Doneness: Baking times can vary based on oven performance. Begin checking the cake at the 45-minute mark. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.

Making the Icing

1. Combining Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the icing ingredients and stir continuously to prevent the sugar from burning.

2. Boiling: Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat slightly and let it continue to boil for a minute. This process helps to thicken the icing slightly and develop its flavor.

3. Pouring Over Cake: Immediately pour the hot icing over the cake. Use a fork to poke holes across the surface, allowing the icing to seep into the cake, enhancing its moistness and flavor.

4. Cooling: Let the cake cool completely before cutting. This step allows the icing to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions

• With Cream: Serve slices of this prune cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Nuts: For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the icing before it sets.
• Coffee Companion: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai tea, enhancing its warm, spiced notes.

Variations

1. Spiced Prune Cake: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves to the batter for a deeper, spicier flavor profile.
2. Prune and Walnut Cake: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter for added crunch.
3. Glazed Prune Cake: Instead of pouring the icing over the hot cake, allow the cake to cool, then drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a lighter finish.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
• Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

Mary’s Prune Cake is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional family recipes. Its sweet, dense nature is balanced by the complexity of spices and the unique sweetness of prunes. This cake not only brings a nostalgic touch to your dessert table but also offers a delightful culinary experience that can be enjoyed across generations. Perfect for a weeknight dessert or a special family gathering, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring this delightful piece of heritage!