When it comes to baking, there’s something truly special about creating a delightful and comforting dessert that warmly welcomes guests into your home. Today, we’ll be diving into a classic recipe that embodies sophistication and richness: French Prune Cake. This decadent cake combines the natural sweetness of prunes with a hint of rum, creating a moist, flavorful treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Let’s get started on crafting this delicious and elegant dessert!
**French Prune Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup pitted prunes
– 1 cup rum
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the prunes and rum. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the prunes to plump up.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Chop the soaked prunes into small pieces and fold them into the batter.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with confectioners’ sugar for a touch of elegance.
Indulge in a slice of this French Prune Cake as a delightful dessert for your next gathering or simply as a sweet treat for yourself. The rich flavors of rum-soaked prunes combined with the tender crumb of the cake will surely make it a favorite in your repertoire of baked goods. Enjoy the process of creating this elegant dessert and savor the comforting aroma that will fill your home as it bakes to perfection.
