Whether you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness to your afternoon tea or want to surprise your guests with a delightful dessert, our Prune Cake recipe is a must-try. This moist and flavorful cake combines the rich and earthy flavors of prunes with warm spices for a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
**Recipe for Prune Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup pitted prunes, chopped
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, combine the chopped prunes, boiling water, and baking soda. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the prunes to soften.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the prune mixture and chopped nuts, if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cake has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
Serve a slice of this delicious Prune Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert that will surely impress your guests. The natural sweetness of the prunes combined with the warm spices creates a comforting and flavorful cake that is perfect for cozy gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade baking with this delightful recipe!