Prune Cake is a classic dessert that reflects the frugality and flavor of early 20th-century home baking. Moist, dense, and rich in texture, it balances the natural sweetness of prunes with a light chocolate undertone and creamy frosting. Originally popular in mid-century kitchens where nothing went to waste, prunes provided moisture and nutrition. This cake’s charm lies in its old-fashioned ingredients, yielding a treat that’s both comforting and unique.
Ingredients
- 1 cup prunes (cooked, chopped)
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups sifted flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Prunes & Ingredients
- Cook and chop prunes; set aside. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8″ round cake pans.
Step 2: Cream Base
- Cream together shortening, sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
- Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
Step 5: Add Flavorings
- Stir in vanilla, chopped prunes, and chocolate pieces.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
- Let cakes cool completely. Fill and frost with fluffy mocha icing.
Tips
- Substitute butter for shortening for richer flavor.
- Add ½ tsp cinnamon for a spiced variation.
- Use dark chocolate chunks for a deeper flavor contrast.
- For a bundt-style cake, bake in a well-greased tube pan for 45–50 minutes.
- Can be paired with whipped cream instead of mocha icing for a lighter topping.
Nutrition
Calories: 227kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 4gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 126mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 212IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 96mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!