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–+ servings
Prune Cake
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 227 kcal

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

  • Add warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice) for a more autumn-style cake.
  • Replace shortening with butter for richer flavor.
  • Fold in chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for texture.
  • Add a splash of strong coffee to enhance the mocha frosting flavor.
  • Substitute dried cherries or dates for part of the prunes.
  • Bake as a single 9×13" sheet cake instead of layers.
  • Add orange zest to brighten the cake’s flavor.
  • Use sour cream instead of some milk for extra moisture.
  • Dust chocolate chips with flour before adding to prevent sinking.

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
Keyword chocolate prune cake, family recipe, heirloom recipe, homemade cake, old-fashioned dessert, prune cake, retro recipe, vintage baking
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