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–+ servings
Prune Cake
This Prune Cake is a nostalgic, deeply flavorful dessert combining tender cooked prunes with rich chocolate chips in a fluffy, moist cake base. A classic of mid-century American baking, it blends dried fruit with cocoa richness, making it a surprising favorite even for those who don’t typically love prunes. It's finished with a light and airy mocha frosting, adding just the right touch of elegance and depth. Often found in old community cookbooks, this recipe reflects the inventive spirit of home bakers who knew how to stretch pantry staples into something indulgent.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup prunes (cooked, chopped)
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted )
  • 2½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped, or chocolate chips)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Wet Mixture

  • Cream shortening, sugar, and eggs together until very light and fluffy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

  • Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Add Flavorings

  • Stir in vanilla extract, chopped prunes, and chopped chocolate.

Step 5: Bake

  • Pour batter into two 8-inch buttered cake pans. Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Frost

  • Cool completely and fill and frost with Fluffy Mocha Icing.

Tips

  • Substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor.
  • Add ½ tsp cinnamon for a warm spice note.
  • Use chopped dates instead of prunes for a variation.
  • Frost with cream cheese frosting if mocha isn’t preferred.
  • Bake as a loaf cake and serve sliced with whipped cream.
  • Make it nutty: add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 125mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 0.6mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword chocolate prune cake, heirloom baking, old-fashioned cake, prune dessert, retro dessert, vintage cake
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