Name: Pioneer Woman Prune Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup prunes; 1 cup sugar; 3 whole eggs; 1 cup canola oil; 1 1/2 cups sifted flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon white corn syrup; 1/4 cup butter; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that wraps you in a cozy hug of warm spices, rich fruitiness, and old-fashioned charm, look no further than the Pioneer Woman Prune Cake. This delightful cake manages to be both humble and luxurious at the same time. With luscious mashed prunes folded into a spice-kissed batter, it offers moist texture and deep flavor that’s perfectly complemented by a silky, caramel-like warm icing. Each bite takes you on a nostalgic journey, recalling homemade treats passed down through generations. Once you try the Pioneer Woman Prune Cake, it just might become one of those treasured go-to recipes for your own kitchen adventures.

Pioneer Woman Prune Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward your soon-to-be favorite treat. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, moistness, and irresistible aroma that make this cake shine.

Prunes: One cup of prunes gives the cake its signature moistness, sweetness, and depth, acting as a natural fruit powerhouse.
Sugar: A whole cup is essential not only for sweetness but also to balance the richness of the prunes and spices.
Eggs: Three whole eggs bind the cake’s ingredients and contribute to a tender crumb.
Canola Oil: One cup of oil ensures a perfectly moist and soft texture without weighing the cake down.
Sifted Flour: One and a half cups keep the cake light and tender, preventing it from becoming too dense.
Baking Soda: A teaspoon in the cake and a half teaspoon in the icing provide necessary lift and subtle texture contrast.
Nutmeg, Allspice, Cinnamon: Each at one teaspoon, these warming spices create a harmonious and inviting flavor profile.
Buttermilk: One cup in the cake and half a cup in the icing add tang and richness, making every bite luscious.
Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon in the batter and half a teaspoon in the icing enhances all the flavors and adds a beautiful aromatic finish.
White Corn Syrup: A tablespoon in the icing helps create that classic shiny, smooth glaze that clings perfectly to the cake.
Butter: A quarter cup in the icing enriches it, lending a velvety texture and buttery glow.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Prune Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F and greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch pan. This is a crucial step to ensure your cake bakes evenly and lifts easily from the pan once done.

Step 2: Cook and Mash the Prunes

Simmering the prunes in water for 8 minutes softens them perfectly and unlocks their natural sweetness. After draining, give them a good mash to create a luscious fruit base that will infuse the cake with incredible moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and canola oil until they’re well combined and smooth. This step creates a luscious, emulsified base that will make your cake tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Alternate Adding

In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk to the wet mixture. Stir gently to incorporate without overmixing, then stir in the vanilla extract. This method keeps the batter light while melding all the rich flavors.

Step 5: Fold in Mashed Prunes and Bake

Carefully fold the mashed prunes into the batter to distribute their sweetness and moisture evenly. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

While your cake is baking, combine all icing ingredients—sugar, buttermilk, baking soda, white corn syrup, butter, and vanilla—in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 5–7 minutes without stirring. This slow cooking process creates the perfect thickened glaze with a slight caramel hint.

Step 7: Ice the Cake Warm

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm icing evenly over the hot cake. This allows the glaze to soak lightly into the surface, creating sticky, glossy perfection. Let the cake cool slightly for the best serving experience.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Prune Cake

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the cake’s moist texture. A light dusting of cinnamon can also enhance the warm spice notes and add visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This cake shines wonderfully alongside a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a more festive touch, serve with hot spiced tea or even a smooth cup of coffee to balance the sweet and spice flavors gracefully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming dessert party, slice the Pioneer Woman Prune Cake into petite squares and place each on a pretty doily with a small mint leaf on top. Or serve it as a layered dessert by cutting the cake into cubes and layering it with mascarpone and fresh berries in a clear glass for a rustic yet elegant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any uneaten Pioneer Woman Prune Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days to keep it moist and fresh. For longer-lasting freshness, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen in the fridge!

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen for up to three months, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm again, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a low oven (around 250°F) for 10 minutes. Warm icing melts deliciously over the cake, making every bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

What makes this recipe a Pioneer Woman classic?

The Pioneer Woman Prune Cake reflects Ree Drummond’s style of approachable, comforting dishes that taste like home. The balance of fruit, spices, and rich icing embodies her signature hearty yet elegant cooking.

Can I substitute prunes with another fruit?

While prunes provide unique moisture and depth, dried apricots or dates can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Is buttermilk necessary? Can I use regular milk?

Buttermilk’s acidity tenderizes the cake and reacts with baking soda to help it rise nicely. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

How thick should the icing be when poured?

The icing should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Cooking it gently and without stirring helps achieve the perfect glossy texture that will cling beautifully to the warm cake.

Can I make this cake in a different size pan?

Yes, a 9×9-inch pan can work but the baking time will increase. Keep an eye on your cake and test for doneness with a toothpick after 40 minutes, adjusting as needed.

Final Thoughts

The Pioneer Woman Prune Cake is truly a heartwarming dessert that feels like a sweet slice of nostalgia with every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to impress guests or family on any occasion. If you appreciate desserts with layers of spice, fruit, and that signature cozy glaze, this cake deserves a place in your recipe box. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with a new classic!

Pioneer Woman Prune Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

Author: Elara
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Pioneer Woman Prune Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring a rich blend of spices and sweet prunes, topped with a luscious warm icing. This classic Southern-inspired cake balances comforting textures and warm spices, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat.

Instructions

Prepare Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
Simmer and Mash Prunes: Place the prunes in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Simmer for 8 minutes to soften, then drain and mash them into a smooth consistency.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and canola oil until well combined and slightly fluffy.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the spices.
Incorporate Ingredients: Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the wet mixture, stirring gently after each addition to create a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
Add Prunes: Fold the mashed prunes carefully into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Icing: While the cake bakes, combine sugar, buttermilk, baking soda, white corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 5 to 7 minutes without stirring to create a thick, glossy icing.
Finish and Serve: When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm icing over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use prunes that are soft and plump for best texture; if dried out, soak them a bit longer.
Make sure the oven temperature is accurate; baking at a low temperature helps keep the cake moist.
The warm icing soaks into the cake, enhancing flavor and moisture—don’t skip this step.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American