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.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 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
Icing:
- 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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Pioneer Woman, prune cake, spice cake, Southern dessert, moist cake, warm icing, prune recipes
