Country Apple Prune Cake

Country Apple Prune Cake Recipe from USA with Sugar, Apples, and Nuts

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Country Apple Prune Cake is a delicious and moist dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the rich flavor of prunes. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a special celebration.

History

The recipe for Country Apple Prune Cake has been passed down through generations in many families. It is a classic dessert that originated in the countryside, where apples and prunes were readily available ingredients. The combination of these two fruits creates a unique and flavorful cake that is loved by many.

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1.5 cups vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 cups apples; peeled, shredded
3 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp ground cloves
1 package dried pitted prunes; 12 oz (340 g) package, chopped, to make 2 cups
1 cup nuts; chopped

How to prepare

In a large bowl, mix together sugar, oil, and eggs; beat for 2 minutes.
Blend in the apples.
Combine the dry ingredients and gradually beat them into the egg mixture.
Stir in the prunes and nuts.
Spoon the mixture into a greased and floured tube pan.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Just before serving, dust the cake with confectioners' sugar.

Variations

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.
Substitute walnuts or pecans for the chopped nuts in the recipe.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake before serving for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to shred the apples finely to ensure they blend well into the cake batter.

- Chopping the prunes into small pieces will distribute their flavor evenly throughout the cake.

- Be sure to grease and flour the tube pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Country Apple Prune Cake can be served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Canola oil can be used instead of vegetable oil.

- Dried apricots or raisins can be used in place of prunes.

Make Ahead Tips

Country Apple Prune Cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Country Apple Prune Cake pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Country Apple Prune Cake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Country Apple Prune Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Country Apple Prune Cake contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Country Apple Prune Cake contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Country Apple Prune Cake is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Country Apple Prune Cake contains nuts and eggs.

Summary

Country Apple Prune Cake is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a satisfying treat.

Summary

Country Apple Prune Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of apples and prunes in a moist and delicious cake. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy country kitchen. As soon as I walked in, the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods greeted me, and I knew I was in for a treat.

Martha was busy bustling about the kitchen, her hands expertly moving from one task to another. She had a twinkle in her eye as she pulled out a worn recipe card from a drawer and handed it to me.

"Here, darling," she said with a smile. "This is my Country Apple Prune Cake recipe. It's been passed down in my family for generations, and it's always a hit."

I eagerly took the recipe card and examined it closely. The ingredients were simple and wholesome – flour, sugar, eggs, apples, prunes, and a few spices. But I could tell that the magic was in the way they were combined and baked together.

Martha noticed my interest and invited me to help her prepare the cake. We peeled and sliced apples, chopped up prunes, and mixed the batter together. As the cake baked in the oven, Martha regaled me with stories of how she learned the recipe from her grandmother, who in turn had learned it from her own mother.

I listened intently, soaking in every detail and savoring the sense of history and tradition that surrounded this humble dessert. When the cake emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, Martha cut us each a slice and we enjoyed it with a dollop of whipped cream.

The taste was divine – a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a hint of warm spices that lingered on the tongue. I was hooked.

From that day on, I made Martha's Country Apple Prune Cake whenever I wanted to bring a taste of the countryside into my own home. I shared the recipe with friends and family, and it quickly became a favorite among all who tried it.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding a splash of rum to the batter for an extra depth of flavor, or experimenting with different types of apples and spices. Each time I made the cake, I felt a connection to Martha and her family, and to the generations of women who had lovingly stirred the same ingredients together in their own kitchens.

As I grew older, the recipe for Country Apple Prune Cake became more than just a dessert – it became a symbol of my love for cooking and for preserving the traditions of the past. It reminded me of the importance of sharing food and stories with those we hold dear, and of the joy that comes from creating something delicious and meaningful with our own hands.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will make it your own and continue the tradition of baking this simple yet extraordinary cake. May it bring you as much joy and connection as it has brought me over the years.

And remember, the secret ingredient in this recipe is not just the apples or the prunes or the spices – it's the love and care that you put into making it. So take your time, savor the process, and let the flavors transport you to a simpler time, when a slice of cake shared with loved ones was all you needed to feel truly content.

Happy baking, my dear. Enjoy every bite of this Country Apple Prune Cake, and know that with each bite, you are tasting a bit of history and a lot of love.

With all my heart,

Your loving grandmother