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En Casa Cooking Space

En Casa Cooking Space

Sweet bites of delight for curious paletes

Prune Loaf Cake

25 July 2019 By Paula

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Two slices of prune loaf cake in front of the whole cake on a cooling rack in one corner and a bottle of milk on the other / Pinterest

I encourage you to try this Prune Loaf Cake. It’s a bit unusual cake with a dry fruit that tends to be underestimated. However, you’ll be surprised how moist and easy to make it is with a mouth-watering intense color.

Prune Loaf Cake on a cooling rack and a green tea towel, with a bottle of milk and some slices already cut

As far back as I can remember, my mom always makes this recipe, which actually comes from my grandma. I don’t know why, but it reminds me of winter. Perhaps because it pairs up perfectly with a nice warm coffee or tea?

Despite it’s quite easy to put together, it took me three times to get it exactly as they make it. Once I got it, I wrote down all the pointers I describe below, so you can copy them and get a perfect loaf cake. So keep reading! 😉

If you are not into prunes, I still invite you to give this recipe a try. It’s a very moist cake, thanks to the mashed prunes and with a lovely intense color, coming from the brown sugar.

Two slices of cake on white plates, with the whole prune lof cake on a cooling rack in one corner and a green tea towel on the other

How to make this prune loaf cake

Just like many of the recipes in my blog, this is very simple and quick to make. You only have to pay attention to a few pointers and I can guarantee you won’t hesitate to add it to your recipe box. The prunes make it a total novelty that will surprise even the most sceptics.

One of the most important things to keep into account is the smashed prunes.

How to prepare the mashed prunes

Apparently, prunes have heaps of health benefits. So there are no excuses not to try this moist loaf cake.

Before getting started with the recipe, you have to prepare the mashed prunes, which give the cake that intense color and a very delicate taste. Firstly, let’s add the fruits and sugar to a mid-size pan at medium heat, and cover them with water. The sugar and water will become a delightful syrup. We’ll then let them simmer for around 5-10 minutes until the liquid has been reduced a bit and the prunes are tender. Then, we have to remove the pan from the heat and let them cool completely. Before incorporating them to the recipe, using a fork, we’ll mash them, making sure to leave some big chunks of fruit. Thanks to this, we’ll find pieces of fruit all over the delicious cake. 100% guaranteed yum!

Alternatively, you can give it Paula’s special touch (if the cake is not for kids or people that don’t drink alcohol) and you can add a bit of sweet white wine to the prunes. What a delicious option!

Also, to make your lives a bit easier, there is the chance to prepare this ahead of time, maybe a few days earlier. Just store it in the fridge in an air-tight container until it’s time to use it.

Two slices of cake in front of the whole prune loaf cake on a cooling rack on a corner, a bottle of milk on the other and a green tea towel at the opposite corner.

Now, to the recipe…

The remaining steps of this recipe are very simple. I recommend using an electric mixer to mix the butter, sugars (previously combined in a separate bowl), eggs and vanilla essence. As a result, you’ll get a very airy and spongy cake once baked.

After mixing very well, leave the electric mixer aside and, using a spatula, let’s fold in the mashed prunes. This is when we’ll notice the pieces of prunes I mentioned earlier 🙂 The next step is to add the flour and baking powder. Always remember to fold in the flour, so the batter doesn’t “deflate”. When you notice it’s hard to keep mixing because the batter is a bit denser, pour in the whole milk.

The last step before popping it into the oven is to pour the batter in a pan.

What pan should you use for this Prune Loaf Cake

Of course, the answer to this question is not definitive. But I’ll mention several alternatives I’ve already tried.

This recipe yields two loaf pans (28 x 13 cm). It’s the classic pan to bake banana bread. If you don’t have one this size, you can easily use whichever you have at hand. If it turns out to be smaller, make sure you fill it up 3/4 and, with any leftover batter, you can use a muffin pan.

Regardless of what pan you end up using, the cooking time will vary. For instance, it took mine 55 minutes to bake both loaves of prune cake. But, when I made muffins, they only needed around 20-22 minutes in the oven. Always keep an eye on it and, when it’s time they are almost ready, insert a toothpick (or dry spaghetti) in the middle. If it comes out clean, that means the cake is done!

Let it cool completely and then, enjoy it with a good cup of coffee or tea. Add some friends or family, and even better!

Whole prune cake with some slices on a cooling rack, a bottle of milk in the background and two forks in the left bottom corner

Don’t forget to leave a comment down below if you try this recipe (and why not, an Uber-style rating? ★★★★★). It not only helps me but also other people that want to try it. You can also tag me on Instagram or Pinterest so I get to check your photos or send them to me privately if you are shy.

OTHER CAKE RECIPES:

  • Marble Loaf Cake
  • Poppy Seed and Orange Cake
  • White Chocolate Chips and Walnuts Banana Bread
Two slices of prune loaf cake in front of the whole cake on a cooling rack in one corner and a bottle of milk on the other.

Prune Loaf Cake

Paula Delapenna
Easy recipe for this moist prune loaf cake. It requires just a few ingredients and it has an amazing color, thanks to the prune syrup and the brown sugar.
Print It Pin It
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
Course Cakes
Servings 24 slices

Ingredients
  

Mashed prunes

  • 350 g prunes
  • 250 ml water
  • 4 tbsp white sugar

Cake

  • 200 g unsalted butter room temperature
  • 200 g white sugar
  • 100 g brown sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla essence
  • 500 g self-rising flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 100 ml whole milk

Instructions
 

Mashed Prunes:

  • In a mid-size pan, add the prunes, the sugar and the water.
  • At medium heat, simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the prunes are tender. Let them sit for a while and then, using a fork, mash them lightly, leaving some pieces of fruit whole. Set aside.

Cake:

  • Preheat your oven to 180 ºC and grease two loaf pans with some non-stick spray.
  • In a mid-size bowl, mix both types of sugar.
  • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, mix the butter and the sugars very well, until the batter is fluffier and lighter.
  • Add the eggs and vanilla essence. Keep mixing for a few minutes until you get more volume in the batter.
  • Swapping to a spatula, add the mashed prunes and fold them in well.
  • Then, fold in the flour and baking powder.
  • Lastly, add the milk.
  • Bake for approximately 55 minutes or until when you insert a toothpick in the center, it comes out clean.
  • Let it cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • LOAF PAN: This recipe yields two loaf pans. You can easily use any type of pan available, make them as muffins or you can also half the ingredients and prepare half a recipe.
  • BAKING: Depending on the loaf pan you choose, the cake will take longer or less time in the oven. Have this in mind to make sure it doesn't get burnt.
  • STORAGE: Store in an air-tight container up to 4 days at room temperature, or for a week in the fridge, or you can also freeze them for several months.
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Hola!

I’m Paula. Baker by legacy thanks to my grandma and mom, curious by nature. I’ll share all the go-to recipes I’ve learnt from my family back in Argentina and some others I’ve picked up along the way. Some decadent, some healthy-ish. Happy baking!

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Hola 👋🏼 In case we haven't met, I'm Paula, t Hola 👋🏼 In case we haven't met, I'm Paula, the everything behind En Casa (baker, photographer, cleaner, sales rep, marketing "expert", delivery driver, customer service and so much more).⁠
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I hardly ever post my face here, but I thought I would share 10 random things so you get to know me a bit better:⁠
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1. Originally from Olavarría 🇦🇷, I have lived in the US for a year and a bit (both Ohio and Colorado have a piece of my heart), then 10 years in Buenos Aires and 9 years in Melbourne ).⁠
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2. I've never been much of a beach person (mountains all the way!), but just moved to a beach town and loving and embracing this new life!!⁠
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3. I hardly ever wear make-up. If I do, the bare minimum... ⁠
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4. Even though I'm quite chatty, I'm also very shy in big groups or new situations/meeting new people. ⁠
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5. My love language is food.⁠
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6. I save all my money to travel (and probably buy food + plants + books 🤣). ⁠
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7. I'm a big sci-fi + Marvel nerd. I've recently finished watching all the Marvel movies chronologically (old COVID times...)⁠
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8. I shouldn't admit this but I prefer quince paste to dulce de leche any day of the week 🤫🤫⁠
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9. I love deep chats and all things self-development and growth. Always learning and evolving...⁠
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10. I'm a lone wolf 🤣, but still enjoy company if it's good vibes and meaningful. ⁠
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If you are still reading, THANK YOU!!! ❤️ And make sure to come say Hola! at my next market!! ⁠
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(Español en comentarios... demasiado largo)⁠
So excited to announce the upcoming markets!!⁠
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Can't wait to introduce Port to alfajores, pasta frola, and all yummy Argentinian baked goods. I don't think you know what's coming hahaha 😋⁠
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More info to come soon, but get your calendars out and if you are nearby, come say Hola! and get some delicious treats for the weekend. ⁠
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Que lindo volver a anunciar los próximos mercados!!⁠
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No veo la hora de presentarle a Port los alfajores, pasta frola y todas las delicias argentinas. Creo que no saben lo que les espera jajaja 😋⁠
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Más info prontito, pero si andan por la zona, pasen a saludar y comprar cosas ricas para el finde.⁠
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The most decadent chocolate cake 🍫 Chocolate s The most decadent chocolate cake 🍫

Chocolate sponge + chocolate frosting… perfection!!
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La torta de chocolate más rica de todas 🍫

Torta de chocolate + frosting de chocolate… la perfección misma!!
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Dulce de leche “Pionono” (aka, cake roll) One Dulce de leche “Pionono” (aka, cake roll)

One of the most popular desserts at the markets. Order it online, find the recipe in my blog or find it soon at the next market 🤫 
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Pionono de dulce de leche, todo un clásico ⭐️

Uno de los productos más populares en los mercados… Lo podés pedir online, cocinarlo con la receta en mi blog o lo encontrás en el próximo mercado prontito 🤫
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A whole lot of colours and textures, all in one dessert 👌🏼⁠
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Fudgy brownie base + Dulce de leche + Fresh whipped cream + Fresh berries⁠
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Muchos colores y texturas, todo en un solo postre 👌🏼⁠
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