Prune Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, cake lover! If you’ve ever found yourself craving something sweet but a little different, something with a bit of old-fashioned charm and rustic warmth, then you are in for a treat with Prune Coffee Cake. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill sugary snack. No, no! It’s a delightful, tender cake that blends the deep, fruity richness of prunes with the cozy, buttery goodness of coffee cake. It’s the kind of cake that makes your kitchen smell like heaven, invites you to slow down, and pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Why prunes, you ask? Prunes aren’t just for your grandma’s fruitcake. These sweet, chewy dried plums add a natural sweetness and moistness to the cake, plus a sneaky nutritional boost packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. So, this prune coffee cake is like a secret health ninja disguised in deliciousness!

Prune Coffee Cake Recipe

Alright, ready to roll up your sleeves? This recipe is straightforward, approachable, and will have you baking like a pro in no time. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery crumb with swirls of prune goodness and a crispy cinnamon-sugar topping that cracks just right when you slice into it. Sounds dreamy, right? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Ingredients Needed

Before we get mixing, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour – the foundation of your cake, providing structure.
• Granulated sugar – for sweetness and a tender crumb.
• Baking powder – your rising agent to keep things light and fluffy.
• Salt – just a pinch to balance the flavors.
• Butter (unsalted, softened) – adds richness and moisture.
• Eggs – for binding and texture.
• Milk – keeps the batter smooth and tender.
• Vanilla extract – for that warm, comforting aroma.
• Chopped prunes – the star ingredient! Soft, sweet, and chewy.

For The Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

• Brown sugar – deeper flavor than white sugar.
• Ground cinnamon – spicy and fragrant.
• Butter (melted) – helps the topping crisp up beautifully.

How To Make Prune Coffee Cake

Let’s get baking step-by-step. I’ll walk you through every move like your personal baking buddy:

1. Prep your oven and pan: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy – this is crucial for that tender crumb.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined.
6. Fold in chopped prunes: Gently fold those juicy prune pieces into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
7. Layer your cake and topping: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar topping, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the topping.
8. Bake: Pop it into the oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and enjoy: Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Okay, here’s where we geek out on what makes this cake so magical:

• Prunes: These dried plums have a unique ability to hold moisture, which keeps the cake wonderfully soft and moist. Their natural sugars caramelize slightly during baking, giving pockets of rich, sweet flavor.
• Butter and Sugar Creaming: When you beat butter and sugar together, you trap tiny air bubbles in the mixture, which expand during baking and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Baking Powder: This chemical leavening agent releases carbon dioxide bubbles when wet and heated, making the cake rise beautifully.
• Eggs: Eggs add structure thanks to their proteins, but they also add moisture and richness, binding everything together perfectly.

Expert Tips

To get your prune coffee cake absolutely spot-on, here are some insider tricks:

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overworking can develop gluten in the flour and make the cake tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Chop prunes small: This helps them distribute evenly and blend smoothly into the cake, so every bite has a bit of that prune magic.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Eggs and butter mix better when they aren’t cold, ensuring a smooth, uniform batter.
• Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking: This creates a slightly crunchy, caramelized crust-yum!
• Try letting the cake rest: Some coffee cakes taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists you can try with your prune coffee cake:

• Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor.
• Swap milk for buttermilk: Adds tanginess and makes the crumb even more tender.
• Add spices: Nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom can deepen the flavor profile.
• Mix in orange zest: Brightens up the cake and pairs wonderfully with prunes.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Final Words

Prune coffee cake is like a hug in dessert form. It’s comforting, sweet but not overly so, and has this old-school charm that makes it perfect for slow weekend mornings or cozy afternoons. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is forgiving and so rewarding.

Every bite tells a story-of careful mixing, of the magic of prunes, and of that irresistible cinnamon sugar crust that makes it unforgettable. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be your go-to for sharing with friends, family, or just treating yourself.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For A Prune Coffee Cake Recipe?

The basic ingredients typically include prunes, all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, sour cream or yogurt, vanilla extract, and sometimes nuts or streusel topping.

How Do Prunes Affect The Flavor And Texture Of Coffee Cake?

Prunes add a natural sweetness and moisture to the coffee cake, making it tender and rich. Their deep fruity flavor complements the cinnamon and enhances the overall taste.

Can I Use Dried Prunes Directly, Or Should They Be Soaked Before Adding To The Coffee Cake?

It is best to soak dried prunes in warm water or juice for about 10-15 minutes to soften them before folding into the batter. This prevents them from drying out and helps distribute their flavor evenly.

Is Prune Coffee Cake Suitable For Freezing And How Should It Be Stored?

Yes, prune coffee cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.

Can I Substitute Prunes With Other Dried Fruits In The Coffee Cake Recipe?

You can substitute prunes with dried cherries, raisins, dates, or apricots. However, each fruit will slightly change the flavor and moisture level of the cake.

What Is The Best Way To Achieve A Crumbly Streusel Topping For Prune Coffee Cake?

Use cold butter cut into the flour, sugar, and cinnamon mixture until it forms pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle generously over the batter before baking for a crunchy, crumbly topping.

How Long Should Prune Coffee Cake Be Baked, And At What Temperature?

Typically, prune coffee cake bakes at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 45 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Are There Any Health Benefits To Including Prunes In Coffee Cake?

Prunes are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, which add nutritional value. They help with digestion and provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars.

Can Prune Coffee Cake Be Made Gluten-free Or Vegan?

Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using plant-based butter and egg replacers (such as flax eggs or applesauce), you can make a gluten-free and vegan prune coffee cake.

What Are Some Tips For Ensuring Prune Pieces Do Not Sink To The Bottom Of The Cake?

Toss the chopped prunes in a small amount of flour before adding to the batter. This helps them suspend evenly throughout the cake instead of sinking.