Gooey Prune Cake

I adopted this recipe from thepioneerwoman.com but reduced sugar since the original recipe is too sweet for me. This cake doesn't take like the dry prunes at all...moist, gooey, so delicious! This is one of those "got to try" recipes.

 

For the Cake:

• 1 cup Prunes, about 18 pieces
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup cooking oil
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp. vanilla

1. Place prunes with 1 Tbsp. water in a microwaveable bowl. Cook on high about 2 minutes until prunes turn soft. Drain water and mash in a food processor. Set aside to cool.
2. Mix together cooking oil, sugar and eggs with a whisk. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients, then combine with wet ingredients. Add buttermilk and vanilla, stir gently until just combined. Throw in the mashed prunes and stir gently to combine. Don't over mix!
3. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9x13 baking pan with no-stick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the baking pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

While the cake has 10 minutes remaining, make the icing as below.
For Icing:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 Tbsp. corn syrup
• 1/4 cups butter
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1. Combine icing ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat, and bring to a slow boil.
2. Boil without stir for 5-7 minutes, or until icing starts to turn dark. Don't allow icing to reach soft ball stage. Icing should be caramel in color, but not sticky like caramel and should be easily pourable.
3. Remove cake from oven and pour on icing immediately. Allow to rest on the counter.