I was fortunate enough to happen upon this recipe for my great-grandmother Iny’s Prune Cake a few years ago. Written by her frail, small hands, the recipe’s simplicity appealed to me. It's probably in my Top Five Recipes of all time.
And it would make Grandma Iny so, so happy I’m sharing it with you.
03Mix together oil, sugar, and eggs. In a separate bowl, sift together dry ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients, add buttermilk and vanilla and stir gently until just combined. Throw in the mashed prunes and stir gently to combine. DO NOT OVERMIX!
04Pour batter into buttered baking dish (9 x 13 or so) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE OR INY WILL PADDLE YOUR BOTTOM.
05While cake has five minutes remaining, make the icing: Combine all icing ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat and bring to a slow boil. Boil without stirring for 5 to 7 minutes, or until icing starts to turn dark. Do NOT allow icing to reach soft ball stage; icing should be caramel in color, but not sticky like caramel. Icing should be easily pourable.
06Remove cake from oven and pour on icing immediately. Allow to rest on the counter. Serve warm.
07NOTE: There is absolutely zero “prune effect” associated with this cake. The end.