Prune Cake (kuchen) Recipe

Prune Cake, also known as Prune Kuchen, is a delicious and traditional dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This cake is made by lining pie plates with a thin roll of kuchen dough, then filling them with sweetened and spiced mashed prunes. The dessert is baked until golden brown and served with a dollop of sweetened and flavored whipped cream. It is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Fun Fact: Prune Cake is a classic recipe that has its roots in German and Eastern European cuisine. It was commonly prepared during holiday seasons and special occasions, as prunes were readily available during those times.

Now, let's dive into the recipe and create this delicious Prune Cake!

Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup pitted prunes
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon (or 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Additional sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk. Let the yeast activate for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.

3. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Grease the pie plates with butter or cooking spray. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle that fits the size of the pie plates. Place the dough circles in the prepared pie plates and press them against the sides.

5. In a small saucepan, combine the prunes, water, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest (or lemon juice). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the prunes are soft and mushy.

6. Remove the prunes from the heat and mash them with a fork or potato masher until they resemble a smooth, thick paste. Sweeten to taste, adding more sugar if desired.

7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the prune filling evenly onto the lined pie plates.

8. Place the pie plates with the prune-filled dough in a warm place to rise for about 30 minutes, or until slightly puffed.

9. Optional: Sprinkle the top of the dough with additional sugar and cinnamon for added sweetness and flavor.

10. Bake the Prune Cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

11. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the Prune Cake warm or at room temperature, with a generous dollop of sweetened and flavored whipped cream on top.

Fun Fact: Prune Cake can be enjoyed on its own, but it pairs exceptionally well with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of fruity prunes and creamy whipped cream creates a harmonious balance of flavors.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Plum Cake: Similar to Prune Cake, Plum Cake is a fruit-filled dessert that features fresh plums instead of prunes. The plums are arranged on top of a simple cake batter and baked until tender and juicy.
- Apple Kuchen: Another popular variation of kuchen is Apple Kuchen, where thinly sliced apples are layered with a sweet custard-like filling on top of a buttery crust.
- Apricot Kuchen: This version of kuchen showcases the natural sweetness of apricots. The apricots can be sliced or used as whole halves, and are typically baked with a streusel topping for added texture.

Enjoy baking this delicious Prune Cake and explore other kuchen variations to add variety to your dessert table. Happy baking!