-
1
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and butter a 9- by 13-inch baking pan.
-
2
Place the prunes in a small saucepan.
-
3
Cover them with water.
-
4
Bring to a low boil and cook until soft and mashable, about 8 minutes.
-
5
Drain the water and mash the prunes on a plate.
-
6
It's okay to leave little chunks behind.
-
7
Set the prunes aside and make the cake.
-
8
Sift together the flour, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg.
-
9
Mmmm... smells like the holidays.
-
10
In a separate bowl, mix together the oil, sugar, vanilla and eggs.
-
11
Combine the wet and dry ingredients and splash in the buttermilk.
-
12
Stir until just combined.
-
13
The mixture will be slightly lumpy.
-
14
Now throw in the mashed prunes.
-
15
And if your honey walks in as you're completing this step, shield the bowl with your body and stir quickly.
-
16
What he doesn't know won't hurt him.
-
17
Pour into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
-
18
Grandma Iny was adamant: do not over bake the cake.
-
19
You want it to be nice and moist.
-
20
When the cake has about 5 minutes left to bake, make the icing: Combine the sugar, buttermilk, butter, corn syrup, baking soda and vanilla in a medium saucepan.
-
21
Stir to combine.
-
22
Bring to a slow boil over medium-high heat.
-
23
No need to stir.
-
24
Continue boiling until the icing turns a light caramel color, 5 to 7 minutes.
-
25
Important: The icing should be the color of caramel, but not yet firm and sticky.
-
26
It needs to be pourable.
-
27
Pull the cake out of the oven.
-
28
Try not to faint, as it smells absolutely divine.
-
29
While the cake is very warm, pour the icing evenly over the top.
-
30
Work fast, as it will quickly start to soak into the cake.
-
31
Spread the coat evenly... then please, do yourself a favor: lick the spatula.
-
32
It'll make you smile.
-
33
Serve immediately, or feel free to let the cake sit on the counter for a while before serving.
-
34
It only gets better with age.
-
35
Helpful hint: serve without revealing the fact that the cake contains prunes.