Before Pillsbury was known for its refrigerator dough it was a flour brand. That makes sense now that I know it. They had Grand National Recipe and Baking Contests starting in 1950. One winner that caught my eye was Prune Whip Spice Cake which won the $1000 prize. Prunes are not something that I really associate with cakes or any kind of baking. But this recipe won the big prize in 1955 so its worth a look. I will warn you that it has some complicated steps.
Prune Whip Spice Cake
Sift together:
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tsp double acting baking powder*
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
Add:
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup prune juice
1/2 milk
Beat for 1 1/2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer or beat 225 strokes by hand*.
Add:
2 unbeaten eggs
1 tsp vanilla
Beat for 1 1/2 minutes
Then pour the batter into greased and floured pans. You can use two 8 inch or 9 inch pans, or one 8 x 12 or 9 x 13 pans. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25-35 minutes. Cool before frosting with Fluffy Prune Frosting.
*A couple of notes : Double acting baking soda is the kind most available in grocery stores, apparently there is a single acting baking soda for commercial baking purposes but not really something you would have. And have you ever seen the number of strokes of a whisk that equals 1 1/2 minutes with an electric mixer? While stand mixers were found in many kitchens by this time, I am guessing they are assuming you have a “mix master” type of electric mixer because of what follows with the frosting.
Fluffy Prune Frosting
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup prune juice
2 egg whites
2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
Mix all in a double boiler bringing mixture to a boil while mixing with an electric mixer. Continue to mix with mixer until peaks form. Remove from heat and keep mixing for 2 minutes.
Fold in:
1/2 cup drained finely chopped cooked prunes
2 Tbsp of chopped nuts.
Cool slightly and frost the cake.
I don’t remember ever seeing a recipe calling for electric mixing in a double boiler. I’d have to use my immersion blender as I only have a stand mixer these days. Are you up for the challenge of Prune Whip Spice Cake?
