Prune Butter Cake ~ 西梅牛油蛋糕

When I saw the post of Prune Butter Cake from Ann of anncoojournal, I told myself that I have to give this a try as the bottle of Rum has been sitting comfortably in my pantry for a long time.  True to what Ann said, the kitchen was filled with sweet fragrance when the cake was baking in the oven.  The texture may be a bit dense but it was moist and soft.  Tastes good served warm or cooled.

Prune Butter Cake  ~   西梅牛油蛋糕

Ingredients

• 200 gm butter
• 160 gm caster sugar
• 230 gm plain flour
• 4 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 2.1/2 Tbsp Rum
• 1.1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1.1/3 tsp baking powder
• 2.1/2 Tbsp milk
• 120 gm dried pitted prunes
• 3.1/2 Tbsp Rum
• 1 Tbsp sugar

Method

1. Soak the prunes with Rum and sugar for about an hour.  Simmer over low  heat for 5 mins. till the prunes plump up.   Remove 8 eight pieces for decoration and snip or cut up the rest.  Add in 2 Tbsp sifted flour to absorb moisture.   Set aside.
2. Line the base of an 8 inch springform pan and grease and flour the sides of the pan.
3. Sift the plain flour with baking powder, set aside.
4. Cream the butter and sugar till light and fluffy, gradually add in the beaten egg, lemon juice, vanilla.  Mix well.
5. Sift in  flour again onto the egg mixture and fold in with a spatula.  Add in milk and mix till smooth.  Add in the prune pieces and mix evenly.
6. Pour the batter into the pan, level the surface and place whole pitted prunes on top.
7. Bake in a preheated oven @ 190 deg.C for 10 mins., the reduce to 170deg.C and bake for 30 to 40 mins till golden brown.  Test with a skewer till it comes out clean.   
8. Let cake cool in the pan, then remove.