Prune Cupcakes
Sophisticated cupcakes featuring pureed prunes, warm spices, and cream cheese frosting for a surprisingly elegant dessert experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup prune puree (about 20 prunes)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cardamom
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- For frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, ½ cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Soak prunes in warm water for 10 minutes, then puree until smooth.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and prune puree.
In separate bowl, whisk flour, spices, baking powder, and salt.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to wet ingredients.
Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 18-22 minutes.
Cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Pro Tips
- • Use high-quality, plump prunes for best flavor
- • Puree prunes while still warm for smoother texture
- • Don't overbake - prunes keep cupcakes very moist
- • Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting
Delicious Variations
- • Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter
- • Swirl in a ribbon of prune puree for extra fruit flavor
- • Top with candied prunes for elegant presentation
- • Add orange zest to the frosting for citrus contrast
Perfect Pairings
Recipe Details
Timing
Nutrition (per cupcake)
When to Enjoy
Perfect for afternoon tea, sophisticated gatherings, or when you want to offer something unique and memorable. Best within 4 days.
Recipe Highlights
Final Thoughts
Prune cupcakes demonstrate how traditional ingredients can be reimagined into modern, sophisticated desserts that surprise and delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I use prunes in cupcakes?
Prunes add incredible moisture, natural sweetness, and a sophisticated depth of flavor. They also provide fiber and nutrients while creating a unique taste that's both familiar and surprising.
Can I substitute other dried fruits?
Yes! Dates, figs, or raisins work well, but each will change the flavor profile. Prunes have a unique wine-like sweetness that's hard to replicate with other fruits.
Will these cupcakes taste like prune juice?
Not at all! The prunes are pureed and combined with spices and other ingredients, creating a rich, cake-like flavor that's sweet and sophisticated rather than medicinal.
How do I make prune puree?
Soak prunes in warm water for 10 minutes, then blend in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add a little soaking liquid if needed to achieve a thick puree consistency.
Can I make these without the spices?
Yes, but the spices really enhance the prune flavor. If you prefer, you can reduce or omit them, but the cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth that complements the fruit beautifully.
Are these cupcakes healthy?
They're healthier than many cupcakes due to the natural sweetness from prunes and added fiber, but they still contain sugar and butter. They're a better choice than traditional cupcakes but still a treat.
