This delicious cake brings back so many wonderful childhood memories and made me feel like Gramma Wow was celebrating Christmas with us this past year. It's a bit time consuming to make, but the delicious taste and smiles on everyone's faces made the effort well worthwhile. I can't wait to make it again this Christmas.
Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
Filling
2 ½ cups pitted prunes (1 lb/ 454 g)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cardamom
Layers
1 ¼ cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or more if needed)
3 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
½ cup milk
Almond Icing
1 cup icing sugar
1 Tbsp butter, softened
1 ½ tsp milk
1 ¼ tsp almond extract
Cream ingredients together, in a small mixing bowl.
INSTRUCTIONS
To prepare filling:
1) Place prunes in a saucepan and add enough water to cover.
2) Bring to a boil, simmer until prunes are very soft and
most of the water has evaporated.
3) Put through a food mill or blender.
4) Add sugar and cardamom, stir to combine and set aside to
cool.
To prepare layers:
1) In large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.
2) Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3) Measure and combine dry ingredients; add alternately with
milk to creamed mixture.
4) If dough is sticky, add a little more flavor to make
rolling our easier.
To assemble:
1) Divide dough into 8 equal portions.
2) On a floured surface, roll each out into a 8 inch round (we
made 6 layers…. we set a large dinner plate on top of the dough and traced
around the plate with a knife.)
3) Dough should be very thin, about ¼ inches in thickness.
Bake on parchment-lined cookie sheet.
4) Bake at 375 F for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden
and done.
5) Cool on a wire rack.
6) Assemble by spreading a thin layer of prunes over each
layer.
7) Top with your best looking one.
8) The layers will be crisp but will soften with the
filling.
9) Top with almond icing, letting it ooze down the sides.
10) Chill before cutting & serving
*Special thanks to the ArmChairChef for helping me re-discover this wonderful childhood family favourite.
