Delicious Prune Torte Recipe for Sweet Tooth Lovers
Have you ever tasted a dessert that transported you to another time and place? A dessert that could make you feel like you were in a cozy kitchen, surrounded by family and friends? Well, get ready to experience that feeling with this Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte Recipe.
This recipe has been passed down over generations, with every great grandma putting their own twist on it. But this particular version is sure to please your taste buds. The recipe combines sweet prunes with a buttery and flaky crust, topped off with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. And let’s not forget the hint of cinnamon and lemon juice – it’s the perfect balance of flavors.
But this isn’t just any prune torte recipe. This is the ultimate comfort food, the dessert that your grandma would make on special occasions, and maybe even hide away for herself.
So, join me in the kitchen as we embark on a journey through Ukrainian tradition and sweet indulgence. Let’s learn how to make the perfect Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a baker, I can confidently tell you that this Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte recipe is one you simply cannot afford to ignore. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s full of authentic Ukrainian flavors thanks to the use of staple ingredients like prunes and cinnamon.
The sweetness of the prunes combined with the tangy taste of the lemon juice creates an excellent balance that your taste buds will definitely enjoy. Moreover, it’s flexible enough to be served hot or chilled depending on your preferences.
If you’re a fan of cakes and sweet treats, then you’ll love this dessert recipe. Even if you’ve rarely experimented with Ukrainian desserts in the past, you simply must give this torte a try.
Not only is the recipe easy to prepare, it also has an impressive texture filled with layers of cake and prune filling. You could even add your own personal twist on it by using walnut torte or even chocolate cake instead.
I promise you that once you take a small bite, this tempting dessert will leave you with no choice but to go back for more. It’s a delightful treat that will have everyone at your next gathering asking for more – don’t miss out!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouth-watering Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte Recipe:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp. of lemon juice
- ½ tsp. of cinnamon
- 1 cup of soft and unsalted butter
- 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, divided [½ cup confectioners’ sugar for the dough and ½ cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting on top]
- ½ teaspoon of pure almond extract
- 1 can (approximately 12oz) pureed or whole stewed pitted prunes, with some water drained off
- 2 egg whites
The ingredient list is fairly simple, but each one plays an important role in making this delicious torte. As always, make sure that you get fresh ingredients to produce the best results.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to dive into the heart of the matter: the Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte Recipe. Before embarking on this baking adventure, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Once you’ve gathered everything, you’re ready to begin!
Making the Prune Filling
First and foremost, let’s start with making the prune filling. Take 2 cups of pitted prunes and put them in a medium pot with four cups of water. Add 1 cup of sugar (divided), ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Bring it to boil over medium-high heat.
When the mixture starts boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for one hour. Stir occasionally until the liquid has been reduced by half and has become syrupy in consistency. Remove from heat and let cool.
Creating the Dough
While your prune filling is cooling down, we can start creating the dough for your Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter with 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar (divided) until it becomes fluffy.
Add in the 1 egg (at room temperature) followed by ½ teaspoon almond extract and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until combined.
Next up, add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour a little bit at a time while continuously stirring until a soft dough forms.
Divide your dough in half and shape your dough balls into two flattened discs before wrapping them tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in your refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight so that they chill thoroughly.
Assembly
Once your dough is ready, take out your cooled prune filling first for assembly. Preheat your oven to 350°F /180°C degrees.
Roll out each disc into a circle shaped sheet using rolling pin or hands based on preference. Line one sheet onto an ungreased 9-inch cake pan evenly so that it covers bottom and edges.
Spread cooled prune filling fully onto lined dough sheet meanwhile leave space for edges. Use second sheet as top cover again trimming extra pastry/crust that hangs over any side using scissors or knife.
Use fork to prick both crusts/dough gently besides centre rim marks so that filling can breath through steam vents while baking process continues.
Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F/180° degree Celsius until light golden brown color appears on crust surfaces.
Serving
Your Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte is officially ready! Before serving, dust the torte generously with confectioners’ sugar to add sweetness and balance flavors. You can also add extras such as whipped cream or caramel drizzle if desired.
Enjoy every bite of this indulgent dessert and be proud that you’ve mastered baking this traditional Ukrainian dessert!
Substitutions and Variations
You’re probably thinking, “Prune torte sounds amazing, but can I switch it up a bit?” The answer is yes! Here are a few suggestions for substitutions and variations that will still end up with an absolutely scrumptious treat.
Firstly, let’s talk about the prune filling. Don’t feel like using prunes? No big deal – you can easily swap them out for other dried fruits such as apricots or dates. Maybe you prefer a bit of tartness to your filling? Try using cranberries or dried cherries!
Now let’s move on to the crust. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Or maybe you want to switch things up and use crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits instead of flour. Additionally, if cinnamon isn’t your thing, you may consider substituting it with nutmeg or cardamom.
Lastly, let’s try making this dessert even more irresistible. Why not add a little kick of espresso powder to enhance the flavours? Or stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling. Alternately, consider topping the torte with crumbly brown sugar streusel or drizzling rich dark chocolate over it.
With these variations in mind, feel free to make this recipe truly your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have made the exquisite Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte, it is time to think about presenting it on a plate and choosing the perfect beverage to accompany it.
Presentation is key when it comes to desserts, so arrange a slice of the prune torte on a delicate dish, and sprinkle some confectioners’ sugar over the top for a touch of elegance. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream will further enhance its richness and add an extra layer of sweetness that pairs well with the tart flavor of the prunes.
For a beautifully paired drink, consider coffee or tea. A hot cup of freshly brewed coffee provides a rich taste that complements the earthy aroma of cinnamon and the sweetness of the prunes. Tea lovers can choose from a variety such as herbal tea or black tea. The lightness of herbal tea and strong notes of black tea make them perfect for balancing out intense flavors and adding brightness to every bite.
In conclusion, serving this delicious torte with an eye-catching presentation and selecting the right beverage will ensure you and your guests have a memorable dessert experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the beauty of make-ahead dishes! With this Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte Recipe, you can whip up a delicious dessert in advance and enjoy it at your own leisure.
To make ahead, simply bake the torte, let it cool to room temperature, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the torte (without the confectioners’ sugar) for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Now we know that reheating baked goods can be a hit or miss; no one wants to end up with a soggy or dry torte. To avoid this, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C), place the torte on a baking sheet, and gently reheat it for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Be sure to cover the torte with foil while reheating it to prevent it from drying out.
As far as storing goes, be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The torte tastes great cold or at room temperature, so no need to reheat leftovers if you don’t want to.
This prune torte is just as delicious as when it is fresh out of the oven. So go ahead and make-ahead this beloved family recipe, store it for later or share with friends – either way, you won’t regret keeping this delectable treat around!”
Tips for Perfect Results
Baking a traditional recipe passed down through generations can be a daunting task, but with these simple tips, your Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte will turn out perfect every time.
First, make sure to measure your ingredients carefully. This recipe relies on the precise ratio of flour, butter, and sugar for its balance and texture. Use a kitchen scale to accurately measure by weight, and level off each cup of flour or sugar with a knife to prevent over or under-measuring.
Next, don’t be tempted to skip the lemon juice in the prune filling. The acid helps to cut through the sweetness of the prunes and brings a brightness to the flavor. The cinnamon adds depth and warmth that complements the sweet-tart prunes.
When making the dough for your torte, use room temperature butter to help it come together smoothly. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour before rolling out. This will make the dough easier to work with and prevent sticking.
While rolling out the dough, keep a light hand and use gentle pressure to ensure an even thickness. If you have problems with sticking or tearing, lightly flour your work surface or roll out between two sheets of parchment paper.
If you’re making this recipe for a special occasion or just want an extra special touch, try substituting almond extract for vanilla in both the filling and dough. It will add a nutty aroma and flavor that’s perfect with the prunes.
Finally, don’t overbake your torte! The edges should be golden brown and firm to the touch but the center should still be slightly soft. Over-baking can result in a dry torte that won’t hold together well when sliced.
Follow these tips for perfectly balanced flavors and textures that make this Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte recipe so beloved among Ukrainian desserts.
Bottom Line
With the Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte recipe, you’ll be able to indulge in a piece of history while satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of prunes and almonds with a hint of cinnamon and lemon juice creates a flavor profile that is nothing short of phenomenal.
This recipe has been passed down for generations, and you can taste the love and care that went into it from its very first bite. Don’t miss out on the best Ukrainian desserts recipes which make your mouth water.
But this recipe offers even more than just a delicious dessert. By making this Prune Torte, you are preserving the historical importance of these traditional Ukrainian desserts. You are keeping the memories of great grandmothers, their family gatherings and holiday traditions alive through this time-honored treat.
Using only simple ingredients like flour, butter, eggs, prunes, sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon without any lengthy preparation will keep you coming back for more all the time. And with the additional tips and tricks included in this article, you can be sure that your torte will always come out perfectly every time you bake it!
So what are you waiting for? Get baking! Whip up a batch of Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte Recipe today and experience the rich history stored within each bite. It’s sure to become a family tradition for generations to come!
Ukrainian Great Grandma’s Prune Torte Recipe
Ingredients
FOR THE LAYERS
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar (sometimes called icing sugar or powdered sugar)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup blanched ground almonds
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
FOR THE FILLING
- 1 lb stewed prune, pitted and ground
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 -4 tablespoons prunes liquid
Instructions
- Use vegetable spray to butter 5 round layer cake pans (8-inch pans) and dust with flour, remove excess.
- Cream the butter with the sugar until light. Add the egg and beat well. Stir in the extract, salt, and almonds. Add the flour and mix thoroughly. Divide the dough into 5 equal parts. Put in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Roll each of them between 2 sheets of waxed or parchment paper to fit the pan, or pat the dough evenly into the pans gently. Bake in a moderate oven 325 to 350°F for 20 minutes, or until delicately browned. Reduce temperature if it starts to get too brown. Remove from the pans while still hot. Cool. Prepare the filling.
- FOR THE FILLING: Cook the prunes in water just to cover until they plump up. Take prunes out of the liquid, pit them and grind them.
- Bring to the boiling point the ground prunes with the 1 cup sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice and prune liquid. Put the layers together with the warm filling. Let the torte stand for about a day (24 hours) before cutting it. Serve in slices.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.