Fruit & Prune Lumberjack Cake

This fruit & prune lumberjack cake is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth with less guilt. This recipe is a near copycat of my favorite lumberjack cake from a restaurant in San Francisco called Frances. Back in 2011, it was listed on “The Big Eat 2011: 100 Things to Try Before You Die”. And let me tell you – this list wasn’t lying!

After some trial-and-error, I came up with a similar – yet healthier – version that calls for no processed sugar or butter. Moist on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside, I know you’re going to just love it! 

What Exactly is a Lumberjack Cake? 

Lumberjack cake refers to a variety of different spiced cakes that are made with nuts and fruit. Unlike traditional cakes, they are typically left unfrosted and have minimal added sugar. What’s common between all cakes of this style is that they’re old-fashioned, hearty, and wholesome. Below, find a brief rundown of the flavor, texture, and cooking time for this fruit & prune lumberjack cake.

• Flavor: The flavor of this cake is earthy from the honey and nuts with a nice natural sweetness from the prunes and apples. It’s got just the right amount of sweetness. 
• Texture: This cake takes absolutely no shortcuts when it comes to texture. From tender apples to chewy dates to moist honey cake, each bite is full of character and wonderfully rustic. 
• Cooking Time: From start to finish, this cake takes just under an hour and a half to prep and bake. 

How to Make this Lumberjack Cake

Making this lumberjack cake only requires a handful of wholesome ingredients and absolutely no decorating or assembling. Simply mix the batter, pop it in the oven, and serve. Below, find a quick hitter overview of the recipe before you dive in. 

• Soak the Prunes: While the oven is preheating to 350°F, roughly chop the prunes and place them in a small bowl with the baking soda. Next, pour hot, boiling water over them and allow them to soak and soften. 
• Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. 
• Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the honey, egg, vanilla extract, and coconut oil together with a hand mixer. Next, slowly beat in the soaked prunes. 
• Combine the Wet & Dry Ingredients: Using a spatula, slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold the apples into the batter. 
• Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake the cake for 45-50 minutes. Allow it to cool at room temperature. Enjoy as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! 

Experimenting with Different Ingredients

If you want to do a little experimenting of your own, add your favorite ingredients into the cake batter. Below, find a few suggestions and variations to play with. 

• Chocolate chips – Dark chocolate chips add a nice, subtle richness 
• Nuts – Walnuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios will give the cake a wonderful crunch
• Dates – Swap the prunes out for dates (soak them just as you would the prunes)
• Coconut topping – Add a cup of coconut flakes on top of the cake before baking for a nice pop of texture and nutty flavor
• Pears – Swap the apples out for pears if you prefer

A Step-By-Step on Freezing Lumberjack Cake

Lumberjack cake is perhaps one of the best cakes for freezing. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to have cake on hand for 2-3 weeks.

• Allow the cake to cool completely. 
• Place the cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop it  in the freezer uncovered. 
• Once completely frozen, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Slice cold or warm it up in the oven! 

4 Tips for Tasty Lumberjack Cake

Here you’ll find a handful of tips to help you make the tastiest lumberjack cake on the planet. 

• Soak the prunes in baking soda and hot water. Boiling water and baking soda will help soften the prunes so they incorporate well into the batter. A quick 10 minutes will do the trick! 
• Peel the apples. For the smoothest cake texture, peel the apples before you add them to the batter. 
• Grease the pan. Whatever you do, don’t forget to grease the pan before pouring the batter in! A little cooking spray or Crisco will prevent the cake from sticking when you remove it from the pan.
• Use the toothpick trick. Not sure if the cake is finished quite yet? Stick a toothpick into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean, you’re golden!

FAQ

Other Hearty Cake Recipes

• ​Quick Apple Cake – Simple apple bundt cake
• Oatmeal Plum Cake Recipe – Crumbly plum cake for breakfast or dessert
• Caramel Apple Cake – Apple cake with caramel frosting 
• Drunken Raisins Cake – Raisin liqueur cake

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Recipe

Fruit & Prune Lumberjack Cake

Print Pin

Servings

8 servings

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin

This version of a lumberjack cake is made with rich prunes, sliced apples, and honey. One of the heartiest cake recipes on the planet!

Ingredients

• 1 cup prunes
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup hot boiled water
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup coconut oil melted
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large apple peeled and chopped

US Units – Metric

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Next, cut the prunes into small pieces and place them in a small bowl. Pour hot, boiling water on top of the prunes, add in the baking soda, and allow them to soak for at least 10 minutes.
  
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
  
• In a large bowl, beat the honey, egg, vanilla extract, and coconut oil together.
  
• Slowly, beat the prune mixture into the egg mixture.
  
• Working in small portions and using a spatula, add the flour mixture into the wet mixture until well-combined.
  
• Fold the peeled and chopped apples into the mixture.
  
• Grease a 7-inch round baking dish and pour the batter into it. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Allow the cake to cool at room temperature. Slice and enjoy!
  

Nutrition Facts

Fruit & Prune Lumberjack Cake

Amount Per Serving

Calories 341 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 20mg7%

Sodium 292mg12%

Potassium 279mg8%

Carbohydrates 53g18%

Fiber 3g12%

Sugar 28g31%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 212IU4%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 40mg4%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.