Best Ever Prune Recipes: Sweet, Savory, + Everything In-Between
I’m here to tell you: California Prunes are the secret ingredient you didn’t know you needed. These rich, naturally sweet fruits aren’t just great for snacking—they’re an incredible addition to both baking and savory dishes. Whether you’re whipping up a dessert or braising some short ribs, prunes bring a unique depth of flavor that will take your recipe to the next level. Here are some of my absolute favorite prune recipes—because once you start cooking with them, there’s no going back!
BTW – this is NOT a sponsored post. I just truly love prunes, and over the years I’ve added them to SO many of my recipes!
Prunes in the Kitchen: Why They’re a Game-Changer
Prunes add a natural sweetness that’s never overwhelming. They’re like dried fruit on steroids (the delicious kind), offering a tangy, rich sweetness that balances savory dishes and adds moisture to baked goods. When you slow-cook prunes with meats or blend them into desserts, they melt into the dish, making it taste more complex and delicious. They’re versatile and packed with flavor, so feel free to throw them into everything from salads to sauces.
Health Benefits of California Prunes: More Than Just a Sweet Snack
- Fiber-packed: Prunes are high in fiber, which helps keep your digestive system running smoothly.
- Bone health: Research shows that prunes may help improve bone density, which is reason enough to snack away.
- Loaded with antioxidants: Prunes are rich in antioxidants, helping fight free radicals and promote overall health.
- Low glycemic index: They won’t cause a blood sugar spike like more processed sweets, so you can enjoy them guilt-free.
Favorite Baking Prune Recipes
Gluten-Free Doberge Cake
This cake is an absolute showstopper! Prunes add moisture and richness to the layers, making every bite dense, decadent, and perfect for a special occasion.
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Muffins
These muffins are packed with wholesome ingredients, and the prunes add natural sweetness and moisture, making them a perfect breakfast or snack.
Ham and Cheese Savory Gluten-Free Hand Pies
These savory hand pies are the ultimate portable meal. The slight sweetness of prunes perfectly balances the salty ham and gooey cheese.
Loaded Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Prunes add a deep sweetness to these cinnamon rolls, complementing the spices and cream cheese glaze. They’re like a hug in food form.
Rum-Soaked Prune Cheesecake
The prunes in this cheesecake are soaked in rum, adding a rich, boozy twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. It’s indulgent but worth every bite.
Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread
Prunes give this soda bread a sweet surprise in every bite, balancing the hearty, rustic loaf. Perfect with butter and jam!
Pumpkin Gingerbread Cake
This cake is a winter favorite in my house. The prunes help keep the cake incredibly moist while adding a subtle depth to the spicy gingerbread flavor.
The Best Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
Prunes make this cake extra moist and delicious, bringing out the natural sweetness of the carrots without overpowering the other flavors.
Double Chocolate Cheesecake
This Double Chocolate Prune Cheesecake is pure indulgence! The prunes add a rich sweetness to the velvety chocolate filling, making it extra decadent and moist. With a chocolate crust and a creamy, prune-infused filling, this dessert is perfect for chocolate lovers who want something a little more special.
Favorite Savory Prune Recipes
Roasted Chicken with Citrus, Olives, and Prunes
This savory dish combines the sweetness of prunes with tangy citrus and briny olives. It’s the kind of dinner that feels fancy but is totally doable for a weeknight.
Zesty Citrus, Kiwi, and Walnut Salad
Prunes add a delightful sweetness to this fresh, zesty salad. Paired with kiwi and crunchy walnuts, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying.
Delicious Prune & Olive Relish
This prune and olive relish is a flavor explosion—sweet, salty, and savory all at once. It’s the perfect condiment for meats or a charcuterie board star.
Instant Pot Chicken Mole Tacos
These Instant Pot Chicken Mole Tacos are a flavor-packed dream. The prunes help balance the smoky, spicy mole sauce, adding a touch of natural sweetness that complements the tender chicken. Each bite is a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, making these tacos a must-try for any taco night!
Wild Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms & Olives
The prunes bring a subtle sweetness to this earthy wild rice pilaf, making it an ideal side dish for roasted meats or a hearty vegetarian option.
Instant Pot Pulled Chicken with Prune BBQ Sauce
Prunes add a rich sweetness to this BBQ sauce that makes it irresistible. The pulled chicken practically melts in your mouth, thanks to the prune-infused sauce.
Naturally Sweetened Baked Beans
Prunes are the secret ingredient in these baked beans, adding a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the smoky flavor of the dish.
Homemade BBQ Sauce
This prune-based BBQ sauce is rich, tangy, and slightly sweet. It’s perfect on everything from pulled pork to burgers or even grilled veggies.
Why I Love Cooking with California Prunes
Prunes have earned their spot in my kitchen, and once you start cooking with them, you’ll see why. They add incredible depth of flavor to everything from savory roast meats to your favorite baked goods—and let’s not forget the health benefits! So go ahead, grab a bag of California Prunes and start experimenting with these prune recipes. You might just find your new favorite ingredient.
Thank you for helping support my small business! A Girl Defloured earns revenue in a few different ways; I have occasional sponsored post and I also earn an affiliate commission on the sales of products I link to— there are a few of those links in this post. The only items that I feature are those that I use on a regular basis and that I truly love. I earn a small commission on your purchase, but you don’t pay any more than retail price. This allows me to share my recipes with you (and keeps me well fed). THANK YOU!
