Simple Fig Cake Recipe That’ll Brighten Your Dessert Table

Sweet memories of summers in tuscany dance around this rustic fig cake that captures Mediterranean warmth in every delectable bite.

Sunshine-drenched orchards whisper their secrets through ripe, luscious fruits nestled within soft, golden crumbs.

Mediterranean bakers understand how simple ingredients can create magic on a plate.

Fragrant figs bring unexpected depth to this classic dessert, melding sweetness with subtle earthiness.

Seasonal produce transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary culinary experiences that connect us to ancestral traditions.

Unexpected textures and rich flavors await you in this incredibly simple yet deeply satisfying recipe.

You will want to savor each remarkable slice and share the joy with everyone around your table.

Top Tips For Nigella Fig Cake Recipe Success

• Slice Figs Strategically: Cut figs uniformly to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the cake.
• Prevent Fruit Sinking: Toss fig pieces in a light dusting of flour before folding into batter to keep them suspended evenly.
• Control Moisture Balance: Use ripe but firm figs to maintain the cake's ideal texture without making it soggy.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of orange zest or honey to complement the fig's natural sweetness.
• Adjust Spice Intensity: Experiment with spice ratios, increasing or decreasing cinnamon and ginger to suit personal taste preferences.

Delicious Variations Of Nigella Fig Cake Recipe

• Gluten-Free Fig Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Vegan Fig Delight: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and coconut milk instead of dairy milk.
• Low-Sugar Fig Treat: Substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or stevia, and use less sweetener for a healthier option.
• Spiced Nutty Fig Cake: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter, increase cinnamon, and include ground cardamom for extra warmth.

Perfect Pairings With Nigella Fig Cake Recipe

• Sip Sweet Moscato: Light, fruity white wine perfectly matches the cake's delicate fig sweetness and spice notes.
• Serve Creamy Mascarpone: Soft, rich cheese spread provides a luxurious contrast to the cake's tender crumb and enhances fig flavor.
• Brew Chai Latte: Warm spiced tea echoes the cake's cinnamon and ginger undertones, creating a comforting and cohesive taste experience.
• Drizzle Honey Glaze: Golden, floral honey adds extra moisture and depth, highlighting the natural sweetness of fresh figs in the cake.

How To Store Nigella Fig Cake Recipe Properly

• Store covered cake in airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping moisture locked in and preventing drying out.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, storing whole cake or individual slices up to 2 months in freezer.
• Keep cake at cool room temperature under cake dome or loose plastic wrap for 1-2 days, preserving freshness.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm oven at 150C for 5-7 minutes, ensuring cake remains soft and moist.

FAQ Guide For Nigella Fig Cake Recipe

• Can I use dried figs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use dried figs. Soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes to soften before slicing and adding to the cake batter.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to touch.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

Why Nigella Fig Cake Recipe Is A Hidden Gem

• Celebrate Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of autumn with this fig-packed cake that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dessert perfect for cozy gatherings.
• Bake with Minimal Skill: Newbie bakers can confidently create this recipe with straightforward mixing techniques and basic kitchen tools, ensuring success on the first try.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this cake as a delightful breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment by adding nuts, changing spices, or drizzling with honey to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core flavors.

What Goes In Nigella Fig Cake Recipe

• Figs: Ripe and sweet fruits that provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Flour: Provides the primary structure and texture for the cake.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps in caramelization during baking.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Cinnamon, Ginger: Warm spices that add depth and complementary flavor to the fig cake.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Milk, Eggs: Provide moisture and help create a smooth, consistent batter.

Steps To Bake Nigella Fig Cake Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 175°C (350°F). Grab your 9-inch cake pan and give it a generous coating of butter and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Prepare the Figs

Pluck off the stems from your figs and slice or quarter them into delightful bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger

Blend these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweet goodness.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Crack eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth, even batter.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the batter, alternating between the two. Stir gently to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 7: Fold in Flavor

Splash in vanilla extract and fold in most of the prepared fig pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange the remaining fig slices on top for a beautiful decorative touch.

Step 9: Bake and Cool

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Once done, remove and let the cake cool completely before serving.

Fig Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 mins
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible Mediterranean fig cake whispers rustic charm from southern Italian kitchens. Sweet layers of fresh figs and almond flour create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure Mediterranean pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Fruits:

• 10 to 12 fresh figs

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 175°C (350°F) and prepare the cake tin by greasing and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully remove the stems from figs and slice or quarter them into uniform pieces.
3. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger in a mixing bowl, whisking to ensure even distribution of spices.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
5. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two to create a balanced batter.
7. Stir in vanilla extract and gently fold most of the prepared fig pieces into the batter.
8. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake tin, spreading evenly and arranging remaining fig slices decoratively on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before removing and serving to ensure proper texture and easy slicing.

Notes

• Choose ripe, sweet figs for the most intense flavor and natural sweetness in your cake.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smoother batter and more even baking.
• Dust the fig slices with a little flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking during baking.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour and add xanthan gum for better texture.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45-50 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg