Golden Fig Cake is a rich, naturally sweet dessert made with luscious dried figs, warm spices, and often a touch of citrus or honey. Moist, dense, and brimming with earthy flavor, this cake is ideal for fall or holiday occasions but equally perfect year-round as a refined treat with coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is incredibly moist and fragrant, thanks to the use of soaked or stewed figs, and it delivers deep, caramel-like notes without relying on excess sugar. The texture is pleasantly dense yet tender, making it a satisfying alternative to fruitcake or spice cake. It’s also adaptable—elegant enough for formal gatherings, but easy enough for an everyday bake.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dried golden figs (chopped)
- Boiling water or orange juice (for soaking)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: orange zest or lemon zest
- Optional: chopped walnuts or almonds
- Optional: honey (for drizzling)
- Optional glaze: powdered sugar + citrus juice or milk
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf or round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Soak chopped dried figs in boiling water (or orange juice) for 10–15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and zest (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the soaked figs and nuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before glazing or drizzling with honey.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter.
- Nut-Free: Omit nuts for an allergy-friendly version.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Citrus-Infused: Add more orange or lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
- Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for single-serving portions.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days when chilled.
- Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature overnight.
- Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or enjoy at room temperature.
FAQs
What kind of figs should I use?
Golden dried figs are ideal, but Black Mission figs can also work if golden are unavailable.
Do I need to soak the figs?
Yes, soaking softens them and enhances their flavor and texture in the cake.
Can I use fresh figs?
Yes, but reduce added liquid and adjust baking time. Fresh figs add more moisture.
What pairs well with fig cake?
Coffee, tea, whipped cream, mascarpone, or Greek yogurt all complement it beautifully.
Can I add honey to the batter?
Yes, but reduce the amount of sugar to prevent it from being overly sweet.
How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?
Don’t overmix the batter and ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh.
Can I use fig preserves instead of chopped figs?
It’s not recommended as preserves have added sugar and moisture that may alter texture.
Is this cake suitable for gifting?
Absolutely. Its firm structure and long shelf life make it ideal for holiday gifts.
Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Yes, divide the batter among muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes.
What icing works best?
A simple citrus glaze or dusting of powdered sugar works best. Avoid heavy frostings.
Conclusion
Golden Fig Cake is a sophisticated and comforting dessert that showcases the natural sweetness and rich flavor of dried figs. With its aromatic spices and beautifully moist texture, this cake is sure to impress both casual snackers and refined palates. It’s a lovely addition to holiday tables, afternoon teas, or any occasion where warmth and flavor are key.
PrintGolden Fig Cake
Golden Fig Cake is a rich and moist dessert made with sweet dried figs, warm spices, and a touch of citrus. It’s perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings, offering a unique flavor profile that’s both earthy and sweet.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried golden figs, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup orange juice or milk
- Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
- In a small saucepan, combine chopped figs and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Let cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Stir in the cooled fig mixture and orange juice (or milk).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use golden dried figs for a milder, honey-like flavor.
- This cake pairs well with tea or coffee.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Wrap well and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg