Fig Preserve Cake Recipe: A Sweet and Spiced Dessert for Any Occasion
Fig preserve cake is the kind of dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering, whether it’s a holiday feast, a family dinner, or a special brunch with friends. Made with a blend of flavorful spices, tangy buttermilk, and rich fig preserves, this cake is a true labor of love that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you’ve got some fig preserves stashed away, now is the perfect time to pull them out and create this moist, spiced cake. It’s so good that you might just want to make it year-round!
Table of Contents:
- Ingredients
- Nutritional Information
- Instructions
- Expert Tips
- FAQs
Ingredients
This simple yet delicious cake comes together with everyday ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s a detailed list to make sure you have everything you need for this delightful dessert.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground allspice | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground cloves | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Pecans or walnuts (optional) | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar (for glaze) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Real butter (for glaze) | 1 tablespoon |
| Buttermilk (for glaze) | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract (for glaze) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fig preserves | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This cake is rich in flavor and provides a sweet indulgence, but it’s worth noting the nutritional content, especially if you plan on sharing it with a large group.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 6476.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 289.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 46.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 600.8 mg |
| Sodium | 3176.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 920.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.9 g |
| Sugars | 651.6 g |
| Protein | 61.5 g |
Instructions
This fig preserve cake is fairly simple to make, but the end result is nothing short of spectacular. Let’s walk through the steps for creating this delectable cake.
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the first eight ingredients: sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, ground allspice, and ground cloves. Stir them together to ensure an even distribution of spices throughout the flour mixture.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Once the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed, add the oil and eggs to the bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture at medium speed until it becomes well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Incorporate Buttermilk and Vanilla
Next, add the buttermilk and vanilla extract to the batter. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated. The buttermilk will help keep the cake moist, while the vanilla extract adds a lovely fragrance to the batter.
Step 4: Stir in Fig Preserves and Nuts
Now, fold in the fig preserves along with the chopped pecans or walnuts. These will add texture and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake and the depth of the figs.
Step 5: Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan to prevent the cake from sticking once baked. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. Check for doneness by inserting a wooden pick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After this, carefully remove the cake from the pan and place it on a serving platter to continue cooling.
Step 8: Prepare the Buttermilk Glaze
While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make the buttermilk glaze. In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of real butter over low heat. Add the buttermilk and powdered sugar, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, stir in the vanilla extract. Continue heating the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency.
If the glaze is too thick, you can add more buttermilk. If it’s too thin, you can adjust it by adding more powdered sugar.
Step 9: Glaze the Cake
Once the glaze has reached the desired consistency, pour it generously over the still-warm cake. The warmth of the cake will allow the glaze to soak in, giving it a beautiful, shiny finish.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. This cake is perfect for brunch, dessert, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a flavorful, homemade treat.
Expert Tips
- Use Homemade Fig Preserves: If you have the time, homemade fig preserves are always a great option for this recipe. They tend to have more flavor and depth compared to store-bought varieties.
- Nut-Free Version: If you prefer a nut-free version of this cake, you can simply omit the pecans or walnuts. The cake will still be delicious without them.
- Storage Tips: To keep this cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices of the cake and thaw them as needed.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance, and the flavors tend to improve overnight. Just be sure to add the glaze right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of preserves?
Yes, while fig preserves are the star of this recipe, you can substitute with other fruit preserves such as apricot or strawberry for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cake will change accordingly.
Do I need to use a tube pan?
While a tube pan gives the cake its signature shape, you can use a 10-inch round cake pan as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the cake will cook faster in a round pan.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this fig preserve cake gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Serve this Fig Preserve Cake at your next gathering, and watch as your friends and family are instantly smitten. The combination of sweet figs, warming spices, and a creamy buttermilk glaze creates a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you serve it for dessert or as part of a holiday breakfast spread, this cake is sure to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite!
