This moist fig cake is a cozy treat that pairs perfectly with its yummy orange brown sugar glaze. The sweetness of the figs makes each bite delightful and fruity!
I can’t resist the smell of this cake baking; it’s like a warm hug for the kitchen! 🍊 If you’re in a hurry, this cake is super easy to whip up—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dried Figs: Figs are the star here, giving the cake its unique sweet flavor and moisture. If you can’t find dried figs, you could try dates or prunes as substitutes—they’re also sweet and soft!
Buttermilk: This adds tenderness to the cake. If you don’t have any, mix 1/2 cup of regular milk with a teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. It will work just fine!
Brown Sugar: This is great for the glaze as it brings a rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use light brown sugar for a milder taste or even coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for this glaze, but if you have bottled orange juice, that works too. You could also use lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
How Do You Ensure Your Cake Comes Out Moist and Fluffy?
The secret to a moist cake is in the mixing process and the ingredients. Start by creaming the butter and sugar well until it’s light and fluffy. This incorporates air, creating a lighter texture. Then, add the eggs one at a time to maintain that fluffiness.
- Always mix dry and wet ingredients alternately to avoid over-mixing the cake batter, which can lead to a dense cake.
- Incorporate the figs gently at the end to keep their texture intact and avoid breaking them down.
- Dampening the dried figs in boiling water helps keep the cake moist, so make sure to do that step!
Remember that every oven is different, so start checking the cake for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. A toothpick should come out clean from the center! Enjoy your baking!
Moist Fig Cake with Sweet Orange Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fig Cake:
- 1 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Sweet Orange Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes for prep and 40 to 50 minutes of baking time, plus some time to cool down. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. That’s it—quick and easy for a delicious cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Cake Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan to make sure your cake doesn’t stick!
2. Soaking the Figs:
Take the chopped dried figs and place them in a bowl. Pour the boiling water over the figs and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This helps soften them up. After 10 minutes, drain the figs and set them aside.
3. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour.
4. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
Now, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This step is important for adding air into your cake!
5. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add a lovely flavor to your cake.
6. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, alternate adding the dry mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture. Start with a bit of the dry mixture, then some buttermilk, and repeat until everything is combined. Be careful not to over-mix—just mix until there are no flour streaks!
7. Folding in the Figs:
Gently fold the softened figs into your batter. This adds those delicious fig chunks to your cake!
8. Baking the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
9. Making the Glaze:
While the cake is baking, let’s prepare the glaze! In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and orange juice. Bring it to a low boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
10. Thickening the Glaze:
After boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, remove it from the stove and stir in the orange zest and optional vanilla extract.
11. Finalizing the Cake:
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling, poke the surface of the warm cake with a skewer and pour the warm glaze over the top, allowing it to soak in.
12. Cooling and Serving:
Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Enjoy the moist, flavorful fig cake with the sweet, citrusy glaze. It’s perfect for dessert or even a snack!
This delicious cake stores well and will taste even better the next day—if it lasts that long! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Moist Fig Cake with Sweet Orange Brown Sugar Glaze
Can I Use Fresh Figs Instead of Dried Figs?
Yes, you can use fresh figs! You’ll want to use about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of chopped fresh figs since they have more moisture than dried figs. Just chop them up and incorporate them in the same way as you would dried figs.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before storing!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour as a substitute for the all-purpose flour. Just check to ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it as needed for the right texture.
How Can I Make the Glaze Less Sweet?
If you want a less sweet glaze, try reducing the amount of brown sugar to 3/4 cup and adding a bit more orange juice to balance it out. You can also incorporate a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors without increasing the sweetness.
