CHOCOLATE FIG CAKE RECIPE

Chocolate Fig Honey Cake Recipe Cakes



Chocolate Fig Honey Cake Recipe Cakes 

 A lush chocolate cake infused with honey, warm spices, and sweet figs. This cake has a deep, comforting flavor and a tender crumb—an irresistible blend of rustic charm and chocolate decadence.

🍯 Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup cocoa powder (Dutch-process for richer flavor)

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

  • ¾ cup honey

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice)

  • 1 cup chopped dried figs (soaked in hot water or warm tea for 10 minutes, then drained)

For the Honey-Fig Topping (Optional but Fantastic)

  • 6–8 fresh figs, halved

  • 3 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

For Decoration

  • Extra honey for drizzling

  • Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder

  • Fresh figs (halved or quartered)

🍯 Instructions

1. Prepare the Optional Fig Topping

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Place halved fresh figs on a baking sheet.

  3. Drizzle with honey, brown sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter.

  4. Roast for 10–15 minutes, just until soft and glossy.

  5. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cake

  1. Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan or 8x8-inch square pan.

  3. In a large bowl, whisk together:

    • Flour

    • Cocoa powder

    • Baking powder

    • Baking soda

    • Salt

    • Cinnamon and nutmeg

  4. In another bowl, whisk honey, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

  6. Pour in buttermilk and mix gently until combined.

  7. Fold in the chopped dried figs.

  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

  9. Bake for 30–38 minutes, or until the center springs back when touched.

  10. Allow cake to cool completely.

3. Optional Topping & Assembly

  • Arrange the roasted figs on top of the cooled cake.

  • Drizzle with extra honey for shine and sweetness.

  • Add chocolate curls or a dusting of cocoa for decoration.

🍯 Tips for Best Results

  • Soaking dried figs keeps the cake moist and tender.

  • Use floral honey (wildflower, acacia, orange blossom) for better flavor.

  • This cake is excellent the next day as flavors deepen overnight.

  • Add 2 tablespoons of strong coffee to the batter for extra chocolate depth.

🍯 Storage

  • Keep covered at room temperature for 1–2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

  • Serve at room temperature for best flavor.


OTHERS RECIPES

Try this nice chocolate fig cake recipe...! 

Ingredients:
  • 1-1/3 cups liquid honey (325 mL)
  • 1 cup strong tea (250 mL)
  • 1 tbsp grated lemon or orange rind (15 mL)
  • 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour (675 mL)
  • 2 tsp baking powder (10 mL)
  • 2 tsp cinnamon (10 mL)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda (2 mL)
  • 1/2 tsp each ground ginger and allspice (2 mL)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (1 mL)
  • 1 cup diced dried figs (250 mL)
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (50 mL)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla (15 mL)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (250 mL)
Drizzle: 
  • 3 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 

 INSTRUCTIONS 

In small saucepan, bring honey just to boil; remove from heat. Stir in tea and grated lemon rind; set pan aside and let cool slightly. In bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, ginger, allspice and salt; stir in figs. Set bowl aside. In large bowl, beat eggs until pale and frothy, about 5 minutes. Beat in oil and vanilla. 

Beat in sugar, 2 tbsp at a time, until slightly thickened and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Alternately fold in flour and honey mixtures, making 3 additions of flour and 2 of honey, to make thin batter. Pour batter into greased 10-inch (25 cm) tube or Bundt pan. 

Bake in centre of 325:F (160:C) oven for 60 to 70 minutes or until cake tester inserted into cake comes out clean. 
Let cool in pan on rack for 30 minutes. 
With knife, loosen edges of cake; turn out onto rack and let cool completely.
 Drizzle: Melt chocolate in bowl over hot (not boiling water). 
Dip tines of fork into chocolate; drizzle over cake. The chocolate fig cake recipe is ready to serve...enjoy the cake ! Nice !





No comments:
Labels:

Special Occasion Chocolate Fig Cake



Special Occasion Chocolate Fig Cake Recipe 

A stunning, decadent cake layered with moist chocolate sponge, honey-roasted figs, silky chocolate ganache, and a hint of warm spices. This is the kind of dessert that feels festive, indulgent, and unforgettable—ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings.

✨ Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake Layers

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred for deeper flavor)

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon fine salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but delicious with figs)

  • 2 cups granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

  • ½ cup sour cream (keeps the cake extra moist)

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • 1 cup hot coffee or hot water (enhances chocolate flavor)

For the Honey-Roasted Figs

  • 10–12 fresh figs, halved

  • 3 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Ganache Filling

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream

  • 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons butter

For the Fig Jam Layer (optional but amazing)

  • ½ cup fig jam

  • 1 tablespoon orange juice

  • ½ teaspoon grated orange zest

For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup softened unsalted butter

  • 3 cups powdered sugar

  • ½ cup cocoa powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream

For Decoration

✨ Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey-Roasted Figs

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Arrange halved figs, cut side up, on a baking sheet.

  3. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle brown sugar, add lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

  4. Roast for 15–20 minutes, until soft, glossy, and slightly caramelized.

  5. Cool completely before adding to the cake.

2. Make the Chocolate Cake

  1. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Grease and line two 9-inch round pans (or three 8-inch pans).

  3. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

  4. In another bowl, beat sugar, eggs, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth.

  5. Add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until combined.

  6. Pour in hot coffee or water and mix gently (batter will be thin).

  7. Divide into pans and bake:

    • 25–30 minutes for 9-inch pans,

    • 22–25 minutes for 8-inch pans.

  8. Cool completely before assembling.

3. Prepare the Ganache Filling

  1. Heat cream in a small pot until steaming (not boiling).

  2. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl.

  3. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until glossy.

  4. Whisk in butter.

  5. Let cool until thickened but still spreadable.

4. Make the Chocolate Buttercream

  1. Beat butter until light and creamy.

  2. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.

  3. Mix on low, then increase speed.

  4. Add vanilla and cream gradually until frosting is fluffy and smooth.

✨ Assembly

  1. Level the cake layers if needed.

  2. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.

  3. Spread a thin layer of fig jam mixture.

  4. Add a generous layer of ganache.

  5. Arrange roasted figs evenly over the ganache.

  6. Top with the second cake layer.

  7. Frost the entire cake with chocolate buttercream.

  8. Decorate the top with fresh figs, a drizzle of honey or extra ganache, and chocolate curls.

✨ Tips for the Best Special-Occasion Result

  • Use ripe figs with soft flesh for maximum flavor.

  • Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for clean layers.

  • Add a splash of red wine or port to the fig jam for depth.

  • For a richer taste, replace some buttercream with an extra layer of ganache.

✨ Serving Suggestions

Serve at room temperature with:

✨ Storage

  • Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

  • Let stand at room temp for 20–30 minutes before serving.


OTHER RECIPES

 INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup chopped figs, dried
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup applesauce
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups flour
INSTRUCTIONS 

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour an 8x12 baking dish. 
In a large bowl, combine boiling water and figs. 
Add in the baking soda and let cool.
 In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, applesauce, eggs, cocoa, salt, vanilla; mix until smooth.
 Add 1/4 cup flour to the batter mixture; mix well. 
Add in 1/2 of the fig mixture to batter; mix well. 
Alternate adding remaining flour and fig mixture to batter until all ingredients are included; mix well. Spread mixture into baking dish. 
Bake 50 minutes...and the chocolate fig cake recipe is ready...enjoy !





No comments:
Labels:

HOLIDAY FIG FRUIT CHOCOLATE CAKE


HOLIDAY FIG FRUIT CHOCOLATE CAKE

Holiday Fig Fruit Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

Fruit Mixture

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp nutmeg

  • ¼ tsp cloves (optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter, softened (or ⅓ cup oil for softer texture)

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ cup yogurt or buttermilk

Optional Add-ins

  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Prepare fruit mixture

  1. Combine figs, raisins, cranberries, orange juice, honey (or sugar), and rum/brandy (if using).

  2. Heat in a small saucepan for 5–7 minutes, stirring until fruit is plump and glossy.

  3. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

2. Preheat oven

  • Heat oven to 160°C (325°F).

  • Line a loaf pan or an 8-inch round pan with parchment paper.

3. Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk:

  • Flour

  • Cocoa powder

  • Baking soda

  • Baking powder

  • Salt

  • Spices

4. Cream wet ingredients

  1. Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

  2. Add eggs one at a time.

  3. Mix in vanilla and yogurt.

5. Combine batter

  • Fold dry ingredients into wet.

  • Stir in the cooled fruit mixture.

  • Add nuts or chocolate chips if using.

6. Bake

  • Pour into prepared pan.

  • Bake 55–70 minutes, depending on pan type.

  • Cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean but slightly moist.

  • Cool completely before slicing—it firms up beautifully.

For a More “Holiday Fruitcake” Feel

  • Brush top with warm apricot jam after baking.

  • Soak finished cake overnight with 2–3 tbsp rum or brandy.

  • Garnish with dried figs, candied orange peel, or melted chocolate drizzle.

Texture

Dense, moist, aromatic, full of chocolate-spiced fruit flavor—similar to a chocolate holiday loaf with figgy sweetness.


OTHER SOURCES

INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS

Boil figs until tender, about 20 minutes. When cool, cut into quarter sizes. Cut cherries in half. Mix cake mix; add figs, cherries and nuts. Put in 8x12 loaf pan and bake about 25-30 minutes. Enjoy the HOLIDAY FIG FRUIT CHOCOLATE CAKE! 

HOLIDAY FIG FRUIT CHOCOLATE CAKE VIDEO:




No comments:
Labels:

LOWFAT CHOCOLATE FIG CAKE




Low-Fat Chocolate Fig Cake

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

Optional Add-ins:

Instructions

1. Prepare the fig purée

  1. Chop the dried figs and soak them in 1 cup hot water for 10–15 minutes.

  2. Blend or mash into a thick purée. (Leave a few chunks if you like texture.)

2. Preheat & prepare pan

3. Mix dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour(s)

  • Cocoa powder

  • Baking soda

  • Baking powder

  • Salt

4. Mix wet ingredients

In another bowl:

  1. Whisk egg + sugar.

  2. Add yogurt, oil, vanilla, and the fig purée.

  3. Mix until smooth.

5. Combine

  • Add dry ingredients to wet.

  • Stir gently until combined.

  • Fold in chocolate chips if using.

6. Bake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan.

  • Bake for 28–34 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • Cool before slicing (cake gets fudgier as it cools).

Serving Ideas

  • Dust with powdered sugar.

  • Serve with low-fat vanilla yogurt.

  • Top with fresh figs or berries for elegance.

Tips to Keep It Low-Fat

  • Replace oil with applesauce if desired (use ¼ cup applesauce + 1 tbsp oil for best texture).

  • Dried figs provide natural sweetness—adjust sugar down to ¼ cup if you prefer.


OTHER SOURCES

 INGREDIENTS 
• 1 cup chopped dried figs
• 1 cups boiling water 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• 1/4 cup oil 
• 3/4 cup sugar 
• 1/2 cup applesauce 
• 1/2 cup eggs (2 eggs)
 • 3 tablespoons cocoa 
• 1 1/4 cups + 2 tablespoons flour 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla 

 INSTRUCTIONS 
1. Grease and flour an 8"x12" pan. Preheat oven to 350°F. 
2. Place figs in a bowl; pour boiling water over the top and sprinkle with baking soda. Mix and allow to stand until cool. 
3. Combine oil and sugar. Blend in eggs, applesauce, vanilla, salt, and cocoa. 
4. Add flour alternately with cooled fig mixture. 
5. Spread batter in pan. 
6. Bake for 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 7. Cut 3 x 4 squares. The chocolate fig cake recipe is ready to serve...enjoy the cake..


LOWFAT CHOCOLATE FIG CAKE VIDEO:




No comments:
Labels:

Chocolate almond fig cake


Chocolate almond fig cake

This is a wonderfully sophisticated and elegant cake that combines three classic, complementary flavors into one truly memorable dessert. A Chocolate Almond Fig Cake is a study in balance—deep, rich chocolate; nutty, sweet almond; and earthy, jammy fig—all working in perfect harmony.

The Ultimate Guide to a Sophisticated Chocolate Almond Fig Cake

This recipe creates a cake with an incredibly tender, moist crumb thanks to a blend of all-purpose and almond flour. The flavor is deep and complex, with a rich chocolate base, a swirl of sweet fig jam, and a nutty finish. Topped with a simple, elegant chocolate ganache and toasted almonds, it's a dessert fit for any special occasion.

Yields: One 2-layer 9-inch round cake Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 35-45 minutes

Why This Recipe Works: The Three Pillars of Perfection

Before we get to the ingredients, let's understand the techniques that make this cake so special.

  1. The Power of Almond Flour: We use a 50/50 blend of all-purpose flour and finely ground almond flour. The almond flour does two things: it adds a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate and fig, and its high fat content creates an exceptionally moist and tender crumb, preventing the cake from ever being dry.
  2. The Fig Infusion: The figs are not just mixed in. We gently simmer them to create a thick, jammy compote. This process concentrates their sweetness and creates a beautiful swirl for the cake layers. The liquid used to simmer them becomes a flavor-infused elixir that we use in the batter, ensuring every bite has a hint of fig.
  3. The Dual-Chocolate Base: For the most complex chocolate flavor, we use both unsweetened cocoa powder and melted bittersweet chocolate. The cocoa provides a deep, robust chocolate base, while the melted chocolate adds an unparalleled fudginess and a smooth, velvety texture.

Ingredients

For the Fig Compote:

For the Chocolate Almond Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) finely ground almond flour
  • ¾ cup (75g) high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder (like Valrhona)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (226g or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 4 oz (113g) bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly

For the Chocolate Ganache & Garnish:

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.

  2. Make the Fig Compote: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped figs, water (or coffee), lemon juice, and optional sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Let it gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the figs are soft and the liquid has reduced to a thick, jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed.

  4. The Creaming Method: In a separate large bowl using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until it is very light, pale, and fluffy. Add the room-temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.

  5. Alternate Wet and Dry: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions (Dry, Buttermilk, Dry, Buttermilk, Dry). Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined after each addition.

  6. Fold in Chocolate and Fig: Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the melted, slightly cooled chocolate until just a few streaks remain. Do not overmix.

  7. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared cake pans. Dollop half of the cooled fig compote over the batter in each pan and gently swirl it in with a knife or skewer. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.

  8. Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in their pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges and invert the cakes onto the wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Make Ganache and Assemble

  1. Make the Ganache: Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it is just simmering (do not boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes without stirring. Then, whisk gently until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Let it cool and thicken to a spreadable consistency, about 30-45 minutes.

  2. Assemble the Cake: Place one completely cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread about half of the ganache evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining ganache over the top and sides of the cake.

  3. Garnish and Serve: Press the toasted sliced almonds around the bottom edge of the cake. You can also swirl the top of the ganache with a spoon for a decorative finish. Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success & Variations

  • Make-Ahead: The cake layers and fig compote can be made a day in advance. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Store the compote in the refrigerator. The ganache is best made the day of serving.
  • Fresh Fig Variation: If using fresh figs, chop 1 cup of them and skip the simmering process. Simply fold the fresh, chopped figs into the batter at the end.
  • Amaretto Boost: Add 1-2 tablespoons of amaretto liqueur to the fig compote while it simmers for a wonderful almond-cherry flavor.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a high-quality, 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The result will be just as delicious!
  • Simpler Frosting: For a quicker option, a simple chocolate buttercream or a dusting of cocoa powder would also be lovely.

Enjoy your truly spectacular and sophisticated Chocolate Almond Fig Cake



No comments:
Labels:

Chocolate Fig Cake Recipe 2



Chocolate Fig Cake Recipe 2

This is a wonderfully sophisticated and decadent cake that combines the deep, rich flavor of chocolate with the sweet, earthy notes of fig. It's an elegant dessert perfect for a special occasion or for when you simply want something truly special.

The Ultimate Guide to a Sophisticated Chocolate Fig Cake

This cake is a masterclass in balance and texture. It's not just a chocolate cake with figs in it; it's a cake where the flavors of deep, dark chocolate and sweet, jammy fig are intertwined in every bite. The result is an incredibly moist, tender crumb punctuated by soft, molten pockets of fig, all topped with a rich, glossy chocolate ganache.

Yields: One 2-layer 9-inch round cake Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 35-45 minutes

Why This Recipe Works: The Three Pillars of Perfection

Before we get to the ingredients, let's understand what makes this cake so exceptional.

  1. The Dual-Chocolate Base: We use both high-quality cocoa powder and melted bittersweet chocolate. The cocoa powder provides an intense, deep chocolate flavor, while the melted chocolate adds an unparalleled fudginess and a velvety, complex texture that cocoa alone cannot achieve.
  2. The Fig Infusion: The figs are not just tossed in. They are gently simmered to rehydrate them and turn them into a soft, jammy consistency. We then use this flavorful fig-infused liquid in the batter, ensuring that the entire cake has a subtle fig note, and the chopped figs create little pockets of concentrated sweetness.
  3. The Moisture Makers: This cake is incredibly moist thanks to a trio of powerhouses: hot coffee (which dramatically enhances the chocolate flavor), buttermilk (which adds tang and a tender crumb), and vegetable oil (which guarantees a long-lasting moistness).

Ingredients

For the Fig Prep:

  • 1 cup (about 6 oz / 170g) dried Calimyrna or Mission figs, stemmed and chopped
  • ½ cup hot brewed coffee or water

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (75g) high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder (like Valrhona or Ghirardelli)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable or other neutral oil
  • 4 oz (113g) good-quality bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 8 oz (225g) good-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh figs, sliced
  • Toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

  2. Simmer the Figs: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dried figs and the hot coffee. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the figs are soft and plump and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Set aside to cool slightly.

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sifting is crucial here to break up any cocoa lumps and aerate the dry ingredients for a more tender cake.

  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

  5. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and completely combined.

  6. Fold in the Good Stuff: With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the melted, slightly cooled chocolate until just a few streaks remain. Then, gently fold in the simmered figs and any remaining liquid from the saucepan. Do not overmix.

  7. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

  8. Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges and invert the cakes onto the wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Ganache and Assemble

  1. Make the Ganache: Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it is just simmering (do not boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes without stirring. Then, whisk gently until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Let it cool and thicken to a spreadable consistency, about 30-45 minutes.

  2. Assemble the Cake: Place one completely cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread about half of the ganache evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining ganache over the top and sides of the cake, creating a smooth or rustic finish as you like.

  3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the top of the cake with fresh fig slices and a sprinkle of toasted, chopped nuts. Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success & Variations

  • Room Temperature is Key: Using room-temperature eggs and buttermilk ensures a smooth, emulsified batter that bakes evenly.
  • Make-Ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. The ganache can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator (let it come to room temperature before using).
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a high-quality, 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
  • A Simpler Frosting: If you're short on time, a simple dusting of cocoa powder or a powdered sugar glaze would also be delicious.
  • Add Spice: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warmer, spiced note that beautifully complements the fig and chocolate.

Enjoy your truly spectacular and unforgettable Chocolate Fig Cake





No comments:
Labels:
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)