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
-
Extra fresh figs, halved or quartered
-
A drizzle of honey or ganache
✨ Instructions
1. Prepare the Honey-Roasted Figs
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Arrange halved figs, cut side up, on a baking sheet.
-
Drizzle with honey, sprinkle brown sugar, add lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
-
Roast for 15–20 minutes, until soft, glossy, and slightly caramelized.
-
Cool completely before adding to the cake.
2. Make the Chocolate Cake
-
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
-
Grease and line two 9-inch round pans (or three 8-inch pans).
-
In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
-
In another bowl, beat sugar, eggs, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
-
Add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until combined.
-
Pour in hot coffee or water and mix gently (batter will be thin).
-
Divide into pans and bake:
-
25–30 minutes for 9-inch pans,
-
22–25 minutes for 8-inch pans.
-
-
Cool completely before assembling.
3. Prepare the Ganache Filling
-
Heat cream in a small pot until steaming (not boiling).
-
Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl.
-
Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until glossy.
-
Whisk in butter.
-
Let cool until thickened but still spreadable.
4. Make the Chocolate Buttercream
-
Beat butter until light and creamy.
-
Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
-
Mix on low, then increase speed.
-
Add vanilla and cream gradually until frosting is fluffy and smooth.
✨ Assembly
-
Level the cake layers if needed.
-
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
-
Spread a thin layer of fig jam mixture.
-
Add a generous layer of ganache.
-
Arrange roasted figs evenly over the ganache.
-
Top with the second cake layer.
-
Frost the entire cake with chocolate buttercream.
-
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:
-
Espresso or cappuccino
✨ Storage
-
Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
-
Let stand at room temp for 20–30 minutes before serving.
- 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



