Fig and Walnut Cake

The fig and walnut cake is a perfect rustic dessert for autumn when figs are at the peak of their seasonality. I will provide you with a version that combines the sweet and slightly spicy flavors of figs with the crunchiness of walnuts, in a confectionery scenario reminiscent of Mediterranean atmospheres.

Ingredients

• 150 g of sugar
• 100 g of soft butter
• 3 eggs
• 200 g of all-purpose flour (type 00)
• 1 packet of baking powder for sweets
• 1 pinch of salt
• 100 g of roughly chopped walnuts
• 250 g of fresh figs
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F). Prepare a cake pan by buttering and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Wash the figs, dry them, and cut them into quarters. Set them aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream the soft butter with the sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, incorporating well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt, then sift and fold into the butter and egg mixture.
6. Add the chopped walnuts and stir with a spatula to distribute them evenly.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula.
8. Distribute the fig quarters over the batter, pressing them down slightly.
9. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Before serving, you can dust with powdered sugar for a final touch.

Curiosity

Figs have long been appreciated in Mediterranean cuisine for their sweet flavor and versatility. They are excellent both fresh and dried and pair wonderfully with both sweet and savory ingredients. In this cake, the combination with walnuts adds a dimension of flavor and texture that perfectly complements the softness of the figs.

If you like to experiment, you might add a touch of cinnamon or vanilla to the batter to further enrich the dessert’s flavor. And, if you are lactose intolerant, you can use vegan butter or margarine as substitutes in preparing the dough. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!