Myrtis Fig Cake - Gateau de Figue

12 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 35 m Total: 50 m Beginner
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Myrtis Fig Cake - Gateau de Figue
Moist and full of fig flavor, this cake with fig preserves, buttermilk, and warm spices is similar in texture to a rich gingerbread and is one of my favorite ways to use figs.

Ingredients

12 servings
  • 1 pint chopped or smashed fig preserves (with syrup)
  • 1 cup and 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 stick butter, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients together - flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together buttermilk, figs, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients gradually to the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Pour into a well-greased and floured 9x13 pan. Bake at 375°F for 30 to 40 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pan before serving.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my cake dry?

A: Make sure you're using fig preserves with plenty of syrup, not just the fruit. The syrup adds moisture. Also, don't overbake - check at 30 minutes and remove as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

Q: Can I use fresh figs instead of preserves?

A: Fresh figs won't work as well because you need the syrup from the preserves for moisture and sweetness. If you only have fresh figs, consider making [fig preserves](/recipes/fig-preserves-i/) first, or use fresh figs in a [fig cobbler](/recipes/fig-cobbler/) instead.

Tips and Techniques

For even more fig flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the batter. The cake is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • buttermilk: 1 cup whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
  • fig preserves: fig jam or other fruit preserves like blackberry
  • butter: vegetable oil

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Toothpick for testing doneness

Historical Context

Gateau de Figue (fig cake) is a beloved dessert throughout Cajun Louisiana, where fig trees grow abundantly in backyard gardens. This spiced version reflects the French Acadian baking traditions brought to Louisiana in the 1700s.