Fig Bread

1 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 1 h Total: 1 h 15 m Beginner
5.0/5 (1)
Fig Bread
Memories are made of this - Mawmaw Beulah Turner’s fig bread made with sweet fig preserves, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and chopped pecans. A Southern quick bread that brings family memories to every slice.

Ingredients

1 servings
  • 1 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 2/3 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup cooking oil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup fig preserves (blended or chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Lightly grease and flour a 9x13 pan.
  3. Mix together the dry ingredients - flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the chopped pecans.
  4. Add the remaining ingredients - eggs, cooking oil, water, and the fig preserves. Mix well until combined.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees approximately one hour or until center of bread springs back when lightly touched.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use store-bought fig preserves?

A: Yes, store-bought fig preserves work just fine. If using preserves with large fig pieces, you may want to blend or chop them as the recipe suggests for a more even texture throughout the bread.

Q: Why is my fig bread too dry?

A: Make sure you're measuring flour correctly (spoon and level, don't pack). Also check that your baking soda and powder are fresh - old leavening agents can affect texture. The bread should spring back when touched but still feel moist.

Tips and Techniques

If you have access to homemade fig preserves, they’ll give this bread incredible flavor. You can also substitute the water with milk for a slightly richer texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • fig preserves: strawberry or blackberry preserves
  • pecans: walnuts or leave out entirely
  • cooking oil: melted butter or vegetable oil

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or spoon for mixing

Historical Context

Fig trees thrive in the Southern climate, and nearly every Louisiana family had a fig tree in the backyard. Baking with fig preserves became a way to enjoy the summer harvest year-round, and recipes like this were treasured family heirlooms.