Tennie'S Fig Cake
A rich fig cake with warm spices and crunchy pecans, perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings, offering a moist texture and delightful flavor depth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
- Cream the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Sift together flour, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and soda.
- Add alternately to the creamed mixture with buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture, and save a small amount of flour to dredge pecans.
- Cut up the fig preserves and fold into the batter.
- Add chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour.
- Reduce oven temperature to 300°F and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of regular milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if needed. Make sure to chop the pecans finely for better distribution in the cake. If fig preserves are unavailable, you could use a similar fruit preserve like apricot for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
This fig cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an added touch, serve it alongside Lime Fluff Salad for a refreshing contrast. It also makes a lovely dessert for gatherings, complementing a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fig cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. To reheat, slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature for a delightful texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tennie'S Fig Cake contains roughly 622 calories, with 7g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 948mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh figs instead of fig preserves?
While fresh figs can be used, they will not provide the same sweetness and moisture as fig preserves. If you choose to use fresh figs, consider adding extra sugar and adjusting the liquid content to maintain the cake's texture.
What if I don't have allspice?
If you don't have allspice, you can create a substitute by combining equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This will give a similar warm flavor profile to the cake, keeping it deliciously spiced.
Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, Tennie's Fig Cake can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).