Fig Preserve Cake with Buttermilk Glaze

24 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: 1 h 15 m Total: 1 h 35 m Intermediate
5.0/5 (4)
Fig Preserve Cake with Buttermilk Glaze
Figs are plentiful in Cajun country, and this classic Fig Preserve Cake with pecans and warm spices is a beloved use for homemade fig preserves. Topped with a sweet buttermilk glaze, it’s a traditional Southern dessert that celebrates the bounty of fig season.

Ingredients

24 servings
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1/2 tsp cloves
  • 1 cup canola or vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (about 4 oz)
  • 1 cup chopped fig preserves (about 10 oz)
  • Buttermilk Glaze:
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp corn starch
  • 1/4 cup margarine
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Fig Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
  2. In a large glass bowl combine the sugar, flour, soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice and cloves. Add the oil and mix well. Add the eggs. Mix. Add the buttermilk and vanilla, mixing completely. Stir in the figs and pecans.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan.
  4. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes and remove from pan. While it’s baking, prepare the glaze.
  5. Buttermilk Glaze: Combine the buttermilk, 1/2 cup sugar, baking soda, cornstarch and margarine in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
  6. Cool slightly and add in the vanilla. While mixture is warm, pour over the slightly cooled cake.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use store-bought fig preserves?

A: Yes, store-bought fig preserves work well if you don't have homemade. You can also make your own using one of our [fig preserve recipes](/recipes/fig-perserves/).

Q: Why did my cake turn out dry?

A: Be careful not to overbake. Check the cake at 1 hour and 10 minutes - it's done when a toothpick comes out clean. The buttermilk glaze also adds moisture when poured over the warm cake.

Tips and Techniques

Chop the fig preserves into smaller pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the batter. Pour the warm buttermilk glaze over the cake while both are still warm - this helps the glaze soak in and keeps the cake moist for days.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • fig preserves: strawberry or blackberry preserves
  • buttermilk: whole milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar added
  • pecans: walnuts or leave them out entirely

Equipment Needed

  • 10-inch tube pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan for glaze
  • Wire whisk or electric mixer

Historical Context

Fig cakes are a staple of Louisiana home baking, particularly popular when fresh figs are harvested in early summer. The combination of warm spices and sweet preserves reflects the French and Southern influences in Cajun cuisine.