Fig cake

Fig Cake: a refined dessert with enticing aromas, perfect for impressing guests on any special occasion. This simple and delicious recipe will bring a touch of elegance to your kitchen, combining the sweetness of caramelized figs with the fluffy texture of the cake base. Start your culinary adventure and let yourself be carried away by the enticing flavors!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:
- 250 g unsalted butter
- 200 g sugar
- 500 g fresh figs (or frozen, preferably)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 200 ml hot water
- 300 g flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the caramelized figs
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add the sugar and stir constantly, allowing it to caramelize slightly without letting it become too dark. Once the sugar starts to take on a golden hue, add the halved figs. Sprinkle lemon juice to enhance the flavor and prevent the fruit from oxidizing. Then add the hot water, gently stirring to combine the ingredients.

Step 2: Boiling the figs
Let the figs simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and soak in the caramel syrup. This process will extract all the sweet flavors and transform the dessert into a true delight. Once the figs are ready, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Preparing the cake base
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer until frothy. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, continuing to mix until you obtain a smooth batter. It is important not to overmix to keep the base fluffy. Once the batter is ready, carefully fold in the caramelized fig mixture, being careful not to break the fruit pieces.

Step 4: Baking the cake
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a cake pan with butter and line it with flour or parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a platter.

Step 5: Serving the cake
The fig cake is delicious served warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a perfect contrast of textures. This quick and simple dessert is sure to become your favorite!

Variation suggestions:
For a touch of originality, you can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the batter. You can also experiment with different fruits, such as apricots or peaches, to create a cake with unique flavors.

Savor each slice of fig cake and enjoy the compliments received for this refined dessert!