Fig and Walnut Cake: A Rustic Delight Full of Sweet Figs and Nutty Goodness

This Fig and Walnut Cake is a delightful, rustic dessert that brings together the sweetness of fresh figs and the rich flavor of walnuts in a soft, buttery cake. It’s the perfect example of a dessert that feels like home—simple, comforting, and full of natural ingredients. The figs, cooked with a touch of cinnamon and lemon juice, create a luscious, jam-like filling that perfectly complements the nutty walnut dough. Best of all, this cake is quick and easy to prepare, requiring no rolling out of dough or special techniques, and it’s ready to be enjoyed in under an hour. Perfect for those cozy afternoons when you want a dessert that feels both hearty and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Fig and Walnut Cake is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. You’ll love how the tender, buttery crust contrasts with the soft, spiced fig filling. The walnuts bring a rich nuttiness to the dough, and the lemon zest adds a fresh, zesty note that brightens up each bite. The cake is naturally sweetened with the figs, and the touch of cinnamon gives it a cozy warmth, making it perfect for autumn or winter days. With no need for resting time or tricky steps, this cake is easy to whip up whenever you’re in the mood for something comforting and delicious. The best part? It’s equally as good served warm out of the oven or cool after a day, making it an ideal dessert to prepare ahead of time.

Perfect Occasion:

This Fig and Walnut Cake is perfect for any occasion where you want to serve a homemade treat that feels special yet relaxed. It’s a fantastic dessert to bring to family gatherings or to serve at a weekend brunch. Because of its simple preparation, it’s great for last-minute baking when you need a dessert but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Its earthy, comforting flavors also make it an excellent choice for cooler months when you want something warm and hearty. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is sure to be a hit.

Decoration Tips:

Once the cake has cooled, a light dusting of powdered sugar will enhance its rustic look, giving it a soft and elegant finish. For added visual appeal, you can place a few halved figs on top of the cake before baking to create a beautiful, decorative pattern. If you want to elevate the presentation, consider adding a few crushed walnuts over the top for extra crunch and a polished touch. You could also drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cake for a hint of extra sweetness and a lovely, shiny finish. Serve on a rustic platter with fresh figs or a handful of walnuts scattered around the edges to tie in the cake’s natural, wholesome theme.

Ingredients for the Dough:

• 2 eggs
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 120 g walnuts, finely ground
• 100 g soft butter
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 330 g all-purpose flour
• 7 g baking powder

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 6 fresh figs (about 400 g)
• 60 g granulated sugar
• 15 g cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Wash and chop the figs: Gently wash the figs, pat them dry, and roughly chop them without peeling.
2. Cook the filling: Place the figs in a pan along with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir to combine, and cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes, until the figs soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl (or using a stand mixer), beat the softened butter with the sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon until you achieve a soft, fluffy consistency.
2. Add the eggs: Gradually incorporate the eggs, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
3. Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the ground walnuts, followed by the flour and baking powder. Mix until everything is well combined, and the dough has a crumbly, slightly sandy texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Prepare the pan: Grease and flour a 22 cm (9-inch) round cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. Form the base: Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure to cover the base evenly.
3. Add the fig filling: Spread the cooled fig mixture over the dough base, creating an even layer.
4. Cover with remaining dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the fig filling, covering it completely but leaving some texture on the surface for that signature crumbly look.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Bake: Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) in static mode. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cake is cooked through.
2. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Finish with powdered sugar: Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful, sweet finish.

Enjoy this rustic and delicious Fig and Walnut Cake, a perfect blend of sweet, spiced figs and rich, buttery walnut pastry!