Cake > Fruit Cakes

Fig and Orange Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh figs

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9 inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients alternately with the orange juice. Fold in the chopped figs.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool before serving.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Serving Size: 8-10

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: Can be substituted with margarine or vegetable oil.
- White sugar: Can be substituted with brown sugar or honey.
- Orange juice: Can be substituted with pineapple juice or apple juice.
- Fresh figs: Can be substituted with dried figs or raisins.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar.
- Be sure to sift the dry ingredients together before adding to the wet ingredients.
- To ensure the cake is cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake and make sure it comes out clean.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh fig slices.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Drizzle with a glaze made of orange juice and powdered sugar.

Garnishes:
- Fresh fig slices
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped walnuts or pecans

Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Orange marmalade

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
- Fruit salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a few tablespoons of orange juice to the batter.
- If the cake is too wet, add a few tablespoons of flour to the batter.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
- Make sure the eggs are fresh and not expired.
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar.

Food History:
Figs have been enjoyed as a sweet treat since ancient times. They have been cultivated in the Mediterranean region for thousands of years and are mentioned in the Bible. Oranges are native to Southeast Asia and were brought to Europe by the Moors in the Middle Ages.

Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and citrusy flavor with a hint of nuttiness from the figs.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert after a meal.
- Serve as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Serve as a breakfast treat with a dollop of yogurt.

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Taste: Sweet, Citrusy, Fruity, Moist