Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake: Amazing Fall Treat

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Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake has been a cherished recipe in my family for years, a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly magical. I remember my grandmother baking this cake every autumn; the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet figs would fill our home, a warm hug on a chilly day. The tender crumb, studded with chewy figs and the subtle crunch of hazelnuts, is pure comfort. It’s the kind of cake that feels elegant enough for guests but is so easy to whip up for a spontaneous treat. If you’re looking for an easy maple bourbon cheesecake, you might find this cake’s cozy flavors a delightful alternative, or a perfect prelude to a festive meal. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake

This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again:

Incredibly Moist Texture: Thanks to the oil and figs, every bite is tender and delightful.
Naturally Sweetened: The dried figs provide a wonderful sweetness, reducing the need for excessive sugar.
Nutty Crunch: Ground and chopped hazelnuts add a satisfying texture and rich, earthy flavor.
Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a comforting aroma and taste, perfect for cozy days.
Effortless Elegance: It looks and tastes gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make, making it ideal for any occasion.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy it as a tea cake, a dessert, or even a breakfast treat.
A Delicious Alternative: If you’re searching for an easy maple bourbon cheesecake, this cake offers a similar comforting and spiced profile.
Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of baking a beautiful cake from scratch.

Ingredients for Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake

Gather these wholesome ingredients to create your delicious cake. Just like when preparing an easy maple bourbon cheesecake, having everything prepped makes the process smooth!

1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour – the base structure of our cake.
½ cup (60 g) ground hazelnuts – finely blended roasted hazelnuts give a wonderful nutty depth.
1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cake rise beautifully.
½ teaspoon baking soda – works with acidic ingredients for lift.
½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – for that warm, comforting spice.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a fragrant, slightly sweet note.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves – a touch of deep, pungent spice.
¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed – provides moisture and a caramel-like sweetness.
½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter – keeps the cake incredibly moist.
2 large eggs – bind the ingredients and add richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors.
½ cup (120 ml) milk or buttermilk – contributes to the tender texture.
1 cup (160 g) chopped dried figs – the star for natural sweetness and chewy texture.
Optional Glaze: ¼ cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup – for a beautiful sheen and extra sweetness.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – adds a touch of brightness to the glaze.
Chopped toasted hazelnuts for garnish – for a delightful crunch on top.

How to Make Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake

Making this delightful cake is a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Just like preparing a creamy maple bourbon cheesecake, having your ingredients ready makes everything flow smoothly.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to lovingly grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your beautiful cake releases perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare your figs. If you’re using dried figs and they feel a bit tough, a quick soak in warm water for about 10 minutes will soften them beautifully. Drain them thoroughly afterward. If fresh figs are your choice, simply remove their stems and dice them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, ground hazelnuts for that lovely nutty flavor, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and your warm spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Give them a good mix until they’re well combined.
Step 4: In a larger bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Combine the packed brown sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer taste), two large eggs, and that essential teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Pour in the milk or buttermilk and whisk gently until the batter becomes cohesive and wonderfully smooth.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until everything is *just* combined. It’s important not to overmix here; we want a tender cake, not a tough one.
Step 7: Gently fold in the chopped figs, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the batter. You want to find those sweet little surprises in every slice.
Step 8: Pour this beautiful batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with your spatula. Imagine the deliciousness waiting to bake!

Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake: Amazing Fall Treat - Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake - additional detail

Step 9: Bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling a perfectly baked cake. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly.
Step 10: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here means a cake that holds its shape beautifully.
Step 11: For an optional touch of elegance, gently warm honey or maple syrup with a tablespoon of lemon juice. Brush this lovely glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle with chopped toasted hazelnuts for a final flourish.

Pro Tips for the Best Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake

Achieving that perfect moist texture and rich flavor in your Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake is all about a few key details. These tips will ensure your cake is a showstopper every time!

Roast Your Hazelnuts: For an even deeper, nuttier flavor, lightly toast your hazelnuts before grinding them. This step truly elevates the cake’s profile.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time. Overbaking is the quickest way to a dry cake, so test with a toothpick early.
Quality Figs Matter: Use plump, sweet dried figs for the best results. If they seem dry, a quick soak is your best friend.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a better texture.

What’s the secret to perfect Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake?

The secret lies in the combination of ground roasted hazelnuts for depth, plump figs for natural sweetness and moisture, and avoiding overmixing the batter. These elements create that signature tender crumb and rich flavor profile.

Can I make Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is fantastic for making ahead. You can bake it up to two days in advance and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. It often tastes even better the next day! For more baking tips, check out this deliciously simple multigrain bread recipe.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake?

The most common pitfalls are overmixing the batter, which leads to a dense cake, and overbaking, which causes dryness. Always mix until just combined and start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests. Understanding ingredient properties, like the difference between zucchini and cucumber, can also help in baking.

Best Ways to Serve Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake

This elegant cake is wonderfully versatile and shines with a few simple accompaniments. For a delightful afternoon tea, serve slices plain or with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The natural sweetness of the figs and the warm spices pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey or a robust coffee. If you’re looking for something a bit more decadent, consider it a perfect partner to a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a truly special dessert, imagine this cake alongside a creamy maple bourbon cheesecake; the contrasting textures and complementary spiced notes make for an unforgettable pairing. You might also enjoy this delicious ribbon carrot salad as a side.

Nutrition Facts for Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake

This delightful Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake offers a balanced profile of wholesome ingredients. Each slice is packed with comforting flavors and satisfying textures.

Calories: 285
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Unsaturated Fat: N/A
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 19g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you’re comparing it to something like a maple bourbon cheesecake recipe which can have very different macros. For more insights into dietary components, consider reading about fiber.

How to Store and Reheat Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake

Properly storing your Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake ensures it stays wonderfully moist and flavorful, just like a well-kept homemade maple bourbon cheesecake. Once the cake has cooled completely on a wire rack—this is crucial to prevent condensation—it’s ready for storage. For short-term keeping, wrap the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this delicious maple bourbon cheesecake alternative for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then in a layer of foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For a warm treat, gently reheat slices in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until just warmed through. This is a great way to preserve baked goods, similar to how one might store apple cinnamon overnight oats for future enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake

What is the best way to prepare the figs for this cake?

For dried figs, I recommend soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes until they soften. Then, drain them thoroughly. If you’re lucky enough to find fresh figs, simply remove the stems and dice them. This step ensures they’re wonderfully tender in the final cake, much like ensuring your bourbon infused maple cheesecake has the perfect texture.

Can I substitute the hazelnuts with other nuts?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts offer a unique earthy flavor, you can easily substitute them with almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Just make sure to roast them lightly for the best flavor, similar to how you might toast pecans for a maple pecan bourbon cheesecake. Grind them finely for the ½ cup measurement.

How can I make this cake vegan?

To make this a vegan Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake, you can easily swap the eggs and milk. Use two flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) in place of the large eggs. For the milk, use your favorite plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. The result will still be a moist and delicious cake!

Is this cake suitable for a beginner baker?

Yes, this cake is wonderfully beginner-friendly! The instructions are straightforward, and the ingredients are common. It’s a great recipe to build confidence with, offering a gourmet result with minimal fuss. It’s much simpler than many elaborate cheesecake recipes, making it an accessible and rewarding bake. For other simple recipes, consider exploring savory whole roasted cauliflower.

Variations of Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake You Can Try

Looking to switch things up or cater to different tastes? This Spiced Fig Hazelnut Cake is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

Lemon-Ricotta Version: For an extra moist and tender crumb, substitute half of the milk with ricotta cheese and add the zest of one lemon to the batter. This adds a lovely subtle tang, making it a delightful alternative if you’re craving something lighter than a rich maple bourbon cheesecake.
Gluten-Free Delight: Easily make this cake gluten-free by using a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Ensure your ground hazelnuts are also certified gluten-free.
Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to play with the spices! Add a pinch of cardamom or a dash of ginger for a more complex flavor profile. You could even add a tablespoon of bourbon to the batter for a hint of that “spiked” flavor, reminiscent of a bourbon infused maple cheesecake.
Fig and Orange Twist: Replace the milk with fresh orange juice and add the zest of one orange. The citrus brightens the cake beautifully and pairs exceptionally well with the figs and hazelnuts.