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Orange Cardamom Fig Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 75 reviews

This Orange Cardamom Fig Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert combining the warm aroma of cardamom, the bright zestiness of orange, and the natural sweetness of fresh figs. Topped with a luscious orange cream cheese frosting and garnished with fresh figs, it offers a perfect balance of spice, citrus, and fruit, ideal for any special occasion or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cup (210 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp (3.5 g) ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp (6 g) baking powder
  • ¼ tsp (1.5 g) baking soda
  • ½ tsp (3 g) kosher salt
  • 1 stick (113 g) butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • Zest of ½ large orange
  • ½ cup (125 ml) buttermilk*
  • ¾ cup (100 g) chopped fresh figs**

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 6 tbsp (90 g) butter, softened
  • 1 cup + 2 tbsp (145 g) icing sugar
  • 6 oz (170 g) cold cream cheese
  • Zest of ½ large orange
  • Extra fresh figs, for garnish

Notes

  • *If buttermilk is unavailable, use ½ cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes.
  • **If fresh figs are out of season, dried figs rehydrated in warm water can be used but will alter texture slightly.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. Add eggs and flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Then beat in the vanilla extract and orange zest until evenly distributed.
  4. Alternate mixing flour and buttermilk: Add one third of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until mostly incorporated. Pour in half of the buttermilk and mix again until mostly combined. Repeat by adding another third of the flour and the remaining buttermilk, mixing until blended. Finally, add the last third of flour mixture and mix on low speed just until the batter is uniform.
  5. Fold in fresh figs: Gently fold the chopped fresh figs into the batter using a spatula, taking care not to overmix to preserve the figs’ texture.
  6. Prepare and bake the cake: Line an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Pour and smooth the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly touched.
  7. Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and place on a wire rack. Let it cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen and invert the cake onto the rack. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make the orange cream cheese frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and icing sugar together until the mixture looks crumbly but is combined. Add cold cream cheese cut into small cubes, then beat on medium speed until the frosting becomes thick, creamy, and well blended. Finally, mix in the orange zest until fully incorporated.
  9. Frost and garnish: Transfer the cooled cake to a serving platter. Spread the orange cream cheese frosting over the top, swirling it decoratively. Garnish with additional fresh figs for an elegant finishing touch. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure figs are fresh and ripe for optimal flavor and texture.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with milk plus lemon juice or vinegar as a quick alternative.
  • Baking time may vary depending on your oven; start checking the cake at 45 minutes.
  • This cake is best enjoyed the day it is frosted but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: orange cake, cardamom cake, fig cake, cream cheese frosting, autumn dessert, spiced cake

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/orange-cardamom-fig-cake-recipe/