Description
A rich, moist spice cake made with dried figs and warm spices, this traditional Ocracoke Fig Cake is a beloved Southern classic full of coastal charm.
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup fig preserves (or fig jam)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chopped nuts (optional, pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or bundt pan.
In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar and oil. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
Stir in fig preserves and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture alternately with buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
Fold in chopped nuts if using.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow to cool before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or glaze if desired.
Notes
Traditional to Ocracoke Island, this cake is often made with local fig preserves.
Tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
Can be served plain, with cream cheese frosting, or a light glaze.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
