Fresh Fig Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or organic white flour)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups fresh figs, chopped

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• Fresh figs, halved or quartered
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Honey (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
6. Gently fold in the chopped figs.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract.

3. Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

4. Decorate:

1. Arrange the fresh fig halves or quarters on top of the cake.
2. If desired, add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans.
3. Drizzle honey over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.

5. Serve:

1. Slice and enjoy your delicious fig cake!

This cake is perfect for any occasion and beautifully combines the flavors of fresh figs with a creamy frosting. Enjoy!