This old-fashioned fig layer cake brings nostalgic comfort with rich dried figs, chopped nuts, and a tender, buttermilk crumb. A light, airy Sea Foam Frosting made with brown sugar syrup tops this vintage delight. Likely hailing from mid-20th-century American kitchens, it’s the perfect celebration cake with a Southern soul.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1½ cup dried figs
- Water (to boil figs)
- ¾ cup shortening
- 1½ cup sugar
- ¾ tsp maple flavoring
- 3 egg
- 2½ cups pre-sifted flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Sea Foam Frosting:
- ¾ cup brown sugar ((packed))
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Figs
- Boil 1½ cup dried figs in water to cover for 5 minutes.
- Drain, clip the stems, chop very finely.
Step 2: Make Cake Batter
- Cream ¾ cup shortening with 1½ cup sugar and ¾ tsp maple flavoring until light.
- Add 3 eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla or fig extract.
- Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing gently. Begin and end with flour.
- Fold in the figs.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Divide batter evenly into 3 greased and floured 8-inch layer pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 5 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 4: Make Syrup
- In a small saucepan, mix brown sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Cover and slow boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove cover and boil until it reaches 242°F (soft-ball stage) or spins an 8-inch thread when a little is lifted on a spoon.
Step 5: Whip Frosting
- While syrup heats, beat 2 egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Slowly pour hot syrup into the egg whites while beating continuously.
- Beat until stiff and glossy. Add vanilla.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
- Layer the cake with frosting between each layer and on top.
- Optionally garnish with extra nuts or chopped figs.
Tips
- Substitute part of the figs with dates for a richer flavor.
- Use pecans or walnuts for a traditional Southern touch.
- Add a dash of cinnamon or orange zest to the batter for more depth.
Nutrition
Calories: 459kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 222mgFiber: 2gSugar: 55gVitamin A: 87IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 101mgIron: 1mg
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