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–+ servings
Fig Jam Cake
Fig Jam Cake is a wonderfully moist vintage spice cake that combines sweet fig preserves with warm baking spices, raisins, and crunchy nuts for a rich old-fashioned dessert. Recipes like this became especially popular in mid-century American kitchens when pantry staples such as canned milk and preserves were commonly used to create flavorful homemade cakes. The addition of condensed milk gives the cake a dense yet tender crumb, while cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice provide comforting warmth perfect for cooler seasons and holiday gatherings. Traditionally baked in a tube or Bundt pan, this cake is delicious served plain or lightly frosted. Its deep flavor improves after resting, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for potlucks, family dinners, and festive occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 12
Calories 365 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup butter (softened)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup fig jam
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 tbsp sour cream ( or buttermilk)
  • ½ cup chopped raisins
  • ½ cup pecans (chopped, or walnuts)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Grease and flour a tube or Bundt pan.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs

  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • Sift flour once.
  • Measure flour and add baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg.
  • Sift again twice for even blending.

Step 5: Mix Batter

  • Add dry ingredients alternately with sweetened condensed milk and sour cream or buttermilk to the butter mixture.
  • Beat until smooth.

Step 6: Add Fig Jam and Mix-Ins

  • Fold in fig jam, raisins, and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake at 325°F for approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

  • Allow cake to stand in the pan for 15–20 minutes.
  • Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

  • Serve plain or frost if desired.

Tips

  • Substitute date preserves if fig jam is unavailable.
  • Toast the nuts before adding for deeper flavor.
  • Add orange zest for a citrus twist.
  • Use walnuts for a more earthy flavor or pecans for sweetness.
  • Dust with powdered sugar instead of frosting for a simple finish.
  • Add a cream cheese glaze for extra richness.
  • Soak raisins in warm tea or rum before mixing in.
  • This cake tastes even better the next day after flavors develop.
  • Store tightly wrapped for up to 4 days at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg
Keyword bundt cake, comfort food, fig cake, fig jam dessert, holiday baking, nostalgic dessert, old-fashioned cake, spice cake, vintage baking, warm spices
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