Soft, Fruity Fig Pound Cake with a Honey Finish

Fig pound cake brings together ripe figs, whole wheat flour, chopped nuts and honey. The figs add natural sweetness throughout the crumb, while the nuts provide a crunch. You can enjoy it during breakfast with a cup of tea or coffee.

What Is Fig Pound Cake? 

Fig pound cake is a fruit-filled variation of the traditional pound cake family, although this recipe adds wheat flour, vegetable oil, fresh figs, nuts and honey. Classic pound cake gets its name from an old baking formula that traditionally used a pound each of flour, butter, sugar and eggs. Over time, bakers began creating countless variations using different fruits, fats, flours and flavorings.

Pro Tips for the Best Fig Pound Cake

• Cut the figs into small chunks so they distribute evenly through the batter.
• Too much flour can produce a dense cake. For the most consistent result, measure flour accurately rather than scooping large, packed amounts directly from the bag.
• Add the chopped nuts together with the figs and stir just enough to spread them throughout the batter. Nobody wants one slice with all the nuts and another that gets absolutely none.
• Give the cake a little time to settle after coming out of the oven. Drizzling honey over a cake that is piping hot can cause it to disappear into the crumb rather than sitting nicely on the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almonds instead of walnuts?

Almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts can all be used if you prefer them. Choose unsalted nuts and chop them into reasonably small pieces so they are easy to distribute throughout the batter.

Why did my figs sink to the bottom?

Fresh figs contain a fair amount of moisture, and larger or heavier pieces can sometimes settle while the cake bakes. Cutting the figs into smaller pieces can help distribute them.

Can I freeze fig pound cake?

For convenience, you can freeze individual slices so you only need to thaw the amount you want to eat. It is best to add the honey after thawing rather than freezing the cake with a heavy honey topping.

How to Store Any Leftovers

Place the leftovers in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for a couple of days. You can also refrigerate the cake if you want it to remain fresh for longer.

How to Make Fig Pound Cake

Step 1

Step 1

Mix the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and milk.

Mix the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and milk.

Step 2

Step 2

Add flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and baking powder to the bowl.

Add flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and baking powder to the bowl.

Step 3

Step 3

Chop the figs and nuts, and mix the chopped pieces with the batter.

Chop the figs and nuts, and mix the chopped pieces with the batter.

Step 4

Step 4

Transfer the batter to a rectangular baking tray and spread it out. Arrange the reserved fig slices over the top.

Transfer the batter to a rectangular baking tray and spread it out. Arrange the reserved fig slices over the top.

Step 5

Step 5

Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) and bake for 50 minutes.

Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) and bake for 50 minutes.

Step 6

Step 6

Drizzle honey over the top and dig in. Enjoy!

Drizzle honey over the top and dig in. Enjoy!