Torta di Fichi: A Delicious Italian Fig Cake
Torta di Fichi
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups fresh figs chopped (about 10-12 figs)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon optional
- For the Topping:
- Extra figs sliced (for decoration)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Method
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Figs: Wash and chop the fresh figs into small pieces. Set aside a few slices for decorating the top of the cake.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a whisk or electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Figs: Gently fold in the chopped figs until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Arrange the reserved fig slices on top for decoration.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cool, dust the top with powdered sugar and slice the cake to serve.
- Variations
- Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or almonds for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or cardamom to change the flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Torta di Fichi, or Fig Cake, is a delightful Italian dessert that celebrates the rich, sweet flavor of figs. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or hosting a festive gathering. From my own personal experience, I can tell you that this recipe is straightforward and yields a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and sure to impress. Let me show you how I make this delicious Torta di Fichi step by step.
Notes on What to Expect
When you slice into this Torta di Fichi, you’ll find a beautifully moist cake studded with bits of sweet fig, creating a wonderful contrast with the light, fluffy texture. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Time to Stand: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 250
- Cost of Ingredients: $10-$15 (depending on ingredient availability)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Dessert
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Torta di Fichi now.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups fresh figs, chopped (about 10-12 figs)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- For the Topping:
- Extra figs, sliced (for decoration)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Torta di Fichi now.
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Figs: Wash and chop the fresh figs into small pieces. Set aside a few slices for decorating the top of the cake.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a whisk or electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Figs: Gently fold in the chopped figs until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Arrange the reserved fig slices on top for decoration.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cool, dust the top with powdered sugar and slice the cake to serve.
Variations
- Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or almonds for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or cardamom to change the flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Torta di Fichi now.
Tips
- Choosing Figs: Use ripe, fresh figs for the best flavor. Dried figs can also be used; just soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes before chopping.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor improves as it sits!
Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approx.)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
I hope this guide has made making Torta di Fichi seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment!