This Upside Down Fig Cake is a beautiful cake, with a tender crumb, and a subtle surprise of rosemary.
There have been figs aplenty at my local farmers market of late and I’ve been lapping them up.
It’s hard not to resist eating them as is, but when I picked up two large boxes the other week I just had to do something a little special with them.
When I’d purchased the figs, I also purchased a huge fragrant bunch of rosemary and knew I had to combine the two.
The end result is this beautifully fragrant honey and rosemary upside down fig cake.
Rosemary might sound like an odd addition but it adds an unexpected element. Added to the cake batter it adds a lovely depth and slight woody note that works wonderfully to balance the sweetness of the honey and figs. I also love the beautiful green flecks it adds to the cake.
If you have some figs that aren’t flavourful enough to eat raw or are perhaps a little overripe, I urge you to make this cake.
Honey and Rosemary Upside Down Fig Cake
Ingredients
- 6-8 figs depending on size, enough to cover the base of your cake tin
- 2 tbs honey
- CAKE:
- 190 g unsalted butter at room temperature, 6 oz plus 1½ tbs
- 275 g brown sugar 1¼ cups
- 3 eggs
- 300 g plain flour 2 cups, all purpose
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp ½ baking powder
- tsp ½ bicarb soda baking
- 60 g almond meal 1/2 cup, ground almonds
- 1 cup yoghurt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 celsius (350 Fahrenheit) and grease a 23cm (9 inch) cake tin and line the base and sides with baking paper.
- Remove the stems from the figs and slice. Drizzle the honey over the base of the cake tin (if the honey is too thick warm it quickly in the microwave or in a small bowl over some hot water). Arrange the fig slices on top so that the base of the cake tin is covered.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, around 10 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well in between each addition, until well combined. Place the flour, baking soda, baking powder, rosemary and ground almonds in a bowl and stir to combine. Switch the mixer to it's slowest speed and add half the flour mixture along with half the yoghurt. When combined add the remaining flour mixture and yoghurt and beat until the mixture just comes together.
- Carefully spread the cake mixture over the top of the figs and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour, then loosely cover with foil, and bake for a further 15 to 20 minutes, or until cooked. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack to cool for 20 minutes before removing the cake from the tin.
Recipe Notes
I recommend using a Push Pan to make this cake. The cake will come out easily and there will be no risk of the honey leaking all over the base of your oven.
Mel says
Delicious …. 2nd cake in 1 week is now in the oven. The 1st cake I took to work and it was a big hit with everyone.
I have made upside down cakes for many years and this has to be the best recipe I have used.
Nicole says
Thank you so much – I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Cheryl says
My family loved this fig cake. Thank you for this new favorite!posted pics on my Facebook page
Nicole @ Delicious Everyday says
I’m so happy you enjoyed it Cheryl. And thank you for taking the time to share photos. It looks divine! 🙂
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Oh this is an outstanding fig cake. It looks fruity and delicious!
Cassie's Kitchen says
Yum! This looks incredible! I love the combination of savory sweet, I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
As a massive fig lover, this recipe is just ideal for me. I so wish I had a slice right now… nothing beats an upside down cake!
Jennifer says
I agree! I love upside down cakes. You can’t beat the classics 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love upside down cakes and these flavors are just lovely!
Matty says
Rosemary, fig and honey is such an epic combination! Never would’ve thought to combine the three. This looks perfect!
Jennifer says
Thanks Matty 🙂
Rosa says
A beautiful, refined and tempting cake!
Cheers,
Rosa
Kate says
I love the combination of herbs and sweetness, it just works so well. This cake looks beautifully moist and sticky – on my list to bake!
Jennifer says
I agree, I love herbs and fruits. And I especially love this combination of fig and rosemary. Works so well I in my opinion. I hope you enjoy the cake Kate 😀
Amanda (@lambsearshoney) says
I’m waiting for my figs to ripen and have 4 separate rosemary hedges – so once the figs are ready, I’m all good to make this. I can almost smell it already!
Jennifer says
You’re so lucky to have your own fig tree Amanda! Very jealous! Do you get many from your tree?