Our fig almond cake recipe, a crumbly dessert ideal for teatime, is my kind of dessert because it has all my favorite ingredients like fig preserves, cardamom, ground almonds and Grand Marnier. This is the famous Fig Almond Torte reinvented. We will also talk about the lovely flavor combination of figs and nuts.
Hello my friends. When it comes to coffee cakes, and I mean those meant to be enjoyed amongst friends with a warm cup of milk tea or coffee, options abound. However, few are as quick and easy as today’s fig almond cake recipe - it’s out of the oven in 35 minutes!
Let’s talk about this unique cake and learn how to make it. A classic amongst classics, this is the cake of the Mediterranean.
What’s the Origin of the Fig Almond Cake?
Ask around, and you’ll find fig cakes in Spain, Southern France, Italy and Greece. It’s also a staple in the Southern United States, although that’s another story. So, what’s the deal with this cake?
It turns out fig cakes are as old as time. There are few better things to do with ripe figs or artisan fig jams than cake. Figs are native to the Mediterranean, so yes, fig cakes have origins in all the countries listed above. Today, it’s on the other side of the Mediterranean where figs thrive: Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria are the world’s largest fig producers.
We love figs because they’re mostly sugar and water, and they make fantastic preserves, including jams and confits. And since the pit-less fruit is native to the Mediterranean, it’s only natural it goes well with nuts, particularly almonds.
Fig and almond cakes are among the earliest confections, as they use two natural products that go great together. Of course, some cakes are relatively simple, and others are glorious! Below, you’ll find a fig almond cake recipe elevated by a dash of Grand Marnier and blessed by drizzled white chocolate. This is one wonderful cake and a fun weekend creation.
What Goes Into Fig Almond Crumb Cake?
To make a fig cake, you need a few baking staples — butter, sugar, eggs, flour and baking powder. You’ll also need some flavor and aroma enhancers, including cinnamon, cardamom, almond and vanilla extract.
Ground almonds, AKA almond meal, will give texture to the tart, and we’ll use melted white chocolate for drizzling. The main ingredient, however, is fig preserves made by the French artisan producer L’Epicurien. You’ll want to use this one in sweet and savory recipes, and it’s our cake’s chief ingredient.
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What to Serve with a Fig Almond Cake?
What makes this fig almond cake unique is its crumbly texture and not-so-sweet flavor. All the sweetness is in the fig jam layer. This means that the cake won’t overpower milder drinks like a milky Earl Grey or a latte. Yes, milk and cream are right up this cake’s alley. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, anyone?
If you like baking cakes with almond flour, our most popular almond cake with cardamom is definitely one to check out.
Do you love figs as much as I do? Let me know down in the comments, and if you plan to make this or one of the other recipes above. And of course, share your creations with us by tagging @Spoonabilities on Instagram or comment on this Pin. That way we get to see it too!
Wishing you a fig-tastic day!
Carlos Leo
Your Recipe Concierge
Fig Almond Cake Recipe - Fig Almond Crumble
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Perfect for tea or coffee time, this fig almond cake recipe is a crumbly dessert made with fig preserves, cardamom, ground almonds and Grand Marnier. This is the famous Fig Almond Torte reinvented.
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Ingredients
- ⅔ cup (1 stick + 3 Tablespoons) softened butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Grand Marnier
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 beaten egg
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 & ¾ cups all purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon double acting baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz. of Fig Preserves
- ¼ cup ground almonds
- 1 oz. chopped and melted white chocolate
Instructions
- Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl, with an electric mixer.
- Beat in egg, then vanilla, almond extract, and Grand Marnier.
- Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom and salt, blend thoroughly into butter mixture (mixture will be crumbly).
- Grease a 9-inch pie plate.
- Spread half of crumb mixture (about 2 cups) evenly on bottom of pie plate.
- Dollop spoonfuls of fig preserves on top, and gently spread evenly.
- Mix remaining crumbs with almonds; spread on top of fig spread; pat down lightly.
- Bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges, and firm to the touch.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Italian / Mediterranean
Suggested Ingredients & Equipment
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If you think you’ll never use that jar of fig preserves again, you’ll find these recipes helpful. My suggestion is to start with the fig jam-filled almond cupcakes!
Hey there, I'm Carlos, a food and drink enthusiast, recipe blogger and 
Tara
Yum!! The melted white chocolate on top was perfection!!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thanks for mentioning the white chocolate Tara. It's definitely takes it a step above.
Kris
The combination of flavors and textures here are just divine! We are already planning on making it again! Thank you! :)
Geoffrey Swetz
Hearing about a second time making of our recipes is always welcome!
Nathan
I love this almond cake, the Grand Marnier is just the right touch to really bring it all together!
Geoffrey Swetz
Very true Nathan - the Grand Marnier is a special touch that gives an added special flavor.
Sara Welch
Enjoyed this for breakfast this morning and started my day off right! Quick, easy and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!
Geoffrey Swetz
So happy to hear that you had some for breakfast Sara. Thanks for mentioning the recipe is your new favorite!
Andrea
What a marvelous sounding cake. It sounds perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert.
Geoffrey Swetz
If you like the way it sounds Andrea, just wait until you taste it :)
Matt Freund
This looks like it would be a really yummy dessert.
Geoffrey Swetz
Hi Matt. It really is. You should give it a try.
Beth Pierce
What a delicious treat! This is exactly what I needed to cure my sweet tooth! Yum!
Geoffrey Swetz
If only there was a cure for a sweet tooth. Beth, I've been trying many remedies over and over again. LOL
Vicky
That cake looks so good! I love the drizzle of white chocolate. We grow figs in our yard and when they mature I will try this yummy cake recipe.
Geoffrey Swetz
You are so lucky Vicky. If you ever have too many figs you don't know what to do with, I'll send you our address LOL. Thanks for mentioning the white chocolate drizzle.
Sapana
This almond cake is everything! So delicious and easy to make - thank you for sharing!
Geoffrey Swetz
You're welcome Sapana. So glad you like.
Traci
Omgosh this recipe is going into my staple cake collection during fig season! Can't wait for everyone to try it! Thanks for sharing :)
Geoffrey Swetz
You are very welcome Traci. If you love figs like we do, you will love this for sure.
Nayna Kanabar
This torte looks delicious and I adore your crockery its beautiful.
Geoffrey
Thanks Nayna! Yes, Carlos loves the plates, and loves taking pictures with them.
Manju | Cooking Curries
Love the cardamom in it! Love everything about this cake. I was gonna ask about the beatiful plates and I saw the link :) Thank you!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thank you Manju ! Glad you saw the plates, and that you like them.
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery
Fig, almond, and caradmom? This is the cake of my dreams! All my favorite flavors in one place - yes, please!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thank you for stopping by Julie. Hope you get a chance to make the recipe... it's worth it
Amanda Mason
This looks really good! Like a relaxing on a Sunday afternoon kind of good! Love your pictures! They are very calm and relaxing! Thanks so much for posting!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thank you Amanda. Carlos took all the pictures himself, and he cooks all the dishes.... I just eat everything up;)
Megan Marlowe
This looks absolutely delicious! That fig almond confit looks incredible!
Geoffrey Swetz
Hi Megan. Thanks for your comment. It sure is!! You should try it. We have a jar here with your name on it ;)
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
Looks lovely! I'm sure it tastes wonderful.
Geoffrey Swetz
Thank you Amy!