fig and hazelnut cake

You might say that the Spiced Fig Coffee Hazelnut Cake offers a delightful escape from the ordinary. With its blend of rich coffee and sweet figs, this cake invites you to explore a unique combination of flavors that resonate with Mediterranean charm. Imagine the texture of a moist sponge cake, layered with creamy icing and fig jam, creating a harmony that's both indulgent and surprisingly nutritious. As you consider how this cake can elevate your next gathering, you may wonder about the history behind its intriguing ingredients and the steps to achieve its distinct taste.

Key Takeaways

  • The Spiced Fig Coffee Hazelnut Cake blends Mediterranean ingredients, showcasing rich flavors of coffee, figs, and toasted hazelnuts in a delightful sponge cake.
  • Dried figs are soaked in hot coffee to enhance their flavor, while toasted hazelnuts add a crunchy texture to the cake.
  • Frost the cake with a mix of cream cheese icing and fig jam for balanced sweetness, topped with fresh figs and caramel for presentation.
  • This cake serves approximately 16 people and is perfect for gatherings, offering seasonal appeal with its summer and autumn flavor combination.
  • Pair the cake with strong chai lattes or ice cream to enhance the dessert experience, making it a delightful choice for special occasions.

History

historical events and timelines

When you think about the origins of spiced fig coffee hazelnut cake, you'll find it rooted in Mediterranean cuisine, where figs and nuts have been cherished for centuries.

Hazelnuts, a staple in various European cultures since the Middle Ages, have long been incorporated into confections. The introduction of coffee to Europe in the 17th century added a rich flavor that beautifully complements the natural sweetness of figs and the depth of hazelnuts.

Baking traditions evolved, blending Middle Eastern and European influences, resulting in a spiced flavor profile enhanced by cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Additionally, the Ring app can be used to monitor the status of your devices, much like how bakers keep track of their ingredients and techniques to ensure a perfect cake.

Today, contemporary baking showcases these elements in gourmet recipes, highlighting seasonal ingredients and celebrating the rich history behind this delightful dessert.

Recipe

cooking instructions overview

Spiced Fig Coffee Hazelnut Cake Recipe

This Spiced Fig Coffee Hazelnut Cake is a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures that come together to create a stunning dessert for any occasion. The sponge is infused with the deep flavors of coffee and the natural sweetness of figs, while the toasted hazelnuts add a lovely crunch. Topped with a silky cream cheese icing and adorned with fresh figs and caramel, this cake not only looks impressive but also tastes divine. Each bite of this cake is a harmonious blend of earthy coffee notes and sweet fig undertones, making it a true indulgence for dessert lovers. If you’re seeking to elevate your baking game, this coffee caramel hazelnut recipe is the perfect choice that will surely impress your guests. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed as a special treat, this cake promises to be a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone craving more.

To begin, the preparation involves soaking dried figs in hot coffee, which enhances their flavor and softens them for blending. The mixture is then combined with toasted hazelnuts and other ingredients to create a moist sponge.

Once baked and cooled, the cake is layered with icing and fig jam, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and creaminess that will leave your guests wanting more.

Ingredients:

  • 4 dried figs
  • 75ml hot coffee
  • 100g toasted hazelnuts
  • Additional sponge ingredients (as per your recipe)
  • 250g salted butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 400g icing sugar
  • 250g cream cheese
  • Fig jam
  • Fresh figs (for decoration)
  • Chopped toasted hazelnuts (for decoration)
  • Caramel (for drizzle)

Cooking Instructions:

To prepare the sponge, soak the dried figs in hot coffee for 30 minutes, then blend them with toasted hazelnuts and the remaining sponge ingredients until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a greased and lined 9-inch round cake pan and bake at 180C (356F) for about 25 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the sponge to cool before scoring it into three equal sections. Layer the sponge with icing and fig jam, applying a crumb coat before chilling in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Finally, decorate the cake with a layer of icing, fresh figs, chopped hazelnuts, and a drizzle of caramel for an elegant finish.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, use high-quality coffee and consider toasting your hazelnuts just before use to bring out their natural oils.

When mixing the icing, ensure the butter is at room temperature for a smoother blend.

You can also play with the decoration; adding edible flowers or a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the visual appeal and flavor profile.

Always check the cake for doneness a few minutes early, as oven temperatures can vary. Enjoy your baking!

Cooking Steps

cooking process instructions provided

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking.

Next, mix your dry ingredients together before combining the wet ingredients thoroughly.

Once that's done, fold in the chopped figs, along with the coffee and hazelnuts, to create a rich batter.

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F

preheat oven to 350 f

Preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) is crucial for achieving the perfect spiced fig coffee hazelnut cake. This temperature ensures that your cake rises properly and develops the ideal texture.

Before preheating, make sure to grease your cake tin and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Use an oven thermometer to verify that the temperature is accurate, as even baking results depend on it.

Allow at least 10-15 minutes for your oven to fully preheat, ensuring it reaches the right temperature. Position the oven rack in the center for even heat distribution during baking.

With these steps, you'll set yourself up for a deliciously moist and flavorful cake.

Step 2. Mix Dry Ingredients Together

combine dry ingredients thoroughly

Measure out the all-purpose flour and place it in a mixing bowl, ensuring accuracy for the best results in texture and structure.

Add the baking powder to the flour, which helps the cake rise and achieve a light, airy consistency.

Next, incorporate the muscovado sugar into the dry mixture, contributing sweetness and a slight molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with the figs and hazelnuts.

If you like, mix in optional spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the cake's aromatic profile and warmth.

Finally, whisk the dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they're evenly distributed.

This step is crucial for creating a well-blended batter when you combine it with the wet ingredients later on.

Step 3. Combine Wet Ingredients Thoroughly

mix wet ingredients well

Once the figs have soaked and softened in the hot coffee, you can blend them into a smooth paste with the finely chopped toasted hazelnuts.

In a separate bowl, mix together your sponge ingredients: plain flour, muscovado sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, mixed spice, natural yogurt, and eggs.

Gradually add the fig and hazelnut paste to the dry ingredients, making sure to blend thoroughly until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Don't forget to scrape the sides of the bowl for even mixing.

Once combined, pour the batter into a greased and lined cake tin, then level the surface to ensure an even bake.

You're now ready for the next step in creating your delicious cake!

Step 4. Fold in Chopped Figs

fold in chopped figs

Gently fold the finely chopped figs into your batter, ensuring they're evenly distributed for a burst of flavor in every slice.

To prevent the figs from sinking, consider tossing them with a small amount of flour before you fold them in.

Use a spatula to carefully incorporate the chopped figs, taking care not to overmix; this helps maintain the batter's light texture.

Aim for the figs to be evenly mixed throughout the batter, as this will create a balanced flavor in each bite.

Once the figs are folded in, pour the batter into your prepared cake tin.

Bake immediately to retain the freshness of the figs, allowing your cake to rise beautifully and enhance its delicious taste.

Step 5. Add Coffee and Hazelnuts

coffee and hazelnuts added

To enhance the flavor of your cake, start by soaking 4 dried figs in 75ml of hot coffee for 30 minutes.

While the figs soak, toast 100g of hazelnuts in the oven for 5-8 minutes until golden.

Once toasted, process the hazelnuts until finely chopped.

After soaking, blend the figs with the coffee and chopped hazelnuts to create a smooth mixture that adds richness and moisture to your batter.

Combine this fig and hazelnut mixture with the remaining sponge ingredients—flour, sugar, and eggs.

Mix until smooth for a cohesive batter.

Pour the completed batter into a greased and lined cake tin, leveling the surface before you bake at 180°C for 25 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Additionally, incorporating antioxidants from coffee can further enhance the health benefits of this delicious cake.

Final Thoughts

conclusion and reflections shared

This delightful spiced fig coffee hazelnut cake is a perfect choice for anyone looking to impress at their next gathering. Its rich flavor, thanks to fresh figs, brewed coffee, and toasted hazelnuts, creates a harmonious blend of summer and autumn that your guests will love. Additionally, serving this cake alongside a light option like chicken lettuce wraps can balance the meal perfectly.

You can easily decorate it with fresh figs, a caramel drizzle, and chopped hazelnuts for an elegant presentation. The cake serves about 16 people, making it great for sharing. Plus, any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Serve it at room temperature alongside strong chai lattes for a delightful experience that complements its flavors beautifully.

Enjoy making this stunning cake and watch everyone rave about it!

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