Fresh figs and oranges come together in this delicious late summer upside-down fig cake. This laid back bake captures the season of ripe, succulent figs which take centre stage. They're bathed in a light caramel and sink into a moist almondy sponge infused with the zesty notes of citrusy oranges.
Pour into a deep 20cm (8") round silicone mould or lined cake tin – make sure it’s not one with a loose bottom.
Squeeze in the orange juice (making sure you've already zested it for the cake). Scatter the sugar over the top so that it’s evenly distributed.
½ orange, 50 g golden granulated sugar
Remove the stalk ends from the figs, then quarter them. Lay them over the sugar skin-side-down to cover the bottom of the tin.
4 large fresh figs
Cake Batter
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
100 g unsalted butter, 100 g golden caster sugar
Add the orange zest and cream a bit more.
1 orange
Beat in the eggs, one by one, followed by the ground almonds.
2 medium eggs, 25 g ground almonds
Sieve in the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda, then stir until just combined.
200 g wholemeal spelt flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 pinch bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
Finally, squeeze the juice from the remaining orange half into a measuring jug then top it up with the kefir, buttermilk or sour milk to make 125 ml. Stir into the mix until just combined.
100 ml kefir, buttermilk, sour milk or watered down yoghurt
Spoon the batter over the figs. Level the top with the back of a spoon and bake in the middle of a preheated oven at 180℃ (160℃ fan, 350℉, Gas 4) for about 40 minutes. The top should be well risen, firm and golden, but try not to over bake.
Allow to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then carefully turn out onto a plate. Enjoy warm with cream or custard, or leave to cool and serve for afternoon tea.
Notes
Will keep for a couple of days in sealed container.You’ll find additional tips and info about this recipe in the main body of the post.Please note: calories and other nutritional information are per serving. They’re approximate and will depend on serving size and exact ingredients used. Please refer to my nutrition disclaimer for further information.