Capricorn Fig Walnut Upside Down Cake

Highlighted under: Indulgent Baking Ideas

Experience the delightful blend of figs and walnuts in this decadent upside-down cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-20T12:33:48.962Z

The Capricorn Fig Walnut Upside Down Cake is a celebration of flavors that embodies the spirit of indulgence. With a rich caramel base topped with sweet figs and crunchy walnuts, this cake is sure to impress at any gathering.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • A unique twist on traditional upside-down cakes
  • The natural sweetness of figs complements the nuttiness of walnuts
  • An impressive dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

Capricorn Fig Walnut Upside Down Cake harmoniously blends the natural sweetness of figs with the earthy crunch of walnuts. This delightful combination not only elevates the flavor profile but also introduces varied textures that make each bite memorable. Figs, known for their rich, jammy sweetness, are complemented beautifully by the toasty notes of walnuts, creating a perfect dessert for any gathering.

The cake's unique upside-down presentation allows the figs and walnuts to shine, creating an eye-catching centerpiece for your dessert table. As the cake bakes, the figs caramelize, resulting in a luscious topping that contrasts wonderfully with the soft, buttery cake beneath. This balance of flavors and textures makes this dessert truly irresistible.

A Simple Yet Impressive Dessert

While this cake may look like an intricate masterpiece, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can produce a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether it’s a dinner party, holiday celebration, or a cozy family gathering, this cake fits every occasion seamlessly.

Furthermore, the recipe allows flexibility; you can easily modify it to suit your preferences. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, autumnal twist or experiment with different nuts. The adaptability of this recipe makes it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire, ensuring that it never gets old.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Capricorn Fig Walnut Upside Down Cake is delightful on its own, but serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the experience further. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the cake’s rich flavors, while the cold temperature contrasts beautifully with the warm cake.

For an elegant touch, consider drizzling a simple caramel sauce or a honey glaze over the top before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the figs. Additionally, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine can round out the experience, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1 cup figs, sliced
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk

For the Topping

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup figs, sliced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Pour this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Arrange the sliced figs and walnuts on top of the caramel.

Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.

Combine and Bake

Pour the batter over the figs and walnuts in the cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your delicious Capricorn Fig Walnut Upside Down Cake!

Storage Tips

To maintain the freshness of your Capricorn Fig Walnut Upside Down Cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep the cake moist and flavorful for up to three days. If you wish to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, although it may dry out slightly.

For extended storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information

This cake not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers nutritional benefits. Figs are a great source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion, and they are packed with essential minerals like calcium and potassium. Meanwhile, walnuts provide healthy fats and antioxidants, making this dessert a more wholesome indulgence.

While it's still a treat, enjoying a slice of Capricorn Fig Walnut Upside Down Cake can be a part of a balanced diet, especially when shared with family and friends. The key is moderation, allowing you to savor the delightful flavors without compromising your health.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried figs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried figs; just soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes before using.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered. Just reheat before serving.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Capricorn Fig Walnut Upside Down Cake

Experience the delightful blend of figs and walnuts in this decadent upside-down cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time60 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Indulgent Baking Ideas

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 1 cup walnuts, chopped
  2. 1 cup figs, sliced
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 1 cup brown sugar
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 2 large eggs
  7. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  8. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  10. 1/2 cup milk

For the Topping

  1. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  2. 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  3. 1 cup figs, sliced
  4. 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Pour this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Arrange the sliced figs and walnuts on top of the caramel.

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.

Step 03

Pour the batter over the figs and walnuts in the cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 04

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g