Spiced Fig and Walnut Loaf Recipe – Spiced Fig Walnut Loaf

This Spiced Fig Walnut Loaf combines the natural sweetness of caramelized figs with the warm spices of cinnamon and cardamom. The moist texture comes from Greek yogurt and butter, while crunchy walnuts add delightful contrast. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert, this loaf delivers bakery-quality results at home.

Why This Spiced Fig Walnut Loaf Recipe Works

The secret lies in caramelizing the figs first. This technique concentrates their natural sugars and creates jammy pockets throughout the loaf. The dual flour approach provides structure while maintaining tenderness.

Greek yogurt adds moisture without making the batter too wet. Room temperature ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a smooth batter that bakes evenly. The gradual temperature reduction ensures thorough cooking without over-browning.

What You’ll Need for the Perfect Spiced Fig Walnut Loaf

Success starts with quality ingredients at the right temperature. Fresh figs work best, but you can substitute dried figs soaked in warm water for 15 minutes. Choose walnuts that smell fresh and nutty.

Ingredients for Spiced Fig Walnut Loaf

• 10-12 fresh figs, halved
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup Greek yogurt, room temperature
• 1¼ cups walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons sparkling sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Flake sea salt to taste

Tools

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Cast iron skillet
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Large mixing bowls
• Offset spatula
• Cooling rack

How to Make Spiced Fig Walnut Loaf

Serving and Storage Tips for Spiced Fig Walnut Loaf

This loaf tastes even better the day after baking when flavors have melded. Serve at room temperature with the whipped rosemary honey butter for an elegant touch.

Serving Tips

• Slice with a sharp serrated knife using gentle sawing motions
• Warm slices slightly in toaster for enhanced aroma
• Pair with coffee, tea, or savory dishes for brunch
• Store wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days
• Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months

Mistakes to Avoid while making Spiced Fig Walnut Loaf

Overmixing the batter creates tough, dense loaf. Fold ingredients gently until just combined. Using cold ingredients prevents proper creaming and affects texture.

Don’t skip the temperature reduction during baking. High heat throughout can burn the outside while leaving the center undercooked. Check for similar fig bread techniques for additional guidance.

Suggestions for Spiced Fig Walnut Loaf

Try substituting pecans or hazelnuts for walnuts. Add orange zest to the batter for citrus brightness. For extra richness, drizzle with honey glaze while warm.

This recipe adapts well to muffins – bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes. Consider making fig spice cake for special occasions. The rosemary honey butter complements other baked goods beautifully.

Conclusion

This Spiced Fig Walnut Loaf transforms simple ingredients into bakery-worthy results. The caramelized figs, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts create perfect harmony in every bite. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or dessert, this loaf brings comfort and sophistication to your table. The whipped rosemary honey butter adds the perfect finishing touch to this memorable treat.

More Easy Recipes Recipes:

• Blackstone Steak Cheese Quesadillas – Easy 30-Minute Recipe
• Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
• Best Chia Fig Honey Pudding Recipe – Easy Overnight Treat
• Zucchini Corn Chowder Recipe – Easy Creamy Summer Soup

Recommended

Best Chia Fig Honey Pudding Recipe – Easy Overnight Treat

Zucchini Corn Chowder Recipe – Easy Creamy Summer Soup

Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Pie

Perfect Spiced Fig Walnut Loaf Recipe

---

• Author: Jennie Graham
• Total Time: 48 minute
• Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A moist and flavorful loaf featuring caramelized figs, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for breakfast or dessert with whipped rosemary honey butter.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10–12 fresh figs, halved
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup Greek yogurt, room temperature
• 1¼ cups walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1–2 tablespoons sparkling sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Flake sea salt to taste

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat loaf pan with melted butter and dust with granulated sugar.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons sugar in cast iron skillet. Add figs cut-side down, cook 3-5 minutes until caramelized.
3. Whisk together both flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom in large bowl.
4. Beat remaining butter with granulated and brown sugars for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
5. Whisk eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla in small bowl until smooth.
6. Fold dry and wet ingredients alternately into butter mixture in three additions. Fold in ¾ cup walnuts.
7. Spread ⅓ batter in pan, add half the figs, another ⅓ batter, remaining figs, then final batter layer.
8. Top with remaining walnuts and sparkling sugar for crunch.
9. Bake 30 minutes at 350°F, rotate, bake 30 more minutes. Reduce to 325°F, bake 20-30 minutes until golden.
10. Cool in pan 15-20 minutes, then turn onto rack. Cool completely before slicing.
11. Whip butter, honey, salt, and rosemary until fluffy. Top with remaining rosemary and sea salt.

Notes

• Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create better texture than cold ingredients
• Don’t skip the fig caramelization step – it intensifies flavor and prevents soggy spots
• Rotate the pan during baking to ensure even browning and prevent hot spots
• Test doneness with a toothpick in the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs
• Let the loaf rest overnight before slicing for the best texture and easier cutting
• Fresh figs should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy or overly soft
• Whole wheat pastry flour is lighter than regular whole wheat and creates better texture
• The loaf continues cooking from residual heat, so don’t overbake or it will dry out
• Cooling completely before slicing prevents crumbling and ensures clean cuts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 80-90 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice

Keywords: fig walnut bread, spiced loaf cake, caramelized fig recipe, walnut quick bread, cinnamon cardamom loaf, Greek yogurt bread, homemade fig bread, rosemary honey butter