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Easy Fig Bread

This fig bread recipe has transformed my baking game because it uses such simple ingredients like flour yogurt and brown sugar but turns them into something that smells and tastes absolutely incredible and what makes it really special is how versatile it is whether you're serving it warm from the oven when friends come over or enjoying it later with some butter for breakfast plus it's one of those recipes that's really forgiving even if you're not an experienced baker and it makes the whole house smell amazing while it's in the oven.

Featured in Reliable Bread Recipes.

Chef Zaho
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:08:54 GMT
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A slice of moist fig cake topped with fresh figs and chopped nuts, surrounded by whole figs and nuts on a marble surface. Pin it
A slice of moist fig cake topped with fresh figs and chopped nuts, surrounded by whole figs and nuts on a marble surface. | alicesrecipes.com

This Fig Bread brings together whole wheat flour, olive oil, and sweet honey in one delicious loaf. The taste is rich but not heavy, making it perfect for breakfast or sharing with friends over tea. Each slice offers a perfect mix of sweet figs and warm, homey flavors.

What Makes This Fig Bread Worth Making

Fall meets summer in this simple bread. Whole wheat flour gives it body, honey adds sweetness, and fresh figs bring their natural flavor. A touch of Greek yogurt keeps everything moist. Grab a warm slice, pour some coffee, and enjoy any time of day. No fancy tools needed - just good ingredients coming together.

Ingredients

  • White Whole Wheat Flour - Gives the bread its nutty taste. Regular flour works too
  • Baking Soda - Makes the bread rise. Must be fresh
  • Baking Powder - Works with baking soda for a light texture
  • Salt - Brings out all the flavors
  • Cinnamon - Adds warmth to the taste. Use as much as you like
  • Olive Oil - Keeps the bread moist. Regular oil works too
  • Brown Sugar - Makes it sweet with a rich taste
  • Honey - Adds natural sweetness and keeps bread fresh longer
  • Eggs - Hold everything together. Room temperature works best
  • Greek Yogurt - Makes the bread soft. Sour cream works too
  • Vanilla - Adds a nice background flavor
  • Fresh Figs, Chopped - The star of the show. Dried figs work in winter
  • Extra Figs - For the top. Makes it look pretty
  • Hazelnuts - Add crunch. Walnuts work great too
A delicious rectangular cake topped with sliced figs and dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by whole and halved figs, nuts, and a small bowl of oil. Pin it
A delicious rectangular cake topped with sliced figs and dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by whole and halved figs, nuts, and a small bowl of oil. | alicesrecipes.com

Steps to Make

Get Ready:
Turn oven to 350°F. Oil your bread pan and dust with flour
Mix Dry Stuff:
Put flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl
Mix Wet Stuff:
Stir olive oil, brown sugar, and honey in another bowl. Add eggs, yogurt, and vanilla
Put It Together:
Pour wet mix into dry mix. Stir just until mixed. Add chopped figs
Add Toppings:
Pour into pan. Put fig pieces on top. Sprinkle with nuts
Bake:
Cook for about an hour. Stick a toothpick in - it should come out clean
Cool Down:
Let sit 15 minutes in the pan. Move to rack until cool
Enjoy:
Cut and serve. Keeps fresh for 3 days if wrapped well

Why Fig Bread is Special

Fig bread does it all - breakfast, snack, or dessert. The whole wheat flour and honey make it filling but not heavy. Fresh figs add bursts of sweetness throughout. Perfect warm or room temperature, it fits any time of day.

Picking Your Figs

Fresh figs make this bread shine. Look for soft, ripe ones - they're best from late summer to early fall. Black Mission figs taste great here, but any ripe fig works. If you can't find fresh ones, dried figs do the job just fine.

Making It Your Own

Try different spices if you want - cardamom or nutmeg taste great. A splash of rum instead of vanilla adds nice flavor. No fresh figs? Dried ones work well. Small changes can make the bread yours, but don't go overboard.

A slice of fig cake topped with sliced figs and almonds, served alongside a bowl of whipped cream. Pin it
A slice of fig cake topped with sliced figs and almonds, served alongside a bowl of whipped cream. | alicesrecipes.com

What Goes Well With Fig Bread

Spread some butter or nut butter on a warm slice. Greek yogurt tastes great on top too. Fig jam makes it extra special. Have it with coffee in the morning or tea in the afternoon. Each bite tastes a bit different depending on what you add.

Simple Tips for Success

This bread doesn't need fancy moves or tools. Mix by hand, bake with care, and let it cool before cutting. The wait might test your patience, but it's worth it for perfect slices. Your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use dried figs instead?

Grab a cup of chopped dried figs and skip putting them on top - they work just as good as fresh ones and you can keep them in the pantry for whenever you need them.

→ What flour works best?

White whole wheat flour makes it light but still good for you, and keeps the bread soft and fluffy inside without getting heavy or dense.

→ How do I check if it's done?

Stick a toothpick in the middle - if it comes out without wet stuff on it, your bread is ready to come out of the oven and cool down.

→ Can I make it ahead?

You can bake it up to three days before you need it - just wrap it up tight and keep it on your counter, no need for the fridge.

→ What can I put on top?

Throw some crushed walnuts or almonds on top before baking - they get toasty in the oven and make every bite more interesting.

Conclusion

Got extra figs? Make some fig muffins too. Just add walnuts to make them crunchy. They're great to grab on your way out the door or with coffee later. Tastes like summer in the Mediterranean, right in your kitchen.

Sweet Fig Bread

Quick fig bread when you're in a hurry

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Breads & Muffins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American/Mediterranean

Yield: 12 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups (180g) white whole wheat flour, plus more for dusting.
02 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
04 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
05 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
06 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan.
07 1/2 cup (106g) brown sugar.
08 1/4 cup (85g) honey.
09 2 large eggs, at room temperature.
10 1/2 cup (113g) Greek yogurt.
11 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
12 1 cup chopped fresh figs (about 4 to 5 large figs).
13 3 fresh figs, quartered for topping.
14 1/4 cup hazelnuts, roughly chopped for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your loaf pan by greasing it with olive oil and dusting with flour, or you can use baking spray for convenience.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, creating a light and airy base for your batter.

Step 03

In a separate medium bowl, blend the olive oil, brown sugar, and honey. Whisk in the eggs until the mixture is smooth. Add the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.

Step 04

Gently combine wet and dry ingredients by gradually folding the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined to maintain a tender crumb. Fold in the chopped figs gently to evenly distribute them.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Arrange the quartered figs on top and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.

Step 06

Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma should tempt you, filling your kitchen with warmth.

Step 07

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely, providing the bread time to settle.

Step 08

Slice and serve your fragrant Fig Bread. Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and inviting.

Notes

  1. For a quality touch, consider sourcing Mediterranean olive oil and honey for this recipe.
  2. A standard 9x5-inch loaf pan can be used, but the loaf may be slightly shorter; check doneness after 50 minutes.
  3. If fresh figs are unavailable, substitute with 1 cup of chopped dried figs, omitting the fresh fig topping and sprinkling chopped hazelnuts on the batter instead.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8 X 4-inch loaf pan.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Whisk.
  • Rubber spatula.
  • Wire rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Nuts.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 242.2
  • Total Fat: 11.6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32.4 g
  • Protein: 4.4 g