Honey Cake w/ Figs and Whipped Cream Cheese

 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

For the whipped cream

• 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

For the candied walnuts

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease a 9" round pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, honey, sugar, and vanilla extract. Start on low speed to combine and then increase to medium speed for 6 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring on low after each egg to combine.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture stirring on low to combine. Stir in the buttermilk and then add the rest of the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.
6. Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake in the oven for 40 minutes.
7. To prepare the whipped cream, in a large bowl beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. 
8. Slowly drizzle in the whipping cream a tablespoon at a time until it's all incorporated. Increase your mixer and whip on medium speed for 3 minutes.
9. To prepare the walnuts, combine the butter, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon and salt in a medium saucepan until butter has melted.
10. Add the nuts and stir until well combined for about 5 minutes.
11. Remove from heat and let them cool.

The fun part about making cakes is to watch it all come together. Get creative and add the figs to the top of the cake. Drizzle honey and the candied walnuts on top. This cake is moist and delicious. I promise, you will want a second slice.