I first made this cake for my fathers’ birthday and now it is the only cake that he requests. This cake has complex flavors and is very unique.

  • Total Time
    Prep: 30 min. + standing Bake: 20 min. + cooling
  • Makes

    16 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1-2/3 cups raisins, chopped
    • 8 dried figs, finely chopped
    • 1/2 cup brandy
    • CAKE:
    • 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups sugar
    • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/8 teaspoon salt
    • 1-1/3 cups buttermilk
    • 1/2 cup butter, softened
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 4 large egg whites
    • FROSTING:
    • 2 cups butter, softened
    • 6 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1/4 to 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

Directions

  • In a small bowl, combine raisins and figs. Add brandy; toss to combine. Let stand, covered, at room temperature about 2 hours or until brandy is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of three greased 8-in. round cake pans with parchment paper; grease paper.
  • In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, orange zest, baking powder, baking soda and salt until blended. Add buttermilk, butter and vanilla; beat on low speed 30 seconds or just until dry ingredients are moistened. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Add egg whites; beat 2 minutes longer.
  • Transfer batter to prepared pans. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
  • In a large bowl, cream butter until fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar. Beat in vanilla and enough cream to reach desired consistency. For filling, remove 1 cup frosting to a small bowl; stir in pecans and raisin mixture.
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with half of the filling. Add another cake layer; top with remaining filling. Add remaining cake layer; spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.

Tip:

To toast nuts, bake in a shallow pan in a 350° oven for 5-10 minutes or cook in a skillet over low heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.