We are not sure why this one is not more popular. When figs are available, this will become one more reason to look forward to them. The fig season is so short, but it is so wonderful to eat the local southern produce as it arrives in the markets. If you can locate honey from your area, it is even better.
Ingredients
10-12 fresh figs, depending on their size
1/2 cup honey
1 9-oz box Jiffy Golden Yellow cake mix
1 whole egg
1/2 cup cold water
cooking spray
Southern Cooking Instructions
Gently wash and dry the figs. Use only those that are soft and ripe.
Trim any hard stem portion from the top if necessary.
Slice each fig in half lengthwise and place in a small bowl.
Drizzle the honey over the fig halves. Toss very tenderly.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Arrange the figs, face down in the dish. Filling the bottom completely.
Scrape any residual honey from the bowl on top of the figs.
In a medium bowl, place the cake mix, egg and water.
Mix by hand for about 30 seconds to moisten the batter.
With a electric mixer, continue beating for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Best to use a timer here.
Pour the batter over the figs.
To remove any air bubbles from the batter, lift the dish from your counter a few inches and drop it flat on the counter, slamming the dish will make the bubbles rise to the top of the batter and burst.
Place in the center rack of the oven and bake 20-25 minutes.
Test with a toothpick placed in the center of the cake, there should be no moist batter on it.
Allow to cool on a rack for about 10 minutes.
The cake may fall apart if you try to flip while too warm. If you allow the honey to cool too much, the figs will not release from the pan.
Run a knife along the edge of the dish to loosen the cake.
Place your serving plate, face down on the baking dish.
Keep your oven mitts on, holding both plates together, grab the edges, making sure your thumbs are on the top plate.
Say a small prayer and flip the plates in one motion towards yourself.
The cake and the figs should release onto your serving plate.
If a few stubborn figs remain in the baking dish, carefully place on the cake while everything is still warm.
You can do some decent patching while the honey is pliable.
