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Desserts

Fig and Nut Sweet Cakes

The Quirky Foodster Team

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15 minutes
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
8
Servings

Ingredients

  • 250g (2 cups) Barley flour
  • 200g (1 1/4 cups) Dried figs, finely chopped
  • 80g (2/3 cup) Chopped almonds
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 100ml (scant 1/2 cup) Water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Combine the barley flour and salt in a mixing bowl.
  3. Warm the honey and sesame oil together and stir into the flour with the water to form a firm dough.
  4. Fold in the chopped figs and almonds until evenly distributed.
  5. Shape into 8 small rounds and place on the prepared tray, flattening slightly.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until firm and golden at the edges. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Native/Reconstructed Name: Benet en Djed (reconstructed; fig cake)

Cultural Background: Figs were among the most widely available fruits in ancient Egypt, both fresh in season and dried for storage,
and their sweetness made them a natural addition to festive baked goods. Combined with nuts, likely almonds
available through trade with the Levant, this cake would have been reserved for celebration rather than
everyday fare.

Tips:
– Barley flour dough is a little more crumbly than wheat — press the cakes together firmly when shaping.
– Toast the almonds lightly before chopping for a deeper flavor.

Variations:
– Substitute walnuts for almonds for a more locally sourced modern option.
– Add a pinch of ground cinnamon for a warmer, spiced version, using a spice available through ancient trade
– routes.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Best served at room temperature; no reheating needed.

Nutrition: Approx. 245 kcal, 5 g protein, 32 g carbohydrate, 11 g fat per serving.

FAQs:

Q: Were almonds native to Egypt?

A: Almonds were not native but were traded into Egypt from the wider Near East and used in higher-status

cooking.

Q: Can these cakes be made without nuts?

A: Yes, simply omit the almonds for a nut-free version closer to a plainer fig cake.

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