Scrumptious Fig and Almond Cupcakes - A Sweet Twist!

45

min

247

Calories

11g

Fats

34g

Carbs

5g

Protein

These Fig and Almond Cupcakes combine the nuttiness of almonds with the sweetness of fresh figs, creating a delightfully balanced dessert. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Each bite is a blend of moist cake, rich filling, and creamy frosting.

Ingredients:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350F. While that's warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This mixture will create the perfect fluffy base for your cupcakes, making sure they rise just right. The sifting helps aerate the flour, combining the dry ingredients evenly for a smooth batter.
Pro Tip: Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond extract, orange juice, and vegetable oil until they're fully combined. The eggs will add structure, while the almond extract and orange juice imbue the cupcakes with a delightful aromatic flavor. The vegetable oil is the secret to making the cupcakes incredibly moist. Once mixed, pour this into the well you made in the dry ingredients, stirring just enough to combine.
Pro Tip: Mix wet ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

After combining the wet and dry ingredients on medium-high speed until just mixed, carefully fill the lined cupcake tray with the batter. It's important not to overmix, as doing so can lead to dense cupcakes. Bake in the preheated oven and let the magic happen. The batter will transform into golden, risen cupcakes, filling the kitchen with a sweet and inviting aroma.
Pro Tip: Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full to allow space for rising.

Step 4: Prepare Filling

While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the fig filling. Chop fresh figs into bite-sized pieces and cook them with honey until they resemble a thick jam. This step requires patience but rewards you with a lusciously sweet filling that perfectly complements the nutty flavor of the almond cupcakes. Allow the filling to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.
Pro Tip: For a smoother filling, blend the cooked figs slightly before cooling.

Step 5: Assemble and Frost

Once the cupcakes have cooled slightly, cut a small hole in the top of each cupcake and fill with the homemade fig jam. This hidden center will be a sweet surprise for anyone enjoying the cupcakes. Next, create the frosting by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sugar to taste, ensuring the frosting can be easily spread. Decorate each cupcake with a generous dollop of frosting and a slice of fresh fig for an elegant finish.
Pro Tip: Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

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