Ocracoke Island Fig Cake with Buttermilk Glaze

This signature cake makes use of the luscious figs that ripen in midsummer on this barrier island in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Most local residents have a backyard tree or two, and many are dedicated to eating what they can through the season, while putting an abundant portion of the crop into jars of jam and preserves.

This cake is also popular as a layer cake, filled and topped with Cream Cheese Frosting. For the figs, the best choice