Fudgy fig roll

Method

• step 1

  Cover the figs with boiling water in a bowl and set aside to soften for 30 mins. Drain and mash well with the banana.

• step 2

  Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Grease a Swiss roll tin – about 34 x 24cm. Line the base with baking parchment.

• step 3

  Separate the eggs, collecting the whites in a large clean bowl. Beat with an electric whisk until stiff peaks hold on the end of your whisk, then add half the sugar and beat until thick and glossy.

• step 4

  In another mixing bowl, beat the yolks with the remaining sugar until pale. Whisk in the mashed fig mixture. Fold this mixture into the meringue mixture until well combined. Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, spices and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle it over the wet mixture and very gently fold in, again until well combined. Gently scrape and spread the batter into the tin. Bake for 12-15 mins until springy to the touch.

• step 5

  Meanwhile, lay a clean tea towel on the bench (this helps keep the cake nice and moist). Scatter the caster sugar over the towel, flip on the cake, peel off the parchment, then roll up from the shortest side with the tea towel into a Swiss roll. Lift onto a wire rack to cool completely.

• step 6

  Unroll the cake gently. Using electric beaters, whisk the cream and icing sugar together to soft peaks. Spread the fig jam over the cake, followed by the cream. Roll up again and slice to serve.