Instructions: Stir together first 7 ingredients; stir in egg, oil, and buttermilk, blending well. Stir in vanilla. Fold in figs and, if desired, pecans. Pour into a greased and floured 13- by 9-inch pan.

Bake at 325 degrees for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in centercomes out clean. Pierce top of cake several times with a wooden pick; drizzle Buttermilk Glaze over cake.

This recipe yields 16 servings.

Comments: Make and freeze the cake up to two weeks in advance; add the glaze theday of the party.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.