A recessed lighting fixture that includes a battery assembly integrally connected to a recessed enclosure, such battery assembly including a battery that can supply the lighting fixture with power in the event of a power outage. In one embodiment, the battery assembly includes a ballast plate to which the light source (e.g., incandescent or fluorescent lamps) and the battery are connected. The ballast plate can be connected to the recessed enclosure so that the battery is disposed within an open face defined by the recessed wall enclosure.