23 Best Fig Recipes

We've always had a soft spot for figs. Honestly, they're perfection just as they are—bursting with sweetness, ready to be enjoyed straight from the tree. Yet, even though they don’t really need any dressing up, we can't resist creating recipes with figs.

There's something so inviting about pairing their natural sweetness with savory ingredients or enhancing desserts with their distinct flavor. From tempting tarts to flavor-packed salads, our love for figs knows no bounds. 

Whether sweet or savory, figs make an amazing addition to every dish we try.

Before we get to the fig recipes, let's chat a bit more about figs. We think you'll find this info helpful.

What Are Figs?

Figs are a sweet fruit, often with a soft flesh, smooth skin, and crunchy seeds inside. They come in various colors, from deep purple to green. 

Types of Figs

Figs come in a variety of types, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Black Mission Figs: These are deep purple (almost black) in color with a sweet, rich flavor. They're commonly found in supermarkets.
2. Calimyrna Figs: Larger and greenish-yellow in color, they have a nutty taste and are often used dried.
3. Kadota Figs: These are green figs with a slightly sweet taste. They have less sugar than other fig types, making them popular for canning.
4. Brown Turkey Figs: This type has a purplish-brown skin with a red interior. They're sweet and are often eaten fresh.
5. Adriatic Figs: Recognizable by their light green skin and pink flesh, they're exceptionally sweet and are often used to make fig bars.
6. Celeste Figs: Also called "sugar figs", these are small with purple skin and a sweet flavor. They're often consumed fresh.

Quick Facts

Here are a few things you might find handy about figs:

1. Season: The best time to get figs is in the late summer and early fall, though some types are available in the spring too.
2. Ripeness: A ripe fig feels soft but not mushy. If it's very hard, it's not ready to eat yet.
3. Storage: Keep figs in the fridge if you're not eating them right away. They'll last longer. But remember, they are delicate, so handle with care!
4. Nutrition: Figs are good for you! They're full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals like calcium and potassium.
5. Eating Raw or Cooked: You can eat figs just as they are, or use them in cooking. They taste great both ways!

How to Eat Figs the Right Way

1. Pick Good Figs: Choose ones that are soft but not too squishy.
2. Wash Them: Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
3. Trim the Top: Some people cut off the little stem. It's up to you.
4. Eat as is or Slice: You can bite into a fig like an apple or slice it up.
5. Skin's Okay: The skin is edible and tasty, but you can peel it if you prefer.
6. Dried Figs: You can eat them as they are or soak them to make them softer and juicier.
7. Learn Cooking with Figs: Roasting or grilling figs can be yummy, too.

Do You Eat Fig Skin?

Yes, you can eat fig skin! The skin of a fig is thin and totally edible. Many people, including us, love eating figs with the skin on because it's soft and adds to the overall taste. 

However, some prefer peeling it off. We enjoy it both ways. No need to peel them when making dishes with figs.

Just make sure to wash the figs well before eating to remove any dirt or pesticides. So, whether you eat them with the skin or without, figs are always a treat!

How to Use Overripe Figs

Overripe figs are nature's own jam – they become super sweet and have a jam-like softness. Unless they give off a bad smell, there's no need to discard them. Instead, make recipes with figs:

1. Jam or Preserve: Their softness and sweetness make them ideal for jams or preserves.
2. Smoothies: Blend with other fruits and yogurt for a naturally sweet drink.
3. Baking: Incorporate them into muffins, bread, or cakes for added moisture and flavor.
4. Sauces: Puree the figs and stir into sauces or dressings for a sweet dimension.
5. Desserts: Stew them with a touch of sugar and use as a topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt parfait.

Freezing Fresh Figs

Freezing fresh figs is a great way to preserve their flavor and enjoy them out of season. Here's a simple guide to do it:

1. Wash & Dry: Rinse the figs under cold water and pat them dry gently with a paper towel.
2. Trim & Slice: If you prefer, you can trim off the stems, but it's not necessary. And either slice the figs into halves or leave them whole.
3. Pre-Freeze: Place the figs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don't touch each other. Freeze for a few hours until they're solid. This step prevents them from sticking together in the freezer.
4. Pack & Store: Transfer the pre-frozen figs to airtight freezer bags or containers. Push out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
5. Label & Date: It's always a good idea to label and date your frozen items so you can keep track of how long they've been stored.

Frozen figs can maintain good quality for up to 6-8 months. While their texture will change and become softer after thawing, the flavor remains delightful. They're perfect for smoothies, jams, baking, or cooking.

Fig Desserts

Figs are sweet fruits that can make desserts even better. You can find them in many sweet recipes. They are great in cakes, loaf cakes, cupcakes and tarts. They are great in jams, puddings and many more treats.

Today we've got some tasty dessert recipes with figs for you! Check out the list below to find your next favorite sweet treat. 

1. Roasted Figs

Roasted figs are simple to make, but everyone loves them.

This is one of those super easy fresh fig recipes. Here's how you do it:

You take some figs and mix them with brown sugar. This makes them sweet and sticky. Add a little cinnamon for spice and some rosemary for a nice smell and taste. Then, you roast them.

You can eat these figs by themselves, and they taste great. If you want something extra special, put them with whipped cream or ice cream. It's a simple dessert that's always a favorite!

2. Fig Bread

This fig bread is a delightful twist on the classic loaf. It brings together the creamy goodness of bananas, the subtle sweetness of figs, and the crunch of walnuts. 

Instead of loading it with refined sugars, this bread gets its gentle sweetness mainly from ripe bananas and a hint of maple syrup. 

Slice it up for breakfast or enjoy it as a snack. Either way, this figs recipe is sure to be a hit! 

3. Fig Olive Oil Cupcakes 

If you want an impressive fig recipe idea, make these! These are not your usual cupcakes. 

First, they have a base made from pistachios and olive oil, which is yummy and moist. For sweetness, they contain rosemary-infused sugar, which adds a fresh and herby flavor.

In the middle, there's a sweet fig jam surprise. Way better than chocolate!

On top, there's smooth mascarpone cheese frosting with a touch of honey. And to finish, there's a slice of fresh fig and a little rosemary. 

4. Rosemary and Fig Rugelach

Rugelach is a type of Jewish cookie that many people love. Here is a new version of it with fig jam and rosemary. The fig jam makes it sweet, and the rosemary gives it a fresh taste that's a little like herbs.

The caramelized walnuts inside give these cookies a nice crunch and make them richer.

These are a mix of sweet and slightly savory flavors. If you like the traditional rugelach, you will enjoy trying this different twist on a well-loved treat!

5. Fresh Fig Crumble Tart

Looking for a dessert that's both simple and tasty? Try this fresh fig crumble tart! This treat is all about those juicy fresh figs that sit nicely on a buttery crust. And let's not forget the crunchy oat topping which adds a lovely texture to every bite.

The best part? There's no need to bake the crust first, called "blind baking." Just prepare the crust, spread the fig filling, sprinkle the oat crumble on top, and pop it in the oven. In one go, everything bakes together.

6. Dried Fig and Walnut Cake

This cake is something special! It's an Italian cake made with dried figs and chopped walnuts. What makes it different? It is made with active dry yeast, so it is light and full of air.

Inside the cake, you'll find sweet dried figs. They give nice sweet spots in every bite. The chopped walnuts add a bit of crunch. If you like figs and nuts, this cake could be your new favorite treat! 

If you are looking for a fig cake that is more special for holidays, you might want to try this figgy pudding.

7. Hazelnut Fig Galette

Here's a tasty dessert with figs. It starts with a sweet pastry crust. Inside, there's a special homemade hazelnut paste that's really yummy. On top of that, there are figs, honey and a little vanilla bean paste. It all comes together to make a rich and tasty treat. 

When you're ready to eat, you can add some crème fraîche or ice cream on the side. It makes the galette even better! If you like sweet pastries with nuts and fruit, you should definitely try this one!

8. Fig Bars

You don't know what to do with fresh figs? Here is a perfect mix of coconut layers and juicy figs. These bars are super tasty and have a lovely texture. 

The best part? No need to turn on the oven because there's no baking involved. Plus, they're vegan-friendly! 

So, if you're looking for a quick, delicious fig dessert recipe that's easy to make, these fig bars are just the thing.

9. Oatmeal Fig Bars

These treats are a fresh take on the classic fig newtons, but they come without refined sugar. Made with natural sweetness from just a bit of coconut sugar and maple syrup, they're a healthier choice that doesn't skimp on flavor. 

For the base, the recipe uses almond flour, tapioca flour, and old-fashioned oats, which makes them both gluten-free and vegan. 

10. Fig Jam

Want to make a tasty jam at home? Try this easy Fig Jam recipe. All you need are fresh figs, sugar, lemon juice, and a tiny bit of water. The best part? No pectin required!

Once made, this jam is perfect to spread on toast, use in a cheese sandwich, swirl into Greek yogurt, or even serve on a cheese platter. Its natural sweetness from the figs pairs wonderfully with goat cheese or ricotta. 

With its rich flavor and smooth texture, this Fig Jam is a versatile treat that can elevate any meal or snack.

11. Caramelized Figs

This is one of the best recipes with fresh figs. Made with just three simple ingredients—fresh figs, coconut sugar, and balsamic vinegar—you can have a mouthwatering treat ready in only 15 minutes. 

Fancy a touch of herbiness? A few sprigs of fresh thyme can add a wonderful flavor.

Whether you're looking for a tasty start to your day, a sweet afternoon snack, or a dessert to cap off a meal, these figs have you covered. 

Spread them on toast with a layer of cream cheese for a heavenly combination. Or, if you're in the mood for something extra indulgent, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 

12. Unripe Fig Jam

Got unripe figs on your tree? Turn them into a jam! 

This Unripe Fig Jam uses those green figs, adds sugar, water, a bit of lemon, and some cloves. It's a clever way to use up those early figs, and the result is a jam that's sweet with a hint of spice. 

It's perfect for serving as a dessert too. Don't let those unripe figs go to waste - make a tasty treat instead!

Savory Fig Recipes

Think figs are just for sweet things? Think again! Figs can make many dishes taste even better. They add a special sweet touch to pizzas, starters, chicken dishes, and bread like focaccia.

Ready to try something new and yummy? We've got a list of recipes where figs make the food extra special.

13. Goat Cheese Stuffed Figs

Love figs and cheese? Try these baked stuffed figs! They're filled with creamy goat cheese and drizzled with balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar) and honey. This mix of sweet and tangy flavors is just right. 

And if you want them to be even more filling, wrap the figs in bacon or prosciutto. This adds a nice salty touch. They're simple to make and great for snacking or parties.  

14. Fig Salad

Want a fresh and tasty salad? This Fig Salad is just right! With peppery arugula, sweet figs, crunchy onions, and toasted walnuts (or pecans), every bite is a treat. 

The goat cheese adds creaminess, and the balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together. If you're not a fan of goat cheese, no worries! Feta cheese or blue cheese works great too. 

This arugula salad is a mix of flavors and textures that all balance out. Give it a try for a refreshing meal or side dish! 

15. Fig Baked Brie

Want a tasty and easy party snack? Look no further! This baked Brie dish is one of the most impressive appetizers with figs.

The recipe uses fresh black mission figs, giving it a sweet touch. Dark brown sugar, Kahlua (or any coffee liqueur you like), a hint of fresh orange zest, and a sprinkle of thyme come together to make a supper yummy dip. It's perfect for any get-together!  

16. Fig and Goat Cheese Pizza

Looking for a unique pizza flavor? Try this Fig and Goat Cheese Pizza! 

It is loaded with fresh figs, pear slices, and caramelized onions. But that's not all. There's creamy brie and tangy goat cheese melting together. 

Once baked, sprinkle on some fresh arugula and crunchy walnut bits. Finish it off with a drizzle of honey and a special fig balsamic glaze. This pizza is a perfect mix of sweet, salty, and tangy tastes. It's a must-try for pizza lovers!

17. Fig Focaccia

Want to make your bread extra special? Try this Fig Focaccia! 

Quartered figs are placed into the soft and puffy dough. Then a tasty blend of honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh rosemary is brushed all over the top of the dough. 

As it bakes, the flavors blend together, making a super yummy bread that's sweet and tangy.

18. Rosemary and Fig Candied Bacon

Looking for a bacon twist? Try this rosemary and fig candied bacon! Just add sweet fig jam and fresh rosemary, then bake it in the oven. 

What do you get? Bacon that's sweet, savory, and super crispy. Even if you love plain bacon, this flavor-packed version might just become your new favorite! 

19. Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken

Craving something tasty for dinner? Learn cooking with figs! Here is a great dinner idea: Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken Skillet.

It uses ripe fresh figs and tangy balsamic vinegar mixed with sweet honey and fresh herbs. This yummy sauce goes on top of crispy chicken thighs. It's a mix of sweet and savory that's sure to please. Try it for your next dinner party!

More Creative Recipes with Figs

20. Sage Fig Cocktail

This drink combines the sweetness of fresh figs with a homemade sage simple syrup. Add in some orange liqueur, a hint of lemon juice, and rum. Top it off with club soda for that bubbly touch. It's a delightful mix of sweet, herbal, and fizzy – perfect for relaxing or celebrating.  

21. Fig Leaf Syrup

Ever thought about the leaves of a fig tree? Fig Leaf Syrup captures the subtle, coconut-like aroma of fig leaves, transforming it into a sweet, aromatic syrup. 

Whether you're mixing up cocktails, adding a twist to your soda, or giving your tea an extra layer of depth, this syrup does the trick.  

22. Fig and Balsamic Vinaigrette

This dressing is something special. With the sweetness of fig preserves and the deep taste of balsamic vinegar, it's a perfect match. The mustard and garlic add a nice kick, while the olive oil smooths it all out. It makes any salad taste even better. 

23. Pickled Figs

Need a unique fresh fig recipe? Pickle them!

These figs are something to talk about! Soaked in a syrup that's both sweet and a bit spicy, they become soft and extra tasty. The best part? You can keep them for weeks and use them to make your regular dishes feel a bit more special.

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