When I set out to find the best fig recipes from fellow food bloggers, I had no idea just how many ways there were to enjoy these little gems! Sure, they're delicious fresh off the tree, but there's a whole world of figgy goodness beyond that.
From fresh to dried, sweet to savory, figs can do a whole lot more than you might think.
Speaking of sweet ways, there are two natural treats I reach for when I'm craving candy: dates and figs! They really are nature's candy with their honey-like flavor and chewy bite, which makes them one of many fabulous ingredients to include on a charcuterie board or in various desserts and treats.
But figs also taste amazing in chicken and pork main dishes, breads and cakes, appetizers and everything in between. They happen to make one of my favorite jam recipes, providing a texture like no other.
Wondering how else to eat figs? Try whipping up a fresh fig hummus dip platter, one of my favorite, easy-to-make snacks on the list. And be sure to check out all of the tasty ways to enjoy them below.
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What is a fig?
A fig is a soft, sweet fruit that grows on a tree. It has thin purple skin when ripe, a slightly chewy texture and a jammy center filled with tiny edible seeds.
Unless you're lucky enough to have a fig tree in your backyard, you can easily find fresh figs in the grocery store summer through fall, depending on where you live. Some stores carry them outside of that window, too. Dried figs are much easier to find year-round.
Fun Fact: Figs are actually not a fruit. They are a cluster of tiny flowers inside a fleshy structure. Pretty cool for something that tastes like candy.
Fig Dessert Recipes for Your Sweet Tooth
1
Hilda's Kitchen Blog
Sweet Fig Bread
This sweet fig bread recipe is moist, flavorful and packed with fresh fig chunks. No stand mixer required, no waiting around for dough to rise, just mix and bake. If you have frozen figs stashed away, they work great in this recipe. Plus, the bread freezes beautifully and stays nice and moist. What more could you want?!
Sweet Fig Bread Recipe
2
FoodnService
Fig Loaf Cake
This fig loaf cake brings together fresh orange juice, warm spices and a cream cheese frosting for a delicious mix of flavors. Fresh figs and orange zest provide a stunning garnish. It's another easy mix-and-bake sweetbread that will impress your holiday guests. I know my daughter would have a blast making this one!
Fig Loaf Cake Recipe
3
Luci's Morsels
Fresh Fig Cake
This buttery, fig cake lets the figs do all the talking, with a simple cake that puts those gorgeous slices front and center. You could serve it with whipped cream or ice cream, but honestly, I'd hate to hide that pretty fig topping. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, this Italian-inspired dessert is a lovely one to make ahead for company.
Fresh Fig Cake Recipe
4
Chef's Pencil
Caramelized Fig Cheesecake
Paula, a pastry cook, brings us this mouthwatering fig cheesecake with layers of coffee sponge, light and airy cream cheese mousse and caramel-coated figs. It's a beautiful mix of rich, creamy and fruity flavors that looks and tastes amazing.
Caramelized Fig Cheesecake Recipe
5
Cinnamon Shtick
Strawberry Fig Babka
This Strawberry Fig Babka features soft, strawberry brioche bread dough swirled with a sweet, cinnamon-orange fig filling and finished with a vanilla glaze. Dried figs give the filling a lovely jammy texture. This one needs a little time to make the strawberry paste, but it's so worth it!
Strawberry Fig Babka Recipe
6
The FoodOlic
Fig, Honey & Goat Cheese Popsicles
I love how the fresh figs peek through these popsicles, making them look like little works of art! They're a fun, refreshing treat for summer days and a great one to make with the kids. You only need 5 ingredients and a popsicle mold to whip up these pretty, fig-filled popsicles.
Fig, Honey & Goat Cheese Popsicles Recipe
7
To Taste
Dark Chocolate Covered Figs
For an easy, no-fuss treat at home, try these dark chocolate covered figs made with the dried black mission variety. They are creamy, sweet and salty, which is a winning combo in my books! You only need a few ingredients (plus water), and there are no complicated steps to worry about.
Dark Chocolate Covered Figs Recipe
8
Coley Cooks
Fig Gelato
Coley Cooks' ricotta and fig gelato is a creamy, Italian-style frozen dessert that combines a rich ricotta custard base with sweet roasted figs and a homemade pistachio paste swirl. This trio of flavors is deeply rooted in Italian food traditions. It takes me right back to my travel adventures in Italy, where there seemed to be a gelato shop on every corner.
Fig Gelato Recipe
9
Plating Pixels
Fig Pear & Apple Crisp
This recipe shows you how to make apple crisp with a holiday twist, combining festive ingredients like pear, fig and cranberry. The fruity bottom layer is warm and tender, while the crispy crumbly topping adds that delicious crunch we all love.
Fig Pear & Apple Crisp Recipe
Fig Appetizers & Bites
10
Fig Hummus Dip
Classic hummus gets a fresh upgrade with figs, hemp seeds, greens and more. You get a little sweet, a little salty and a mix of creamy and crunchy in every bite. It's a great vegan snack to pull out when friends come over. You can make the hummus a few days ahead and then add the fresh toppings when you're ready to serve. It includes lots of dipper ideas to help build the perfect platter!
Fig Hummus Dip Recipe
11
The Short Order Cook
Roasted Figs
These roasted, prosciutto-wrapped figs are an easy, 15-minute appetizer with that classic, salty-sweet flavor combination. Thin, salty prosciutto is the perfect wrapper for sweet, chewy figs. You can even assemble them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to roast and serve. Make-ahead options are always a plus when you're planning a party!
Roasted Figs Recipe
12
Little Black Skillet
Bread Bowl with Fig Preserves
If you want a unique holiday appetizer that looks gorgeous and festive on the serving table, this air fryer bread bowl with fig preserves is a fun and easy one to try! Grab a sourdough loaf and some store-bought fig preserves to keep prep and clean-up to a minimum. The recipe includes oven instructions, too, so you can make it no matter which appliance you have.
Bread Bowl with Fig Preserves Recipe
13
Platter Talk
Fig Bars
Fig bars are always a hit at potlucks because they are easy to make, pack up, slice and serve! These homemade bars are made with dried figs and simple pantry ingredients, making them an easy treat to whip up and share.
Fig Bars Recipe
14
Happy Foods Tube
Figs with Goat Cheese
Fresh figs are stuffed with goat cheese and meat slices for an easy, no-bake appetizer. It's a stunning and delicious way to let the figs shine in their whole form. Smaller figs work especially well here, making them the perfect size to pop into your mouth in just one or two bites.
Figs with Goat Cheese Recipe
15
Flavours Treat
No Bake Fig Energy Balls
These no-bake energy balls combine dates and figs for a tasty little pick-me-up after a workout or a long day at school or work. They're quick to make with a low ingredient count, and you can stash a batch in the freezer for an easy snack whenever you need one!
No Bake Fig Energy Balls Recipe
16
Organically Addison
Homemade Fig Newtons
Who else grew up eating these? Fig bars were my favorite fig snacks as a kid and now I've passed that love on to my own kids. They're surprisingly easy to make at home with fresh (not dried) figs, gluten free flours, maple syrup and a couple of basic baking ingredients. They take just 40 minutes from start to finish.
Homemade Fig Newtons Recipe
Fig-Filled Condiments
17
Savory Spin
Easy Fig Chutney
Chutney is an Indian condiment that brings together sweet, tangy, savory and sometimes spicy flavors. It pairs well with cheese boards, crackers, roasted meats and sandwiches. In under 30 minutes, you can have a batch of this delicious, homemade fig chutney.
Easy Fig Chutney Recipe
18
Of Jen Sweets
Easy Fig Jam with Vanilla
If you prefer something sweeter than chutney, this fig jam is a must try! I absolutely love the vanilla in this recipe; it really kicks it up a notch and pairs amazingly with the figs. It's quick to make, only uses 5 ingredients (no pectin required) and even includes canning instructions so you can save some for later. You can use it as an ingredient for a few of the recipes on this list. It also makes a great food gift idea for friends, family, teachers, etc.!
Easy Fig Jam with Vanilla Recipe
19
Hilda's Kitchen Blog
Fig Syrup
The list is long for what you can do with fig syrup, ranging from a dessert topping to one of the best tasting coffee syrup recipes. You can give regular pancake syrup the boot and use this instead, or stir it into plain Greek yogurt (one of my favorite ways). It's super easy to make at home with dried figs, and you can store it in the fridge for up to a month or can it for longer.
Fig Syrup Recipe
Savory Fig Recipes
20
Baste Cut Fold
Sweet & Savory Fig Tart
One of the most popular ways to use figs (besides cake, of course!), is in a sweet-and-savory rustic tart. Golden, buttery puff pastry gets topped with caramelized onions, tangy goat cheese, sweet figs and a touch of lemon for some citrus zing. This recipe doubles down on fig flavor, using both fresh figs and fig preserves.
Sweet & Savory Fig Tart Recipe
21
Food Nutters
Grilled Fish in Fig Leaf
This savory fig recipe puts fig leaves to good use by wrapping them around chub mackerel fish stuffed with garlic and herbs. The leaves help steam the inside, while keeping that smoky, grilled flavor on the outside. What a delicious way to enjoy mackerel and make use of the leaves of the fig tree, too.
Grilled Fish in Fig Leaf Recipe
22
The Heirloom Pantry
Balsamic Chicken with Figs
This Balsamic chicken with figs is a cozy dinner for weeknights or gatherings, ready in under an hour. Chicken thighs are baked in a sweet and tangy fig glaze with herbs until tender and juicy. It's amazing how a little sweetness from figs can bring a savory dish to life, without feeling like you've just eaten dessert.
Balsamic Chicken with Figs Recipe
23
Wholesome Family Meals
Roasted Fig Flatbread Appetizer
This roasted fig flatbread appetizer is topped with juicy figs, creamy cottage cheese, peppery arugula and a tangy balsamic drizzle. It's an easy, cozy dish that looks fancy but takes just 20 minutes to get on the table! Even over-ripe figs work beautifully here, so don't worry if yours are a little past their prime.
Roasted Fig Flatbread Appetizer Recipe
24
My Money Cottage
Pork Chops with Apples & Figs
Pork and apples are a well-known combo but have you tried pork with figs? This sweet and savory pairing is seriously delicious! It all comes together in one skillet with just 5 minutes of prep, making it an easy way to switch up your pork dinner.
Pork Chops with Apples & Figs Recipe
Fig Breakfast Favorites
25
Three Olives Branch
Fig Biscotti
These fig biscotti biscuits make a fun little breakfast treat or afternoon snack. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, tea (such as an Earl Grey London Fog drink or Chamomile) or even a glass of wine. The chewy sweetness of figs pairs perfectly with the crunchy biscotti. This recipe walks you through each step, keeping things easy and fuss-free.
Fig Biscotti Recipe
26
Living Chirpy
Fig Chia Pudding
If you're looking for a simple, make-ahead breakfast packed with fig goodness, this chia pudding is just the thing. It's not only flavorful and delish but looks pretty gorgeous, too. No cooking required here; just let the chia seeds and figs soak up the liquid ingredients overnight. Top it off with a spoonful of fig jam, because you can never have too many figs, right?
Fig Chia Pudding Recipe
Sip on Something Figgy
27
Olive Tavern
Fig Prosecco Cocktail
Whether you're hosting a family gathering or holiday party, this bubbly Fig Prosecco cocktail offers something tasty and unique to serve guests. It's sweet, a little fancy and easy to make with fig preserves, elderberry liqueur and a couple more flavor-boosting ingredients. Pop a fresh fig slice on top and let the good times roll!
Fig Prosecco Cocktail Recipe
Other Ways to Enjoy Figs (No Recipe Required!)
- Slice them fresh into a bowl and drizzle with cream (just like you would peaches and cream).
- Slice in half and arrange around a circle of Greek yogurt or mascarpone, topped with honey or balsamic drizzle. Hot honey would be amazing.
- Pair on a plate with blue cheese, goat cheese or whipped feta.
- Spread them with a seed or nut butter such as pumpkin seed butter.
- Toss them in a green salad.
- Add sliced figs to buttered toast or toast triangles.
- Pair dried figs with nuts.
Fig Recipe FAQs
How do you know when figs are ripe?
Fresh figs are ripe when they feel soft and slightly squishy when gently squeezed. Also look for a rich color with a sweet smell and possibly a little wrinkling. If they're mushy or smell sour, you probably want to avoid them.
Can you eat the skin of a fig?
Yes! You can bite into a fig just like you do an apple. There is no need for peeling.
How long do fresh figs last in the fridge?
They will usually last up to 1 week in the fridge.
Can you freeze figs for later use?
Yes. You can first remove the stems, rinse and pat them dry. Freeze them whole or sliced on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 6 to 8 months. Once thawed, they become softer so they're best for cooking and baking rather than eating fresh.
Can you substitute dried figs for fresh figs in fig recipes?
This will depend on each recipe. For fig recipes that rely on the juicy texture or pretty aesthetic of fresh figs, like salads, appetizers, drinks or dips, I would stick with fresh. You can use fresh or dried in many baking recipes.
Which Recipe Will You Pick?
Did you enjoy these fig recipes or did you try one of my no-recipe options? Which one was your ❤️ favorite so far? Let me know in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe collection!
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