10+ Fig Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Figs are a tasty fruit you can use in all sorts of dishes. Whether you’re into sweet or savory, figs bring a unique flavor and texture that’s hard to beat.

It’s surprisingly easy to add figs to your cooking and enjoy their natural sweetness and health perks.

You might have fresh or dried figs lying around, and honestly, both work great in recipes. Cooking with figs opens up new snacks and meals that are simple but taste like you put in way more effort.

Let’s check out some easy ways to use figs in your kitchen.

1) Roasted Fig Sundaes with honey and lemon

Roasting fresh figs makes a dessert that’s both simple and surprisingly delicious. Just slice the figs in half and lay them out on a baking sheet.

Drizzle honey and a splash of lemon juice over the top for sweetness with a little zing. Pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until they’re soft and syrupy—about 15 minutes should do it.

Once they’re warm and juicy, spoon them onto your favorite ice cream or a bowl of thick yogurt. Sprinkle chopped pecans for a little crunch.

The mix of honey, lemon, and nuts really brings out the best in figs. It’s a sundae you’ll want to make again.

Ingredients

• 16 fresh figs, halved
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange fig halves on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with honey and lemon juice.
4. Roast for 15 minutes until soft.
5. Spoon figs over ice cream or yogurt.
6. Sprinkle with pecans before serving.

2) Spiced Fig, Coffee & Hazelnut Cake

This cake mixes dried figs with bold coffee and crunchy hazelnuts. The spices add warmth, but don’t drown out the figs’ natural sweetness.

Soak chopped dried figs in hot coffee first. That step softens them and gives the whole cake a deep coffee fragrance.

Muscovado sugar adds a rich, caramel-like note. A cream cheese frosting or honey cream cheese topping finishes it off and keeps things balanced.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped dried figs
• 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1 cup muscovado sugar
• 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp chai or mixed spice
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Soak figs in coffee for 30 minutes.
3. Cream butter and sugar.
4. Beat in eggs one by one.
5. Blend figs into a paste, then mix in.
6. Fold in flour, spices, and hazelnuts.
7. Pour into a greased pan.
8. Bake 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Mix cream cheese and honey, then spread on the cooled cake.

3) Fresh Fig Chutney

Fresh fig chutney is a super easy way to enjoy figs. You only need a handful of ingredients—figs, apples, raisins, and some spices.

This chutney goes perfectly with cheese, meats, or crackers. Mash a few figs while cooking for a thicker, chunkier texture.

The sweet-tangy flavor adds a nice twist to almost any meal. Store it in jars in the freezer, and you’ll always have a tasty spread ready.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh figs, chopped
• 1 apple, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss everything in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer 30-40 minutes.
3. Stir now and then, mashing some figs for texture.
4. Cool and store in jars in the fridge or freezer.

More tips on making easy fig chutney are available here.

4) Classic Fig Jam

Classic fig jam is straightforward and totally worth it. All you need are fresh figs, sugar, and lemon juice.

Cook everything slowly so the jam thickens up. Stir it often to keep it from sticking.

Your kitchen will smell amazing as the jam bubbles away. Once it cools, spread it on toast, dollop it on cheese, or swirl it into yogurt.

No fancy gear needed—just a pot and some jars.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh figs, chopped
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine figs, sugar, and lemon juice in a big pot.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring often.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer 45 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Test by dropping some on a cold plate—it should thicken up.
5. Pour into sterilized jars and cool before sealing.

For details, see the fig jam recipe.

5) Fig Sponge Pudding

Fig sponge pudding is pure comfort. It’s a soft sponge cake with sweet figs baked right in.

A sprinkle of fresh thyme gives it a gentle, herby note. As it bakes, the figs melt into the sponge and keep it moist.

This pudding is perfect for chilly days or when you just want something homey. Serve it with cream or custard if you’re feeling extra.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried or fresh figs, chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs and milk together, then add to the dry mix. Stir in figs and thyme.
4. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake 30-35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let it cool a bit before serving.

6) Spiced Fig & Plum Chutney

Spiced fig and plum chutney is a fun way to use up fresh fruit with a little heat. Sweet figs and plums pair up with ginger, garlic, and chili for a flavor that’s anything but boring.

Simmer everything slowly so the flavors meld. Apple cider vinegar gives it that tangy punch.

This chutney tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge. Make a small batch to try it out, or go big and gift some to friends.

Ingredients

• 300g fresh figs, chopped
• 300g plums, pitted and chopped
• 1 white onion, finely chopped
• 200g light brown soft sugar
• 200ml apple cider vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small piece of ginger, grated
• 1 small chili, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss fruit, onion, garlic, ginger, and chili in a large pan.
2. Add sugar and apple cider vinegar. Stir it all up.
3. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat.
4. Simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring often.
5. Once thick and sticky, take off the heat.
6. Pour into sterilized jars and cool before sealing.

For a detailed recipe, see the spiced fig & plum chutney recipe.

7) Dolcelatte and Fig Crostini

Dolcelatte and fig crostini are ridiculously easy and taste amazing. Creamy Dolcelatte cheese and sweet fig jam just work together.

Toast up some bread, spread on Dolcelatte, and top with fig jam. If you want, add caramelized onions for more flavor.

A sprinkle of fresh thyme looks nice and adds a little something extra. These make a great appetizer or even a light meal with salad.

Ingredients

• Baguette slices or crostini
• Dolcelatte cheese (about 4 oz)
• Fig jam (2-3 tbsp)
• Caramelized onions (optional)
• Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toast baguette slices for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
3. Spread Dolcelatte on each crostini.
4. Top with a spoonful of fig jam.
5. Add caramelized onions if you’re using them.
6. Garnish with thyme. Serve warm.

For more ideas, check this Crostini with Caramelized Onions, Dolce Latte Gorgonzola, and Fig Jam.

8) Fresh Fig Cookies

Fresh fig cookies are soft, sweet, and honestly, a little addictive. They mix the mellow flavor of fresh figs with buttery dough, making them a lovely snack or dessert.

Start by creaming the sugar and softened butter together. Once that’s nice and fluffy, add a beaten egg.

Next, sift together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Gently fold in the chopped fresh figs. Try not to overmix—just enough so the figs are scattered throughout.

Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes.

You’ll end up with tender cookies, each bite dotted with soft fig pieces. These are best warm, but honestly, they’re good any time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped fresh figs

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream sugar and butter together.
3. Beat the egg, then add it to the mixture.
4. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
6. Fold in chopped fresh figs.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.

9) Grilled Figs with Honey Mascarpone

Grilled figs are one of those things that just feel a little fancy, even though they’re dead simple. Brushing them with a mix of honey and orange juice adds a sweet, citrusy glaze.

Once they’re grilled, serve them with a scoop of whipped mascarpone. That creamy cheese mellows out the sweetness and makes each bite feel special.

A handful of chopped pistachios adds crunch and a pop of color. This is a great dessert for when you want to impress someone without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients

• 12 ripe figs
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Mix honey and orange juice in a small bowl.
3. Brush the figs with the honey-orange mixture.
4. Grill figs for 3-5 minutes, turning carefully.
5. Serve warm with a spoonful of mascarpone and a sprinkle of pistachios.

10) Baked Figs with Walnuts and Honey

Baked figs with walnuts and honey are one of those easy treats you can throw together in no time. Baking makes the figs even sweeter and softer, while walnuts add a nice crunch.

Just drizzle a bit of honey over the top before baking. That sticky sweetness really ties everything together.

You only need a few ingredients, and the whole thing bakes up in around 15 minutes. It’s warm, gooey, and kind of irresistible.

Ingredients

• Fresh figs
• Walnuts, chopped
• Honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice the figs in half. Place them cut side up in a baking dish.

3. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the figs.

4. Drizzle honey evenly on top.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The figs should get soft and the walnuts will toast up nicely.

6. Serve warm.