Whip up your very own Homemade Fig Jam using Dried Figs! This sweet treat is bursting with the rich, deep flavors of dried figs, and it's perfect for slathering on toast, crackers, or even spooning over your favorite cheese. You don't need a ton of fancy ingredients or loads of time—just a bit of patience for the magic to happen!
Dried Fig Jam
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Fig jam is a great way to use up leftover dried figs. It's VERY easy to make and tastes incredible. All you really need is a medium stainless steel saucepan and about half an hour.
My favorite way to serve crostini is with a sweet jam to balance the saltiness of another component, like cheese, as in my Goat Cheese & Fig Crostini. A set of little mini spreader knives is handy for setting out a jar of jam with crostini.
Homemade Fig Jam Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 14 oz dried figs, stems removed and chopped small
- 1½ cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups water
How To Make Fig Jam Using Dried Figs
- Chop Those Figs: Get rid of those stems on the dried figs and chop them into small bits. If your figs are super dry, give 'em a soak in warm water for about 30 minutes before the chopping party.
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Mix It Up: Grab a saucepan and toss in those chopped figs, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Give it a good stir to spread the sugar love.
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Simmer Down Now: Stick your saucepan over medium heat and let the mixture start to simmer. Stir it now and then to keep things from getting too sticky. When you see that gentle simmer, turn the heat down low and keep it simmering gently.
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Stir and Wait: Let it simmer for about 30–40 minutes. You want the figs to get super soft. Give it a stir every so often.
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Check for Jamminess: To see if it's ready, drop a bit of the jam onto a cold plate and let it cool for a sec. Run your finger through it—if it wrinkles up and holds its shape, you're good to go. If not, let it simmer a bit more and try the finger test again.
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Cool and Store: Transfer the jam to clean containers and refrigerate promptly. Keep it at 40°F (4°C) or below; closing a jar does not make this jam shelf-stable.
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Time to Dig In: Spread your fig jam on toast, pair it with cheese, or spoon it onto yogurt. For longer storage, freeze small portions in freezer-safe containers with room for expansion.
Tips For Serving Fig Jam
You can serve this delicious fig jam on more than just toast!
1. Pair with Cheese: Serve fig jam with cheese for a classic and delightful pairing.
2. Spread on Toast: Enjoy on toast or baguette slices for a simple and delicious breakfast.
3. Add to Sandwiches: Elevate sandwiches with a layer of fig jam for a sweet and savory twist.
4. Top Off Charcuterie: Complement cured meats on a charcuterie board with fig jam.
5. Dress Up Desserts: Drizzle over ice cream or use as a pastry filling for a sweet treat.
6. Mix in Yogurt: Enhance plain or Greek yogurt with a spoonful of fig jam.
7. Topping for Breakfast: Warm and drizzle over pancakes or waffles for a delightful breakfast.
These tips cover the most common and versatile ways to enjoy fig jam. Feel free to explore and discover your personal favorite serving method!
Frequently Asked Fig Questions
How long will homemade fig jam last?
This is a refrigerator jam, and its shelf life has not been validated. Keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, or freeze portions for longer storage. Do not use this recipe for shelf-stable canning. For canned jam, follow a tested preservation recipe with its specified ingredients and processing method. If you give this jam as a gift, label it “keep refrigerated” and keep it cold during transport.
Why are my fig preserves bitter?
This usually happens when your figs are not ripe yet. But since we are using dried figs, I would assume it may be because the sugar burned while boiling.
How do you make fig jam thicker?
Let your jam simmer longer in the saucepan to allow the water to evaporate. You can also pulse it with an immersion blender.
What's the difference between fig preserves and jam?
Fig jam often has a smoother consistency. Preserves are chunkier.
What To Serve Fig Jam With:
If you try this dried fig jam, I'd LOVE for you to comment or rate the recipe below!
Homemade Fig Jam With Dried Figs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add chopped figs to a medium saucpan with water, lemon juice and sugar.
- Bring to a boil then turn the heat to a simmer.
- Stir mixture occasionally as it begins to thicken. It should take approximately 30-40 minutes for the figs to soften and break down.
- For a super smooth fig jam, use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the figs into a smooth jam. Otherwise your jam will be chunkier.
- Transfer to clean containers and refrigerate promptly at 40°F (4°C) or below. Freeze small portions for longer storage. This recipe is not validated for shelf-stable canning.
Genelle
very easy and tastes good ?