Fresh Fig Dessert Recipes So Good That It Will Inspire Your Next Bake-A-Thon

Figs have been enjoyed for centuries both as a snack on their own and as a key ingredient in many sweet treats. Their natural sweetness and subtle flavor make them a perfect pairing for nuts, spices, honey and more. From bars and cookies to puddings and pastries, figs lend themselves to countless dessert recipes that are easy to make and will satisfy your dessert cravings. This article will explore some classic fig dessert recipes that highlight the versatility of this ancient fruit and bring out the best of it.

1.Chocolate Fig Clafoutis

Ingredients:

- Four large eggs

- 250 ml whole milk

- 2 tsp vanilla

- 50 gm all-purpose flour

- 10 gm cocoa powder

- 110 gm brown sugar

- 0.5 gm salt

- 750 gm figs, halved

- 10 gm cane sugar

- 10 gm powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a 25 cm cast iron skillet or baking pan thoroughly with softened butter or baking spray, coating the entire surface.
2. Crack the eggs into a blender and blend for 10 seconds. Add the milk, vanilla, flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and homogenous, about 30 seconds.
3. Pour the blended batter evenly into the prepared skillet. Using a spatula, spread it into an even layer covering the entire bottom surface.
4. Arrange the fig halves cut-side down over the surface of the batter in a single layer. Gently press them so they sink slightly into the batter.
5. Sprinkle the cane sugar evenly over the top of the figs.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is puffed and a deep golden brown color. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center - it should come out clean.
7. Allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Sprinkle the powdered sugar evenly over the top before slicing and serving.

2.Fig Cupcakes

Ingredients:

- 180 gm all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

- 1/4 tsp salt

- 110 gm unsalted butter, softened

- 110 gm sugar

- Four eggs

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 90 ml milk

- 6 fresh figs, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Now, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, in another bowl. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then pour the vanilla into the batter.
4. Grab the bowl with the dry mixed ingredients and slowly add to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Fold in the chopped figs.
5. Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

3.Oatmeal Fig Cookies

Ingredients:

- 180 gm all-purpose flour

- 120 gm rolled oats

- 100 gm brown sugar

- 75 gm butter, softened

- One egg

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 1/2 tsp baking soda

- 150 gm dried figs, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt and baking soda.
5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Chop the figs and fold them into the dough.
6. Scoop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 cm apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 

4.Fig Bars

Ingredients:

- 250 gm all-purpose flour

- 150 gm brown sugar

- 125 gm butter, softened

- One egg

- 250 gm dried figs, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 20x30 cm baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture starts to resemble coarse crumbs.
3. Whip the egg in a bowl then add and mix to the crumbly mixture, and knead until a dough forms. Then add the figs.
4. Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until lightly golden.
5. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.