11 Best Dried Fig Recipes
on Dec 06, 2022, Updated Nov 20, 2023
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If you’re wondering what to do with dried figs besides eating them on their own, you’ve come to the right place. Below you will find 11 of our favorite Easy Dried Fig Recipes, which include some must-try meals for fig fanatics!
Dried figs are rich in minerals and vitamins, and are high in fiber and healthy antioxidants. They’re also a delicious addition to both sweet and savory dishes.
What Can You Do with Dried Figs?
Besides eating dried figs as a snack, you can also incorporate into endless dishes that will have your taste buds tingling. You can add them to dessert bars, cakes, or make them into a jam.
Should You Soak Dried Figs Before Eating?
We recommend soaking dried figs in water overnight before eating, which is the most beneficial for health as our body can absorb the nutrients from the soaked figs much better.
Health Benefits of Dried Figs
Dried figs are rich in vitamin E and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. It’s also loaded with fiber, which improves your digestive system and decreases constipation. It also helps manage blood fat and prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Best Dried Fig Recipes
Homemade Oatmeal Fig Bars
Remember the Fig Newtons you enjoyed as a kid? These fig bars are so much better! The base has a delightful crunch and the filling has a touch of vanilla and orange flavor. Enjoy these with hot coffee or tea!
Easy Balsamic Fig Jam
Fig jam is sweet, thick, and full of texture thanks to the crunch of the tiny seeds. It’s also easy to make and a wonderful addition to a charcuterie board!
Fig Walnut Cake
Enjoy a slice of this moist cake as a mid-morning snack! The walnuts add a delightful crunch and the icing adds a touch of extra sweetness.
Dried Fig Cake
This upside down fig cake is full of chocolate and brandy flavors! It’s an impressive dessert that can be served to guests at a special occasion or celebration.
Dried Fig Souvlaki
Serve these tasty appetizers to guests the next time you’re hosting a get-together! They’re served on toothpicks with a combination of figs, feta cheese, prosciutto, and sage.
Chewy Oatmeal Fig Cookies
If you’re a fan of oatmeal raisin cookies, you’ll love these oatmeal fig cookies! They’re chewy and packed with flavor. Enjoy them with an ice-cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Dehydrated Figs
If you’re lucky enough to have a dehydrator in your kitchen, you’ll want to make your own dehydrated figs! Follow the steps in this recipe for excellent results.
Dried Fig Oatmeal Muffins
Make a batch of these healthy muffins for breakfasts on the go! They’re full of flavor and texture, and take just 30 minutes to make.
Dried Fig Bundt Cake
This delicious fig cake is perfectly spiced with cinnamon and ground cloves. The walnuts add a pleasant crunch and the cake bakes up moist and tender. Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of tea!
Caramelized Onion Dried Fig Pizza with Feta
Your taste buds will be dancing when you bite into this pizza! It’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet, and takes just 22 minutes to make.
Homemade Fig Syrup
This homemade fig syrup is sweet, thick, and easily stands in for maple syrup on waffles and pancakes! It can also be enjoyed on ice cream, in yogurt, or to sweeten your coffee or tea.
How to Dry Figs
It’s easy to make your own dried figs.
- Start by preheating an oven to 250°F. Slice the fresh figs in half lengthways and place them on a wire rack set over a baking tray.
- Bake for about 6 hours or until the figs are dried. Note that if the figs begin to burn, prop open the oven door and continue to bake.
Once cooled, the dried figs can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Easy Dried Fig Recipes (Oatmeal Fig Bars and More)
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dried figs, stems removed
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg white
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Place the figs, water, lemon juice and zest into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 3 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. Set aside and let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Put the filling into a food processor and process until smooth. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray or brush an 8-inch baking pan with oil and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.
- Add the butter and egg white to the oat mixture and stir until combined.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan. Then, gently spread the fig mixture on top. Scatter small pieces of the remaining oat mixture over the fig mixture and then gently pat it down.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack and cut into bars.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.