How to bake figs in the oven is here. With hazelnuts and vanilla ice cream on top, this is a really amazing dessert that is family friendly. You will feel no guilt enjoying these caramelized treats after dinner.
Around this time of year there are fruits a plenty on trees and at farmers markets in town. If you have a fig tree you may wonder what you can do with these delicate fruits. Other than just picking them ripe and taking a bite right off of the tree, you should try this fig dessert. So easy to do and delicious.
We found this recipe from Chef Curtis Stone and his wife, Lindsay Price Stone. They created 12 fun, family-friendly recipes featuring Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream. Curtis and Lindsay drew inspiration from each month of the year as well as seasonal ingredients. We wanted to try it out.
Where do you find these though right?? You’re in luck if you have a tree in your yard but you can typically find some at your grocery store too if it is the right season. Just ask.
I’m an only child so I don’t have much family. I’ve known my friend Debbie for over 30 years and she’s become an “Aunt” to my kids. We found out she had a fig tree in her yard. It was a perfect reason to make a visit! If you have a fig tree in your backyard you are in luck too.
Ingredient Notes
We baked 8 fresh figs halved lengthwise to show you here but you could certainly make half or a larger batch with twice as much of the below items;
You will want to sit the cut side into white sugar or half brown sugar and half white if you want a richer flavor. This will allow the tops to caramelize and sweeten the flavor even more (almost like creme brulee)
You want some ground cinnamon and cloves for a nice Fall flavor touch to these and when we serve with vanilla ice cream I will throw some roasted hazelnuts on the top too.
Where can you find fresh figs?
You can usually find fresh figs at your local farmers market during the right season which typically is from July to August or so. BUT look around, you might see a tree near you that is ripe for the pickin’s too!!
When are figs ripe?
Just wait until they are brown, slightly soft, and ideally have a small crack or two. Those are the BEST to use and snack on right then and there. 😉 You can smell them too, it will smell sweet and fragrant right up to your nose.
You can see the deep brown/purple color you want to find in the top picture here. Now after a quick rinse, slice them in half. Mix together your spices and sugar to dip them in before putting them into the broiler.
How Long do Figs Take to Bake?
Below I use my broiler. If you do not have that setting or just want to use the oven feature I do have directions for both. To bake figs, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut in half and remove stems. Place in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add any desired toppings. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the figs are soft and the skin is slightly browned.
Keep a close eye on them though because it doesn’t take long for them to be ready. Once they start oozing juice and the sugar starts to crystalize like you see here they are ready to serve with some candied pecans on top.
Baked Figs Recipe
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
Ingredients
Instructions
- Position broiler rack 6 inches from heat source, preheat broiler.
- Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a small bowl mix sugar and spices.
- One at a time dip figs, sliced in half lengthwise, with the cut side down into the sugar mixture to coat. Then dip figs a second time to create a thick layer of sugar and arrange cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Broil figs, watching closely, for approximately 4 minutes or until sugar begins to caramelize, figs soften slightly and begin to ooze their juice.
- Divide figs among 4 bowls. Spoon 1/3 c. Ice Cream into each bowl and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
- ** For a savory option using just the bake feature, not broiler setting you would; To bake figs, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut in half and remove stems. Place in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add any desired toppings. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the figs are soft and the skin is slightly browned.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I wish you could smell thru the screen. Once these are in the oven and you open it up after a few minutes it reminds you of the holidays. The sweet smell of figs with cinnamon just brought back visions of Christmas with my Grandma AND “Aunt” Debbie.
Don’t you love it when a dish sparks memories like these. 😉 Try our apple spice dump cake next! You can make quite a few of these at a time depending on how large your baking sheet is. Nutrition information and instructions are in the recipe card.
FAQ
1. Honey
2. Balsamic vinegar
3. Goat cheese
4. Walnuts
5. Pecans
6. Shredded coconut
7. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger
You can make baked figs ahead of time. Simply prepare the figs as instructed and then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake them, simply remove them from the refrigerator and bake as usual.
Store baked figs in an airtight container or freezer bag free from air in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remove and leave on counter until room temperature and then enjoy again.
Mmmmm!!! This recipe just SCREAMS ‘fall’ to me! The spice! The cinnamon! Oh, it looks absolutely wonderful. Confession: I’ve never had figs before. In fact, the closest thing I’ve ever had to a fig was in my gluten-eating days when I had fig newtons. I wouldn’t even know where to get them around here! Thanks for sharing this awesome looking treat <3