Name: Homemade Fig Jam Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. fresh figs; ¼ cup water; ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup); ¼ cup coconut sugar (or regular sugar); 1 Tbsp. lemon juice; Pinch of salt; 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Introduction

Homemade fig jam is a simple, delicious way to preserve the sweet flavors of fresh figs. With a hint of honey and vanilla, this jam makes a perfect spread for toast, biscuits, or cheese boards. It’s quick to prepare and wonderfully versatile.

The image shows a close-up of a clear glass jar filled with thick, amber-brown fig jam, with visible small fig seeds inside. A woman's hand holding a spoon is scooping out the jam, showing its smooth and slightly chunky texture. Around the jar, there are several fresh figs, some whole and some cut in half, revealing their pinkish-red, seedy interior. The background is a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. fresh figs
¼ cup water
¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
¼ cup coconut sugar (or regular sugar)
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the figs thoroughly and trim off the stems.
Step 2: Place the figs and water in a large Nutribullet cup or food processor. Pulse a few times until the figs are mostly smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture.
Step 3: Transfer the pureed figs to a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add honey, coconut sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the jam simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has reduced by half.
Step 5: Stir in the vanilla during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking and mix well.
Step 6: Remove from heat and let the fig jam cool before transferring it into clean 4-ounce or 8-ounce mason jars.
Step 7: Serve the fig jam on toast, biscuits, or gluten-free crackers with goat cheese for a delightful treat.

Tips & Variations

Use maple syrup as a vegan alternative to honey for a plant-based option.
For a smoother jam, pulse the figs longer in the food processor until fully pureed.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for a warm, spicy twist.
Make sure to use fresh, ripe figs for the best natural sweetness and flavor.

Storage

Store homemade fig jam in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before use. Reheat gently if you prefer a warm spread.

How to Serve

A close-up of a glass jar filled with thick, brownish-orange fig jam, with a silver spoon scooping some jam from the center. Around the jar, whole and cut figs are scattered on a white marbled surface, showing their pinkish-red and yellow insides and purple-yellow skins. The jam has a shiny, slightly chunky texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried figs instead of fresh figs?

Fresh figs are best for this jam, but dried figs can be used if rehydrated in warm water beforehand. Keep in mind dried figs are sweeter and denser, so adjust the sugar and water quantities accordingly.

Do I need to sterilize the jars before storing the jam?

Yes, sterilizing jars helps preserve the jam longer and prevents spoilage. Boil the jars in water for 10 minutes and let them dry completely before filling with the cooled fig jam.

Homemade Fig Jam Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 104 reviews

This homemade fig jam recipe combines fresh figs with natural sweeteners and a hint of vanilla to create a rich, flavorful spread perfect for toast, biscuits, or crackers. With a simple stovetop cooking method, it captures the essence of ripe figs in a versatile preserve.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1 to 1 ½ cups of fig jam 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Figs

1 lb. fresh figs

Jam Base

¼ cup water
¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
¼ cup coconut sugar (or regular sugar)
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the figs: Wash the fresh figs thoroughly and trim off the stems to prepare them for pureeing.
Puree the figs: Place the figs in a large Nutribullet cup or food processor with the water. Pulse a few times until the figs are mostly smooth but still have some chunks for texture.
Combine ingredients and boil: Transfer the pureed figs to a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Add honey, coconut sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil, cooking for about 2 minutes.
Simmer to reduce: Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the figs reduce by half and the jam thickens.
Add vanilla: In the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the jam.
Cool and store: Remove the skillet from heat and let the fig jam cool before transferring it into sterilized 4-ounce or 8-ounce mason jars for storage.
Serve and enjoy: Spread the fig jam on toast, biscuits, or gluten-free crackers paired with goat cheese for a delicious snack or breakfast treat.

Notes

Use fresh figs for the best flavor and texture; dried figs can be rehydrated if fresh are unavailable but will alter the consistency.
Adjust sweetness by substituting maple syrup or regular sugar based on preference.
Store the jam in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
For a smoother jam, steam the figs before pureeing or blend longer.
Adding a pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.

Keywords: fig jam, homemade jam, fig preserves, gluten free spread, natural sweeteners