Caramelized Figs (Quick and Easy)

Learn how to make caramelized figs on the stovetop in just minutes to bring out their natural sweetness. You also have the option to make a crunchy nut topping to go with it! It’s an easy and delicious paleo, vegan, and gluten-free snack.

Figs are one of my favorite fruits in the world. Not only are they incredibly delicious, my love for them is amplified by the fact that fig season is so short. They are available very early in the summer, and they disappear until the second wave – which is late summer/early Fall. So – when I see them, I like to stock up and eat them nonstop until they go out of style.

Watch a Short Video of This Recipe

Caramelized Figs Recipe

While figs are wonderful on their own, caramelizing them intensifies their sweetness and flavor to make them exceptional. These stovetop caramelized figs just take minutes to make, and the end result is just so worth. Because I like to add a bit of crunch when I’m eating my figs, I actually caramelized some nuts as well for this recipe and it turned out amazing! The nuts are totally optional, but they complement the softness of the figs so incredibly well.

Ingredients for Caramelized Figs

• figs: To maximize the sweetness, I like to use soft and plump figs that are ripe.
• ghee: I personally using ghee for its deep buttery flavor (you can make it or buy it), but salted or unsalted butter will also work! If you are vegan, coconut oil is an excellent substitute as well.
• coconut sugar: I love coconut sugar, but you can use plain sugar or brown sugar instead.
• vanilla extract
  

This is totally optional, but you can also make the crunchy nut topping to complement the caramelized figs. You’ll need:

• coconut sugar: Or brown sugar or white sugar
• water
• cinnamon
• sea salt
• raw nuts: Any raw nuts will work really well to caramelize. I used almonds, but my other favorite nuts that complement figs well are cashews, pistachios, and pecans.

How to Caramelize Figs

1. Clean the figs and slice in half with a sharp knife.
2. Heat ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Aadd coconut sugar and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture begins to simmer.
3. Add the fig halves cut side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes until caramelized. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Transfer the figs with the sauce to a plate. You can serve right away or make the nut topping.

To Make the Caramelized Nut Topping…

1. You can use the same skillet (clean in first), or use a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat.
2. Add coconut sugar, water, cinnamon, and sea salt to the skillet, and whisk until the sugar is dissolved and bubbling.
3. Add the nuts and cook for 3 minutes, stirring to coat evenly.
4. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Separate the nuts if you don’t want them to stick together.
5. Serve the caramelized figs over ice cream, yogurt, or toast. Sprinkle with the nut topping and enjoy!

Ways to Enjoy Caramelized Figs

You can enjoy these delicious caramelized figs in so many different ways! These are some of my favorite ways to eat them, and I always add the nut topping as well!:

• With some plain yogurt – I like to add some toasted sesame seeds as well.
• Topped on some vanilla ice cream
• On toast slathered with cream cheese or ricotta
• As a pizza topping. The sweet/savory combo is just amazing!
• On a cheese plate – it’s fantastic with some goat cheese.
• As a topping on salads
• Alongside some salty prosciutto to balance out the flavors
• On their own, as a quick and yummy snack

Other fruit dessert recipes you might enjoy…

• Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries (Vegan & Paleo Option)
• 3-Ingredient Mango Nice Cream (Vegan, No Churn)
• Paleo Mango Pudding with Coconut Milk
• Vegan & Paleo Blueberry Scones
• Chocolate Dipped Oven Dried Orange Slices (Paleo, Vegan)