Figs Spread (No Added Sugar)

Name: Figs Spread (No Added Sugar)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh figs, stems removed and quartered; 1 cup brown sugar replacement; 3/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract

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This fig jam is made with juicy fresh figs, and a few other simple ingredients. It couldn't be easier to make this sweet and succulent spread that is a wonderful addition to cocktails, or on crackers with cheese. Preserve the life of prized figs with this fig spread!

flat lay of bowl full of fig spread topped with lovely fresh figs

We lower the carb and sugar count of traditional fig jam greatly by using a brown sugar replacement. Our version has 8g net carbs, 35 calories and 7g of sugar for 2 tablespoons (40 grams).

Compare that to traditional store bought versions (like Divina Fig) that contain (on average) 32g net carbs, 24g of sugar and 120 calories for the exact same serving size. We'll happily take our low calorie, low sugar version that tastes just as amazing!

With making strides like these to lower the carb and sugar count of traditional fig products, we feel like we are onto something!

We include lots of process pictures in the body of the text, as well as ideas for substitutions and more. Feel free to skip to the recipe card if you'd like to get right into it.

This post is also available as a Google Web Story.

Ingredients:

Figs - Juicy, ripe figs are one of the most prized pieces of produce, but they sure are elusive. If you can't find fresh, you can use dried figs which can be found year round, but you will probably need to add a bit more water if using dried.
Brown sugar replacement - Or any type of sweetener you prefer. We love a brown sugar replacement in this for a deep, molasses flavor.
Vanilla extract - This is technically optional but it adds a really lovely warmth and subtle flavor to the spread.
Lemon juice - A little bit of lemon juice adds some sweetness and acidity to the jam. It also helps the jam last a little longer.
Water - Add to suit your preference in terms of the thickness of the spread. As the spread simmers, water will evaporate, so you may need to add it in small increments as you go.
Optional add-ins - Add in a splash of balsamic vinegar for a lovely acidity and flavor, a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger or cloves would add a lovely warming flavor to this jam.

How to Make Fig Spread:

Add quartered figs to a saucepan.

Add brown sugar replacement, and water.

figs in a saucepan with brown sugar replacement

Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Add in lemon juice, return to simmer for another 15 minutes to reduce liquid to your desired consistency.

fig spread in a saucepan with water and wooden spoon

Add in vanilla extract and stir it in.

fig spread with a hand hovering over a saucepan with vanilla extract

fig spread simmered in saucepan with a wooden spoon

Serve, and enjoy!

toast topped with figs spread with slices of fig

Frequently Asked Questions:

figs spreads in a bowl with fresh figs on top, and some on a plate with toast

When Are Figs in Season?

There a few small windows of time when you can buy fresh figs in stores. There are also a different seasons for figs in the United States.

The first, very short season starts in June.

There is also a second "main" season where figs can be found typically starting in late August or early September, running through October and sometimes even early November.

What To Eat With Figs & Fig Jam:

There are tons of different ways to enjoy these seasonal beauties. We have a few recipes on our site, and also simple serving suggestions. Since figs are originally from the Mediterranean, they complement many foods typically eaten in that part of the world.

chicken thighs with fresh figs and thyme in a cast iron skillet

Balsamic fig chicken - Our recipe is a classic pairing with plenty of garlic, onions, herbs, and crispy chicken. A sweet and savory dinner delight! In fact, many pork, lamb and chicken dishes incorporate fresh, braised and grilled versions of the fruit.
Try them with smoked meats like prosciutto, bacon or pancetta. It's absolutely delicious.
Mix it up in a fig cocktail with lemon and your favorite spirit for a lovely sweet flavor.
Grill them, then place it on top of of some vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or mascarpone cheese. Drizzle it with some honey and add some crushed pistachios, almonds or walnuts. Yum!
Many cheeses are wonderful additions, like goat cheese, a baked brie recipe we have coming soon, and anything in between, even a grilled cheese sandwich with caramelized onions!
Bake them in baked goods like cakes, cookies, and tarts. Maybe we will eventually attempt a low sugar Fig Newtons copycat recipe.. who knows!

lovely fig cocktail with baby's breath flowers in the foreground

What's The Difference Between Fig Jam and Spread?

The main difference between these two is that spread is more like a preserve, which contains chunks of fruit. Jam has a smooth consistency.

A few ways to make this spread more like a jam would be to remove the fig skin, as it doesn't break down easily when cooking. You could also use a food processor or high power blender to puree the mixture after cooking. You may want to add more water to make a jam as well.

More Recipes To Try:

bowl of freshly made fig jam topped with black fission fig slices

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Until Next Time,
Briana & Chamere