Easy Fig Jam (from Dried Figs)

(Note: this post was originally published on November 25, 2019. It has since been updated with new photos and some tweaks).

Easy Fig Jam (One Ingredient, 15 Minutes!)

Have you ever wanted to make jam at home but were put off by how long it takes or all the added sugar? Me too. That's why I'm excited to introduce you to this easy fig jam recipe that uses just one key ingredient and takes about 15 minutes.

There's a big secret to this recipe that will blow your mind. It keeps this decadent jam free of added sugars (other than the natural sugars in the figs), pectin-free, and simple to make. Instead of using fresh figs, you'll actually use dried figs! Making fig jam from dried figs rather than fresh cuts the cooking time significantly and eliminates the need for any additives.

This dried fig jam is one of the condiments that I use most often. I make this dried fig recipe at least once a month because it's so simple and versatile. Whether you spread it onto toast, serve it on a snack board, add it to sauces or salad dressings, dollop it into jam cookies, or swirl it into ice cream, I'm confident you'll fall in love with making jam from dried figs as much as I have.

Keep scrolling down to learn all my tips, tricks, and ideas for customization. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with dried figs, then make sure to bookmark this recipe. Soon you'll be putting this no added sugar fig jam on everything, just like me!

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The Magic of Making Jam from Dried Figs

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How is Fig Jam Usually Made?

Typically, fruit jams are made by cooking down fruit in the presence of a sweetener (usually a large amount of refined sugar) and a thickener (usually pectin). The traditional approach yields a fruit jam that can be tricky to make, time consuming (because fresh fruit has a high water content), and sugary. Accordingly, many jam recipes are basically dessert in disguise.

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Why This Dried Fig Jam Recipe is Better

There are many reasons why I prefer to make jam from dried figs rather than fresh:

1. Dried fig jam is significantly less expensive to make. Fresh figs are pricey because they're hard to transport and store, whereas dried figs are similar in price to most dried fruit.
2. Fig jam with dried figs is easier and faster to make than with fresh figs. Fresh figs have a high water content, which is time consuming to cook off.
3. This dried fig jam recipe is free of all added sugars and thickeners. Although it still contains natural sugars from the fruit, it's refined sugar free.
4. You can get dried figs any time of the year. That means you can make this fig jam recipe with dried figs all year long, not just during fall when they're in season.
5. Fig jam from dried figs is more flavorful. Surprisingly, this easy and healthy fig jam has a bolder, richer flavor than its counterparts made from fresh figs because the drying process concentrates the flavor so effectively.
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How to Make Homemade Fig Jam from Dried Figs

This versatile dried fig spread comes together in about 15 minutes and uses exactly one pot and a blender. You'll just cut the stems from the figs and cut them into quarters, then simmer them in a small amount of water. Add a few pinches of salt (optional, but it enhances the flavor) and blend it to create a thick, rich texture. Store the fig preserves for up to a week in the refrigerator or up to several months in the freezer.

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Dried Fig Jam Recipe Variations

As written, this recipe is for a very simple fig jam made from dried figs (plus water and salt). However, there are plenty of ways to change it up. One of my favorite variations is to add a couple ounces of bourbon in place of some of the water; the end result is exceptionally flavorful and cozy. Figs and bourbon are a match made in heaven, especially for fall-inspired fare.

You can also add rosemary, fresh thyme, lemon zest, or whatever other flavors you love with figs. I suggest adding them at the beginning of the cooking time so that the flavors can disperse throughout the jam. If you don't necessarily need or want a no added sugar fig jam, feel free to add a bit of maple syrup or honey for a more complex (and sweeter) flavor profile. You can even add a dash of vanilla extract or the seeds from a whole vanilla bean if you're planning to use the jam in a sweet dish.

As written, the recipe uses about two cups of dried figs. You can easily scale it up if you want to gift some jars of fig preserves for the holidays or if you want to freeze extras for later.

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How to Use Fig Jam

This homemade dried fig jam is something I personally always have in the fridge. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:

• Put it on a snack board. The delicate sweetness of the no added sugar fig jam is a lovely addition to savory and salty items.
• Add it to salad dressings. It bulks up the dressing without the need for oils or added sweeteners. See the photo below for a salad I made using this dried fig jam as a component in a balsamic vinaigrette.
• Stir it into unsweetened yogurt. A swirl of this easy fig jam provides great flavor with no added sugar (except of course for the naturally-occurring sugars in the figs themselves).
• Stir it into oatmeal. Talk about a cozy fall breakfast!
• Spread it on your favorite sandwich. This slightly-sweet fig spread is especially wonderful alongside salty ingredients.
• Dollop it on pizza. Figs go beautifully with Italian and fall flavors. Make sure to check out this chickpea flour pizza crust too.
• Use it in cocktails. Try shaking a spoonful of this dried fig jam into fall-appropriate gin and bourbon drinks; just make sure to strain the cocktail well to get rid of the seeds.
• Share it as a holiday gift. A jar of homemade fig preserves is a great, unique holiday gift. Just remember to keep the jam in the refrigerator (or freezer) since this recipe isn't designed for canning.

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How to Use Dried Figs

I've noticed that many of you have been searching for dried fig recipes online. They're a delicious, versatile ingredient with a long shelf life, so I'm excited to help you learn more about how to use dried figs. In case you need some ideas for what to do with dried figs (including if you have leftovers after making this jam), here are a few of my favorite ways to use them:

• Toss them into salads. Because dried figs are heartier and keep their shape well, you can easily toss slices in with whatever veggies and grains you like. You'll see them playing a starring role in this fall harvest salad.
• Use them in truffles. You're going to love these Italian-inspired healthy fig truffles. They're one of my favorite ways to use dried figs.
• Use them in energy bars. Check out my homemade larabars, which work great with dried figs in place of some or all of the usual dates.
• Blend them into ice cream. You'll go crazy for this vegan fig ice cream cake, which features a decadent dried fig and bourbon banana nicecream and whole fresh figs hidden inside.

These dried fig recipes prove how easy it is to use dried figs in both sweet and savory ways, so don't hesitate to buy them in bulk if you see them.

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Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's what you'll need for this no-sugar fig jam, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

• Dried figs. Any kind will work, but I like using the big, white calimyrna (or Turkish; see the photo below) figs since they yield a nice amber color. The recipe calls for about two cups of dried figs, but you can scale up if you want to make a larger batch of this easy fig jam to freeze.
• Water
• Sea salt. Optional, but adding a pinch of salt enhances the flavor.
• Optional add-ins. Feel free to experiment with adding bourbon, vanilla, lemon zest, or hearty herbs like rosemary (see the variations section above for specifics). If you make any fun variations of this fig preserves recipe, please leave a comment below and share what you tried.

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Closing Thoughts

This dried fig jam has become one of those things that's always in our fridge at home. It's easy to make and versatile; I use it at least a few times a week for flavoring yogurt, adding to salad dressings, or serving on weekend snack boards. It's also a great homemade gift, so don't hesitate to make a big batch and share it over the holidays.

What are you waiting for? This easy fig jam recipe just takes a short boil and a quick blend. There's no fussing, no pectin, no added sugar, no long waiting, and very few dishes to wash. I can't wait for you to try this clever no added sugar fig jam; it’s truly the easiest fig jam recipe you’ll ever make.

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Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.