21 Irresistible Dried Fig Dessert Recipes & Easy Fig Appetizers to Try!
Fig recipes are the perfect thing to start experimenting with as low carb fig recipes to spruce up your breakfast, lunch, dinner rotation or as a snack for a party, any occasion or Christmas party. And these cookies or dessert items are especially for kids and everyone. Also, figs have some impressive health benefits and it gives you more nutrition, fig cookies are also healthy. What really makes figs so great is their versatility in a variety of recipes. The following dried fig dessert recipes are very easy and quick to make at home with dried fig pieces, fresh figs or cooked fig recipes!
Why Use Dried Figs in Desserts & Appetizers?
Dried figs are a must-have ingredient for delicious **dried fig recipes**, offering a perfect balance of natural sweetness, chewy texture, and rich nutrients.
1. Natural Sweetness
Dried figs are naturally sweet, eliminating the need for extra sugar. Their caramel-like flavor enhances desserts like cakes, cookies, and energy balls.
2. Unique Texture
Soft and chewy, dried figs add a jam-like consistency to recipes. When rehydrated, they blend perfectly into sauces, tarts, and pastries.
3. Perfect Pairing Ingredient
Dried figs pair beautifully with nuts, cheese, and honey in appetizers and desserts. Their versatility makes them a go-to for gourmet recipes.
4. Packed with Nutrients
Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals like calcium and iron, dried figs support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
5. Long Shelf Life
Unlike fresh figs, dried figs last for months, making them a pantry staple for easy, quick, and healthy **dried fig recipes** anytime!
Try adding dried figs to your desserts and appetizers for a delightful twist! Check out our **21 Best Dried Fig Recipes** to get started. 🍽️
Homemade Fig Bars Recipe (Gluten-Free!)
This easy and healthy Fig Bar Recipe is 100% whole grain, vegan, and gluten-free with zero or no added sugar. Whole wheat flour, egg, sugar, melted or softened butter, honey, and vanilla extract are all ingredients that make that fig bar recipe awesome and delicious. You can see the recipe step by step here, but the combination of dried figs, oats, chopped walnuts, and brown sugar - called the Oatmeal Fig Bar Recipe, which is the best way to use your fresh figs! It is also a gluten-free and vegan recipe. This is one of the highest-fiber desserts that you can make at home.
Baked Oatmeal with Figs and Dates Recipe
This gluten-free healthy Bakes Oatmeal with Figs and Dates is super tasty and crunchy, it’s a perfect snack for breakfast. The oats and fig creates a great texture of the recipe and Dates are also a great substitute for figs! You can eat Oatmeal Figs and Dates with Fig jam.
Chocolate Fig Quinoa Granola Bars
This coconut quinoa granola is a delicious and healthy way to start your day! Perfect for family travel or busy on-the-go mornings! This Fig Coconut Quinoa Granola is a delicious and healthy way to start your day! Perfect for family travel or busy on-the-go mornings! The walnuts and quinoa are great for a boost of protein. The coconut adds a little sweetness too.
Sugarfree Dates and Anjeer Halwa
Halwa is a very popular Indian dish. The halwa made with figs here is amazing because it is sugar-free. In fact, there is no need to add sugar separately because figs have their own sweetness. You should try it once and definitely let me know in the comments how you liked the taste.
Fig Ice Cream, Anjeer Ice Cream Recipe
Fig ice cream is a very popular dessert for any party or occasion, which loves everyone a cup of luscious cream and tasty ice cream. This is an easy and quick fig recipe and its various religious and secular contexts. Amazingly ice cream made with different flavors with dried figs that just a delicious recipe ever!
Healthier Fig Pistachio Baklava
This amazing baklava made with dried figs is very delicious. It is as light, crispy, and crunchy in texture as it is easy to make. You should try this Turkish or Greek (debate is open) recipe at least once because I can assure you that its taste will make you fall in love with it.
If you want, you can add some chopped dried apricots or dates to it. Add rosewater or orange blossom water to the syrup used in it. This baklava can be served very nicely with strong coffee (like Turkish coffee) when it is slightly warmed.
Fig Walnut Rosemary Crackers (gluten-free & vegan)
This is a crazy cracker recipe, Full of flavor gluten-free & vegan crackers made with lots of walnuts, fig, a variety of seeds, and a little rosemary.
Chocolate Fig Biscotti
A perfect pair in these Chocolate Fig Biscotti with cocoa powder, caster sugar, eggs, chocolate, and figs, and for flavor sprinkle of cinnamon creates that recipe incredibly. You can eat these fig cookies with any drink like a cup of tea, coffee, or anything as a snack or breakfast meal, and enjoy the day!
Crockpot Fig Apple Butter
An easy and delicious alternative to jelly ever. The flavor of apple with fig and some sprinkle of cinnamon make the crockpot fig apple butter smoothie delicious. You can use this butter with cookies, bread, biscotti, etc, and enjoy this simple smoothie butter anytime and any day!
Traditional Greek Fig Spoon Sweet
This Greek dessert is a great recipe to transform a simple fig into a luscious dessert. You can use orange zest instead of lemon zest here. You can enjoy this dessert very nicely with Greek coffee. However, many people like it as a breakfast, in which case you can also serve it with oatmeal, porridge, pancakes, or waffles.
Fig tart with goat cheese
Fig and goat cheese tart is a delicious appetizer and a dessert for all the cheese lovers out there.
Dried Fig and Nut Bars
Serve these Oat and Nut Fig Bars for breakfast, as a snack, or with a warm cup of tea or coffee. This recipe works well with any combination of dried fruits, nuts, and dried figs. You could also try dried pineapple, mango, papaya, goji berries, chia seeds, dates, peaches, apple rings, or any berries, etc. For taste, you can use chocolate in it.
Chocolate and Fig Cake
It's dark, sweet, and lightly fruity, with cocoa for a chocolatey flavor, and add some nuts of your choice. Filled with figs, coffee, and buttermilk, and sprinkled with white and dark chocolate, this delicious gluten-free chocolate cake has a rich, delicious flavor, making the recipe extraordinary. Here's how to make it at home and enjoy the day with chocolate fig cake. This is one of my favorite fig dessert recipes.
Fig Honey Paleo Cheesecake
Easy vegan paleo fig and honey cheesecake with a crispy crust. Gluten-free and so easy to make at your home!
Fig and Walnut Cheese Balls
I know you may have tried many cheeseballs but trust me this is amazing. This recipe is my favorite because of its no-bake method and the natural sweetness of figs. You will get chewy fruit, crisp nuts, and creamy cheese pleasure in every bite. However, if you add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or orange zest to it, you can enjoy a new taste experience.
You can enjoy this cheeseball with fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices. However, I prefer it with coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine.
Italian Fig Cookies
These Italian fig cookies have become a favorite dessert or snack for any party or Christmas party at your home!
Fig, Walnut & Blue Cheese Mini Cups
This fig appetizer with sweet, nutty, and tangy notes is a great recipe to share with everyone at any event. It also features walnuts and blue cheese, a combination that will make you fall in love with it. However, you can use toasted pecans, pistachios, or almonds instead of walnuts if you want. You can serve it beautifully after any meal with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with coffee or espresso.
Tips for Cooking & Baking with Dried Figs
1. How to Soften Dried Figs
Soak figs in warm water, tea, or red wine for 10-15 minutes to enhance their texture and flavor.
2. Best Pairings for Dried Figs
Pair figs with cheese, nuts, honey, and spices like cinnamon for delicious results.
3. Best Storage Practices
Store dried figs in an airtight container, refrigerate for up to 6 months, or freeze for up to a year.
FAQ on easy Fig Recipes
1. Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs in these recipes?
Yes, but the texture and sweetness will be different. Fresh figs have a higher moisture content, so you may need to reduce other liquid ingredients in desserts or adjust baking times.
2. How do I soften dried figs before using them in recipes?
Soak them in hot water, tea, or juice for about 10-15 minutes to rehydrate them. For extra flavor, you can soak them in wine or brandy.
3. Are dried figs sweet and healthy for those with a sweet tooth?
Dried figs are naturally sweet, high in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron.
4. What flavors pair well with dried figs?
Figs pair well with nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios), cheeses (goat cheese, blue cheese, brie), honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate, balsamic vinegar, and citrus fruits.
5. How do I store dried figs to keep them fresh?
Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you live in a humid climate, refrigerate them to prevent spoilage. They can last for several months.
6. Can I use dried figs in no-bake desserts?
Yes! Dried figs are perfect for no-bake desserts like energy balls, fig bars, and chocolate-dipped figs because they add a natural sweetness and chewy texture.
7. What is the best way to cut dried figs without them sticking to the knife?
Lightly oil your knife or dust the figs with a little flour to prevent sticking while cutting.
8. Are there any vegetarian or gluten-free dried fig dessert options?
Yes! Many fig-based desserts, such as energy balls, fig bars, and chocolate-dipped figs, can be made vegetarian and gluten-free using plant-based and gluten-free ingredients.
9. Can I make fig appetizers in advance for a party?
Yes! Many fig appetizers, such as stuffed figs, fig and cheese crostini, and fig tapenade, can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving.
10. Do dried figs contain added sugar?
Most dried figs do not contain added sugar, as they are naturally sweet. However, always check the ingredient label to be sure, especially for store-bought varieties.
