What Can I Bake With Dried Figs?

Dried figs are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add sweetness and texture to a wide range of baked goods. Whether you’re looking to make a sweet treat or a savory snack, there are plenty of options for incorporating dried figs into your baking.

Health Benefits of Dried Figs

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the health benefits of dried figs. Not only are they a delicious addition to your baking, but they’re also packed with nutrients.

Dried figs are a great source of fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation. They’re also a good source of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure, and magnesium, which is important for bone health.

Baking with Dried Figs: Tips and Tricks

When baking with dried figs, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best results. First, make sure to soak your dried figs in hot water for about 10 minutes before using them. This will help soften them and make them easier to chop or puree. If you’re using dried figs that are already chopped, you can skip this step.

Another tip is to add some extra liquid to your recipe when using dried figs. Because they’re dry, they can absorb a lot of the moisture in your recipe and make your baked goods dry or tough. To prevent this, add a little extra liquid, such as milk or yogurt, to your batter or dough.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your use of dried figs. They can add sweetness and texture to both sweet and savory dishes, so don’t limit yourself to just desserts.

Recipes

Dried Fig and Walnut Bread

This hearty bread is packed with flavor and perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The combination of dried figs and walnuts gives it a nutty sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped dried figs
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Stir in the chopped figs and walnuts.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey, vegetable oil, and buttermilk.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

7. Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes in the pan, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Fig and Almond Tart

This elegant tart is perfect for a special occasion or dinner party. The combination of sweet figs and nutty almonds makes for a sophisticated and delicious dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8-10 fresh figs, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out your pie crust and press it into a 9-inch tart pan.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the almond mixture into the tart shell and spread it evenly.
5. Arrange the sliced figs on top of the almond mixture.
6. Bake the tart for 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
7. Allow the tart to cool completely before serving.

Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini

These simple crostini make a great appetizer or snack. The combination of sweet figs and tangy goat cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• Baguette, sliced
• Olive oil
• 1 cup goat cheese
• 8-10 fresh figs, sliced
• Honey, for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the baguette slices for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
4. Spread a generous amount of goat cheese onto each baguette slice.
5. Top each slice with a few slices of fresh figs.
6. Drizzle honey over the top of each crostini.
7. Serve immediately.

Honey and Fig Muffins

These muffins are a great way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. The combination of sweet honey and juicy figs makes for a delicious and satisfying treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup chopped dried figs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and honey.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Gradually stir in the milk.
7. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
8. Fold in the chopped figs.
9. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
10. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
11. Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the pan, then remove them from the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Fig and Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are a fun twist on a classic chocolate chip cookie.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped dried figs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
7. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped dried figs.
8. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fig and Ricotta Toast

This easy breakfast or snack is both delicious and nutritious. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese and sweet figs is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients:

• Bread, sliced
• Olive oil
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 8-10 fresh figs, sliced
• Honey, for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Toast your bread slices until they’re golden brown.
2. Brush the toasted bread with olive oil.
3. Spread a generous amount of ricotta cheese onto each slice of bread.
4. Top each slice with a few slices of fresh figs.
5. Drizzle honey over the top of each slice.
6. Serve immediately.

FAQs

Conclusion

Dried figs are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. From bread and tarts to crostini and muffins, there are many delicious recipes that you can make with dried figs.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a decadent dessert, dried figs are a great choice.