These Caramelized Figs are cooked in thyme and honey—perfect for serving over Greek yogurt for a sweet breakfast or light dessert. They are a simple way to enjoy fig season and can be made in just a few minutes.
Love figs? You can also try this Fig and Prosciutto Crostini, Baked Brie with Fig, or our Prosciutto Wrapped Figs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Ready in 10 minutes with simple pantry staples>
- Naturally Sweet: Brings out the unique, delicate flavor of fresh figs.
- Elegant: Turns any meal into something special with little effort.
Caramelized Figs with Honey and Yogurt
During the late summer and early fall, figs start to appear at the grocery store and farmers markets. When they are perfectly ripe, they taste great eaten plain. But, if you are looking for an easy way to turn them into something magical, this recipe for caramelized figs is perfect.
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Best of all, you only need a few ingredients and they can be ready in no time. For a quick breakfast, serve over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of the thyme honey and toasted pistachios or granola. Or, for a light dessert, serve over vanilla ice cream or whipped ricotta.
If you love cooked figs, our homemade Fig Jam is another super simple and delicious way to add figs to crostini, desserts, appetizers, and more.
Key Ingredients
- Fresh Figs – you should be able to find fresh figs during the late summer and early fall. Choose plump figs that are slightly firm and not mushy. For this recipe, you will need to slice them in half lengthwise.
- Honey – there are so many options when it comes to choosing honey. Some of the higher quality or local honey will have different flavors depending on what the local bees are eating, so choose a flavor that you like best.
- Thyme – fresh thyme is simmered in the honey so that the flavor infuses. You can scrape the leaves off of each stem and add just those, or keep the entire stem in and remove it when you are done. Rosemary is another great option.
- Vanilla Extract – this is stirred in off of the heat to compliment all of the flavors.
- Greek Yogurt – serving figs over Greek yogurt is great for either breakfast or a light dessert. I suggest sticking with either plain or vanilla yogurt so that the flavors of the figs and honey can really shine.
- Pistachios – toasted pistachios are not only delicious but they add a little bit of color and work with the Greek/Sicilian theme of this recipe. Pine nuts would also be delicious with these caramelized figs.
How To Caramelize Figs
- Heat the honey and thyme. Add the honey and thyme to a skillet over medium-low heat and cook for about 1 minute.
- Caramelize the figs. Slice the figs in half and add cut-side down into the honey. Cook for about 4-5 minutes total, flipping halfway.
- Serve. Remove from the pan, stir in the vanilla, and cool for a few minutes. Serve over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of the warm honey and toasted pistachios.
Tips for the Perfect Caramelized Figs
- Choose Ripe Figs: look for figs that are plump, soft, and deeply colored for the most flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give figs space to brown and caramelize.
- Medium Heat: Cook over medium to prevent burning the sugars.
- Add Flavorings: Finish with a pinch of sea salt, squeeze of fresh lemon, or splash of vanilla extract for depth.
- Serve Warm: Best eaten straight from the skillet for ultimate jamminess.
Recipe Variations
- Dessert: Serve over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of the honey and candied pistachios. Candied pecans would be delicious too.
- Cheese Boards: Pair with whipped feta, brie, blue cheese, or a creamy goat cheese, along with honey and walnuts.
- Nutty: Add another toasted or candied nut such as walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds
- Easy Appetizer: Serve as a crostini with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or glaze and sliced prosciutto or these Fig and Brie Crostini appetizers.
- Add to Pizza: Add to homemade pizza along with ricotta cheese and prosciutto.
- Salads: Slice and add to salads with arugula, goat cheese adn toasted almonds.
- Liquor-Kissed: Deglaze the pan with a splash of brandy, rum, or balsamic vinegar for a grown-up spin.
- Spiced: Add cinnamon, cardamom, or star anise for a hint of warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! If you want to make roasted figs instead, just add the honey and thyme to a 9” x 9” baking dish, then place the cut figs on top. Roast at about 350 degrees F for around 35-40 minutes, or until the figs are softened.
Yes, the skins are what holds the inside of the fruit together so you don’t need to peel or remove them. They taste delicious, especially when caramelized!
You can store leftover caramelized figs in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Storing and Reheating
- Store leftover caramelized figs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
More Fig Recipes You’ll Love
Caramelized Figs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 4-inch sprig thyme
- 3 large figs, cut in half
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving
- 12 ounces Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla
- 2 tablespoons pistachios, toasted
Instructions
- Heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat, then add the honey and thyme leaves. Cook for about 1 minute, then add the fig halves cut-side down into the honey.
- Caramelize for 2-3 minutes, then use tongs to turn the figs over and saute for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Serve the caramelized figs over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of the thyme honey and toasted pistachios on top. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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More Simple Fall Dessert Recipes
- Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread
- Homemade Apple Pie
- Caramel Dip
- Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Cookies
- More Fall Recipes
- More Breakfast Ideas
These honey cooked caramel figs are sweet, tender, and taste amazing whether served over Greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream, or even on crostini or pizza. They take just a few minutes to prepare and only a handful of ingredients.
Categories:
Breakfast, Desserts, Fall Recipes, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Sauces & Condiments, Vegetarian, Winter Recipes,
