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.

A small bowl of Greek yogurt with caramelized figs, honey, and pistachios.

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.

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.

How to cook figs over the stovetop with honey.

Ingredients You Will Need

  • 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.
A saute pan with caramelized figs in honey.

Substitutions and Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of the honey and candied pistachios. Candied pecans would be delicious too.
  • Substitute whipped feta, cream cheese, ricotta, or a creamy goat cheese for the Greek yogurt
  • Add another toasted or candied nut such as walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds
  • Serve as a crostini with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or glaze and sliced prosciutto
  • Add to homemade pizza along with ricotta cheese and prosciutto
  • Add them to these Fig and Brie Crostini appetizers.
A small bowl with caramelized figs served over honey.

How to Caramelize Figs

  1. Heat the honey and thyme. Add the honey and thyme to a skillet over medium-low heat and cook for about 1 minute.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Candied figs served on a small appetizer crostini.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you roast figs in the oven instead?

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.

Do you eat the skin of figs?

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!

How long will caramelized figs last?

You can store leftover caramelized figs in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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Caramelized Figs Recipe

Author The Carefree Kitchen
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.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Yields2 people

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons (40 g) honey
  • 1 4-inch sprig (1 4-inch sprig) thyme
  • 3 large (3 large) figs, cut in half
  • 1/8 teaspoon (1/8 teaspoon) vanilla extract

For Serving

  • 12 ounces (340 g) Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons (15 g) 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

Storing instructions: Store leftover caramelized figs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 554mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 234mg | Iron: 1mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American, Greek
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More Simple Fall Dessert Recipes

These honey cooked 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.

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