This easy Fig Compote recipe is a tasty mix of fresh figs, sugar, and optional vanilla or cinnamon. Perfect for toast, desserts, or cheese boards.
I have a HUGE fig tree in our front garden. It's so massive, and gets so many figs, that I've even had people stop to ask about it and a few have taken cuttings to grow their own.
When figs are in season, I’m always looking for ways to use them up and make the most of their sweet, honey-like flavor. One of my go-to solutions is fig compote.
It’s a simple yet incredibly versatile dish, made by cooking down fresh figs with sugar and a splash of lemon juice.
The result? A rich, thick spread that balances sweetness with just the right amount of tang.
This compote offers a beautifully thick fig sauce with broken-down chunks in every bite.
The natural sweetness of figs shines through, while a hint of lemon adds brightness, and optional spices like cinnamon or vanilla bring warmth and depth.
The best part? It takes just 20 minutes to make and can be used in a variety of ways. From slathering it on pancakes or toast to pairing it with cheeses boards for a sophisticated snack, this fig compote is simple yet tasty.
If you're looking for more ways to use up figs, be sure to try Fig and Pear Crumble with Meringue Topping or Figgy Pudding!
Fig compote is an easy, versatile recipe that delivers big on flavor. Whether you're using it to top your morning yogurt or adding a gourmet touch to your dinner party cheese board, this sweet-tangy spread is sure to impress.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: You can whip this up in about 20 minutes with minimal effort.
- Few Ingredients: Fresh figs, sugar, water, and optional lemon or spices. That’s it!
- Versatile: Serve it with breakfast, alongside meats or cheeses, or as a topping for desserts.
- Customizable: Add vanilla, cinnamon, or star anise to personalize the flavor.
- Perfect for Preserving Figs: If you have an abundance of figs, this is a fantastic way to extend their shelf life.
Ingredients
- Fresh Figs: The star of the show. Choose ripe figs for the best flavor. Black Mission, Brown Turkey, or Adriatic figs all work well. If fresh figs aren't available, you can use dried figs, but soak them in water beforehand, and you may need less sugar.
- Sugar: Balances the natural sweetness of figs and helps thicken the compote. You can adjust the amount depending on your taste. Honey or maple syrup can also be used for a different sweetness profile, or it can be omitted completely if your figs are quite sweet.
- Water: Helps break down the figs and prevents the compote from becoming too thick while cooking. You can substitute with fruit juice (like apple or orange juice) for extra flavor.
Optional add-ins:
- Lemon Juice: Adds a nice touch of acidity, brightening up the flavors. This is optional but highly recommended for balance.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings a gentle warmth and aromatic depth to the compote. Feel free to skip it or replace it with almond extract for a different twist.
- Spices: Cinnamon, star anise, or nutmeg can give the compote a spiced, warming flavor. These are entirely optional but can add a lovely complexity.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Wash and dry the figs. Remove the stems and cut the figs into quarters or halves, depending on their size.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cut figs, sugar, water (or juice), and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The figs will start to soften, and the mixture will thicken slightly.
Add any optional flavorings like vanilla extract or spices and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the figs have broken down to your desired consistency.
If you prefer a chunkier compote, cook for less time. If you like it smoother, cook a little longer and mash the figs with a spoon.
Variations
- Chunky vs. Smooth: For a chunkier texture, cook for less time, and don’t mash the figs too much. For a smoother compote, cook a little longer and use the back of a spoon to break down the figs completely.
- Spiced Fig Compote: Add cinnamon sticks, a star anise pod, or a pinch of nutmeg for a spiced version. These warm spices are perfect for cozy, fall flavors.
- Citrus Twist: Replace the water with orange juice or add a splash of lime juice for a citrusy kick.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Swap out the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a naturally sweetened compote with a more complex flavor.
- Almond Extract: For a slightly nutty flavor.
- Rosemary: A savory herb that pairs beautifully with figs in a more gourmet version.
- Cardamom: For an exotic, fragrant twist.
Serving Suggestions
Spread on Toast: This is a classic use and a great way to start the day. I love it on a thick slice of sourdough, with some goat's cheese and a sprig of thyme.
Topping for Yogurt or Oatmeal: Stir a spoonful into your morning bowl for a fruity, sweet topping that pairs perfectly with creamy yogurt or hearty oatmeal. Try it with Gruel!
Cheese Board Addition: Serve fig compote alongside a variety of cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or sharp cheddar for a sophisticated appetizer or snack. You could also add some Prune Compote. Or check out these other Fruit Compote Recipes.
On Desserts: Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake or in a parfait (try it in a Pear and Gingerbread Parfait). It also works beautifully as a filling for cakes or tarts. Try it spooned over Almond Fig Cake.
At Breakfast: It's perfect on toast, pancakes, or waffles.
Storage
Store fig compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It thickens as it cools, so give it a stir before serving.
If you want to make it in bulk or preserve it for longer, you can freeze it. Simply transfer the cooled compote into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, just place it in the fridge overnight or let it come to room temperature on the counter.
Top tips
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the compote as it cooks and adjust the sugar according to how sweet or tangy your figs are.
- Prevent Sticking: Stir occasionally to ensure the compote doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan, especially as it thickens.
- Spice Timing: If adding spices like cinnamon or star anise, add them at the beginning of cooking to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Custom Texture: Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to break down the figs to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Yes, but soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes before cooking to rehydrate them.
You can omit the sweetener if your figs are sweet, or use honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like stevia for a different kind of sweetness.
What Flavors Pair with Figs?
- Cheese: Goat cheese, blue cheese, and brie complement the sweetness of figs with their creamy or tangy profiles.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pecans add a crunchy, earthy contrast.
- Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and mint offer a savory or refreshing balance.
- Spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg enhance the natural sweetness of figs.
- Citrus: Lemon and orange add brightness and cut through the richness.
- Balsamic Vinegar & Honey: Both add tangy or sweet layers to figs in salads or glazes.
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📖 Recipe
Fig Compote
Equipment
- Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh figs (about 8-10 figs) 450g
- 3 tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
- ¼ cup water 60ml
Optional add-ins
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional but adds a nice brightness
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional for added flavor
- Spices optional: cinnamon, star anise, or a pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Wash and dry the figs. Remove the stems and cut the figs into quarters or halves, depending on their size.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cut figs, sugar, water (or juice), and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The figs will start to soften, and the mixture will thicken slightly.
- Add any optional flavorings like vanilla extract or spices and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the figs have broken down to your desired consistency.
- If you prefer a chunkier compote, cook for less time. If you like it smoother, cook a little longer and mash the figs with a spoon.
- Remove the compote from the heat and let it cool. Transfer to a clean jar or container. It will thicken further as it cools.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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