Caramelized Figs with Balsamic Vinegar

Name: Caramelized Figs with Balsamic Vinegar
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 12 fresh figs (stems removed, halved lengthwise); 2 Tablespoons coconut sugar; 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Published: Sep 3, 2018 · Modified: Sep 18, 2021 by Amy Katz

With only 3 ingredients and 15 minutes, you can enjoy Caramelized Figs with Balsamic Vinegar for breakfast, dessert, or a delicious snack. Try this recipe as a topping for waffles, french toast, and vegan pancakes. Or serve them with your favorite vegan desserts as a sweet treat.

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Special diet: gluten-free, nut-free, oil-free, soy-free, vegan

Caramelized figs on a plate with toast and bowl of fresh figs in the background

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Whenever I see fresh figs in the market, I just have to buy them. I've always liked dried figs, especially in Fig Newton-like cookies, but the fresh fruit is really something special. They are mainly in season July through September, with the later crops being especially flavorful.

Figs come in many varieties. My favorite kind which I use in this recipe is the Black Mission fig. Where I live in Southern California, they are available May through November. They have a dark purple skin and an earthy flavor.

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Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Amy's tip
Serving suggestions
Storing
Recipe FAQs
More fruity vegan recipes
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Why you'll love this recipe

You only need 3 ingredients plus 15 minutes to make them.
It's vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free.
It's a delicious way to maximize the flavors of fresh figs.

Ingredients

Plate of fresh figs with some of them sliced open

Fresh figs: Look for Black Mission, Calimyrna, Kadota, or Brown Turkey varieties.
Coconut sugar: Or substitute turbinado sugar, brown sugar, or white sugar.
Balsamic vinegar: The low acidity makes sweet flavors taste even better.

For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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Instructions

Collage of 3 images showing the steps for making this recipe

Spread out the horizontally sliced figs, seeds side up, in a skillet over high heat. Sprinkle the sugar on top.
After the added sugar crystals start to melt, as shown in the above photo, carefully flip each fig over.
Once the figs are browned on the skin side after a few more minutes, turn off the heat, and drizzle the vinegar over the fruit.

Amy's tip

The figs caramelize quickly over high heat as their sugar is released. Keep an eye on the pan since you only need to cook the fruit for a few minutes.

Serving suggestions

Slice of toast with cream cheese and figs

Breakfast

While avocado toast may be all the rage these days, for a real morning treat, I recommend topping toast with vegan cream cheese and some caramelized figs. Here I've used thick sourdough.

Scoops of vanilla ice cream on a plate topped with figs

Dessert

All you need is some vegan vanilla ice cream, a few of the syrupy figs, and a spoon. But don't worry if you're out of ice cream. Caramelized figs also taste great on their own.

Storing

Leftover caramelized figs can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. Enjoy them at room temperature or reheated in a microwave.

Recipe FAQs

Should figs be refrigerated?

Yes, fresh figs should be refrigerated. Cover them in a bowl and place them in the refrigerator after purchasing to prevent mold. They will keep for a few days.

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