Vanilla Fig Preserves
Capture the essence of summer’s sweetness with homemade Vanilla Fig Preserves, a luscious spread blending tender, ripe figs, a hint of fresh lemon, and the warm floral aroma of real vanilla bean. This simple yet elegant recipe is the perfect way to preserve the season, using just five pantry-friendly ingredients. Slowly simmered to perfection, these preserves boast a rich, jammy texture that’s ideal for slathering on toast, pairing with cheese, or dolloping over desserts. With only 15 minutes of prep time and a one-hour cook, you’ll be rewarded with jars of indulgent, small-batch preserves that can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or canned for long-term enjoyment. Perfect for gifting or savoring at home, this recipe transforms everyday figs into a gourmet treat that’s truly irresistible.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Fresh figs
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 whole Vanilla bean
- 3 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cups Water
Instructions
Rinse the figs thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry. Cut off the stems and chop the figs into quarters.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the chopped figs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water.
Using a small sharp knife, slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the pot with the figs.
Place the pot over medium heat and stir gently to combine the ingredients. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 45-60 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Use a potato masher to break down the figs further if desired.
To test the consistency, place a small spoonful of the preserves on a chilled plate and run your finger through it. If it holds its shape and doesn't run, it's ready. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes and test again.
Once the preserves reach the desired consistency, remove the vanilla pod from the pot and discard it.
Carefully ladle the hot preserves into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean, seal tightly with lids, and let cool to room temperature.
Store the preserves in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or process the jars in a water bath canner according to the manufacturer's instructions for long-term storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1839 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.8 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 13 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 477.8 g | 174% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.4 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 449.3 g | ||
| Protein | 7.0 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 325 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 2184 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
