Dried figs are one of nature’s most indulgent yet healthy treats. Packed with natural sweetness, fibre, and essential minerals, they lend themselves beautifully to both traditional and contemporary desserts. Their soft, chewy texture and rich, honey-like flavour make them a versatile ingredient for home bakers and dessert lovers in the UK.
If you’ve got a packet of dried figs in your pantry, you’re already halfway to creating something special. In this article, we’ll explore some delicious desserts you can make with dried figs—each one simple, flavourful, and sure to impress.
1. Fig and Almond Tart
A fig and almond tart brings together the nutty richness of almonds and the natural sweetness of figs for an elegant, café-worthy dessert.
Ingredients:
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Shortcrust pastry (homemade or store-bought)
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200g ground almonds
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100g butter, softened
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100g caster sugar
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2 eggs
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8–10 dried figs, halved
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1 tbsp honey
Method:
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Roll out the pastry and line a tart tin.
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Cream the butter and sugar, then mix in the eggs and ground almonds.
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Spread the mixture over the pastry base and arrange halved figs on top.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden. Drizzle with honey before serving.
2. Sticky Fig Pudding
Inspired by the famous sticky toffee pudding, this version swaps dates for figs, resulting in a dessert that’s equally rich but with a distinctive fruity twist.
Ingredients:
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200g dried figs, chopped
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250ml boiling water
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1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
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100g butter
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150g soft brown sugar
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2 eggs
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200g self-raising flour
Method:
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Soak chopped figs in boiling water with bicarbonate of soda for 10 minutes.
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Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time.
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Stir in the flour, followed by the fig mixture.
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Bake in a greased tin at 180°C for 35 minutes.
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Serve warm with cream, custard, or a caramel sauce.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Figs
For a quick yet indulgent treat, chocolate-dipped figs are unbeatable. They work brilliantly for dinner parties or as an after-dinner nibble.
Ingredients:
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12 dried figs
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150g dark chocolate
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Sea salt flakes (optional)
Method:
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Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
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Dip each fig halfway into the chocolate and place on baking paper.
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Sprinkle lightly with sea salt for contrast.
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Allow to set in the fridge before serving.
4. Fig and Walnut Loaf Cake
Perfect for afternoon tea, this loaf cake combines figs and walnuts for a moist, satisfying slice.
Ingredients:
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200g dried figs, chopped
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150g walnuts, chopped
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200g self-raising flour
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150g butter, softened
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150g caster sugar
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3 eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
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Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F) and grease a loaf tin.
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Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, and mix well.
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Fold in flour, figs, and walnuts.
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Bake for 50–55 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.
5. Fig and Mascarpone Parfaits
This is a no-bake dessert that layers creamy mascarpone with the natural sweetness of figs, creating an elegant yet effortless dish.
Ingredients:
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200g dried figs, chopped
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250g mascarpone cheese
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2 tbsp honey
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100g crushed digestive biscuits
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A handful of chopped pistachios
Method:
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Mix mascarpone with honey until smooth.
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Layer biscuit crumbs, mascarpone mixture, and figs in dessert glasses.
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Top with pistachios for crunch.
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Chill for at least an hour before serving.
6. Baked Figs with Spiced Syrup
Baking figs softens their texture and intensifies their flavour, especially when paired with aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
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8 dried figs, halved
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200ml apple juice
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1 cinnamon stick
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2 cloves
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1 tbsp brown sugar
Method:
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Place figs in an ovenproof dish.
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Heat apple juice with cinnamon, cloves, and sugar until just simmering.
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Pour over figs and bake at 170°C for 20 minutes.
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Serve warm with Greek yoghurt.
Tips for Working with Dried Figs
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Soften before use: Soak dried figs in warm water or fruit juice for 10–15 minutes to make them easier to chop and blend into recipes.
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Enhance with spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom pair beautifully with figs in desserts.
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Store properly: Keep dried figs in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
Dried figs are a dessert-maker’s dream—naturally sweet, nutritious, and endlessly versatile. From sophisticated tarts to simple chocolate-dipped treats, they can transform an ordinary recipe into something memorable.
If you’re looking to add a touch of natural sweetness to your baking or dessert-making in the UK, dried figs deserve a permanent place in your kitchen cupboard. Their rich flavour, paired with their impressive nutritional benefits, means you can indulge without feeling guilty.