I love dried fruit. I love dried figs. Actually I like all figs. And all fruit :) . I got a big ol' bag of the most delicious organic dried figs from Costco the other day and have been playing around with them in the kitchen quite a bit. These things are so versatile — they're yummy on their own, perfect for raw recipes, perfect in baking. Not sure if there's anything they're not good in, really. And of course they're perfect for making a raw and fruit-sweetened spread in just minutes.
This orange and fig spread makes a very tasty instant sweet jam or a savory spread when combined with "cheese" and the like. It's really good plain, but with the added orange extract it reminds me of orange marmalade a bit. Figs pair amazingly well with citrus, but the orange flavor is of course optional. I do recommend you try it with it if you can -- so delicious!
It's also really nice with orange blossom water, but I usually go with an orange extract instead. And if you want it extra marmalad-like, use a bit of orange rind instead {the rind of blood oranges is my favorite for recipes like this -- it's a bit less bitter but very flavorful}.
Just a quick note on the figs -- go for the soft and squishy dried fruit kind if possible. They are the freshest and tastiest usually. But any kind of dried fig will work, really.
Regardless of the type you use, the figs should soak for a bit to soften up {the more soaked, the smoothest they'll blend}. You can just cover them with water in a bowl and leave them to soak for a few hours. Or if you're not intending for the recipe to be raw, just pour some boiling water over them and let them soak for about 10 minutes.
I love whipping this up when I'm spontaneously in the mood for a delicious figgy spread, something sweet to snack on that won't overload me with sugar, in desert recipes that call for jams or fruity toppings, or for pairing this with something savoury, like a cashew cheese spread, etc.
Last but not least, if you want this spread to turn creamy, dreamy, and delicious, add in 1-3 tablespoon hulled tahini and a drizzle or molasses. So delicious!
PrintRaw Orange and Fig Spread
A raw instant jam that pairs sweet figs with tangy citrus in a spread reminiscent of orange marmalade.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1½ cups
- Category: Jam
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried figs, pre-soaked and strained
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange extract {or zest of 1 orange}
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until mixture is smooth {though the fig seeds will remain intact -- press through a sieve to get rid of the seeds if you prefer}. Transfer to a glass jar and keep in the fridge.
Ginny says
Hi Audrey! I'm looking forward to making this recipe...do you think orange juice would work instead of the lemon juice? Thanks!
Audrey says
Hi Ginny, I think it could work. You might want to add a tiny pinch of salt to balance the flavor out a little, since oj is much sweeter. Let me know how it turns out for you!
jodie paradis says
Can this be canned?
Audrey says
Hi Jodie, I'm no canning expert so I'm really not sure to be honest. However I've heard that for example mashed fruit like bananas are too thick for the canning process to work (because the heat can't reach all the bacteria, etc. in the center), so I wonder if it would be the same with this recipe, as it's quite thick and there's not a lot of liquid in it.
If you prefer, I have other recipes that can well, like these fig preserves: https://www.unconventionalbaker.com/fresh-fig-preserves/ (or search for "jam" on the blog to see other recipes).
C Stanley says
This is a great food recipe, thank you for sharing it with us.
Audrey says
You're welcome :)
Angie says
I'm wondering how I could use fresh figs in this recipe?
Audrey says
Hi Angie. This recipe isn't really suited for fresh figs as it relies on the extra sweetness and texture of dried figs, but you can give this fresh fig spread recipe a go instead: https://www.unconventionalbaker.com/fresh-fig-preserves/
Danielle + Rooting The Sun says
Hi Audrey - I love your blog and your recipes are just delightful. What beautiful photography! I am excited to try this for breakfast one day this week. I have a sincere love for figs and this just seems a perfect way to meditate on them.
Audrey says
Thank you so much, Danielle! And thanks for stopping by -- I can't wait to check out your blog now :)
Enjoy this! It's so good for breakfast -- especially with a hint of tahini ♥
Sina @ Vegan Heaven says
Oh I love dried figs! :-) I seriously can't wait to make this, Audrey!!
Audrey says
Thanks Sina! Dried figs are one of my fave ingredients to work with. So versatile and delicious.
Alison @Food by Mars says
Cannot even deal with the decadence and simplicity of this! I LOVE FIGS. In like an obsessive way... I'll be making this, and overeating it most likely. <3
Audrey says
Haha. Alison, your comments always make me laugh -- thank you! :)
The Vegan 8 says
This is exactly what I do with dried cherries!! I use it on toast and then also make chocolates with the jam inside (on my blog) and it's so good! This fig color is so pretty and I imagine so good on so many things! I love making homemade spreads and butters, they are just so much better and healthier than storebought!
Audrey says
Absolutely -- I get a little pre-occupied with the jams and spreads in the summers here because we've got so many wild berries and rhubarb and apples coming out one after the next so it's like a jam jam in my kitchen :) But I love using dried fruit for quick jams and spreads too -- this one is one of my favorites. Especially with some good tahini in there ;)
Evi @ greenevi says
What??? How did it happen? How have I never ever thought of this? You don't know how happy your recipe made me now. I am in love with dried figs and could eat them on/with anything!
I am just moving, but I already know what's gonna be my first project in the new kitchen! :)
Thank you so much for this recipe ❤️
Audrey says
Good luck with the move, Evi. I hope you get to score a nice kitchen out of it ;) And thank you -- enjoy the figgy goodness :)
Jasmin says
I've got hooked on a raw fruit spreads this summer, and I think this fig spread is next on my list :)
Audrey says
Awesome Jasmin -- enjoy it! :) It's really delicious and versatile.
Sarah | Well and Full says
This spread looks so yummy! I bet it would taste delicious with apple slices! :)
Audrey says
Hmmm... Yeah, apple slices sound nice! I'll give it a go :)
Harriet Emily says
Dried fruit is the best! I love making fruit spreads and jams at home, but I've never thought of making them with dried fruit before - that's such an amazing idea Audrey! Orange and fig sound like such a delicious combination. I definitely need to try this!
Audrey says
Thanks Harriet. I love making fresh jams and spreads too -- all ways :) Dried fruit is a good no-fuss, no-cooking, instant jam solution. With the figs it turns out exceptionally good.
Amanda Paa says
guess what i just bought yesterday at Costco? those dried organic figs! so fun to see this recipe - perfect timing. i love the idea of adding orange blossom water too. i'm excited for breakfast now :) xo
Audrey says
Haha. Nice. I love those Costco figs. I wrote this recipe over a year ago and to this day I'm still a huge fan of these very figs. Always stock up when I'm there :)
Jenn says
I love how easy this is! I hate all the sugar that is in most jams/jellies, so the one that I buy is sweetened only with fruit juice, but it costs an arm and a leg. One of our favorite flavors though is FIG! I am definitely going to be trying this! Yum!
Audrey says
Fig jam is one of my favorites too, Jenn :) Especially because you can find it with relatively little or no sugar at the store. But making your own is a lot more fun + you get the benefit of customizing it to your liking. Lately I've been loving it with a dash of tahini and molasses -- sooo good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You know I like figs in my jam ;) Love the orange!
Audrey says
Thanks Rebecca. I love the orange in this too -- it tastes like marmalade without the bitter aftertaste :)
Karuna says
Hey audrey love love your recipes and creative combinations. I have been trying to subscribe to your blog, twice i have subscribed but the I never got updates in my inbox. Would really appreciate it if you add me to your mailing list. (email would be same as this one)
Audrey says
Hi Karuna,
Thank you so much! :)
Not sure why the emails haven't worked, but I'll definitely look into this and let you know as soon as I figure out what's going on there. I'll be in touch!