Delicious Caramelized Figs – made with a handful of ingredients and topped with whipped brown sugar cinnamon cream cheese. A simple, rustic dessert that’s ready in 20 minutes or less!
Whenever I run across fresh figs at the grocery store, you better believe I’m buying them. Because fig season is short… and figs are delicious! They have a natural sweetness that makes them perfect as a snack, a salad topping, or an ingredient on any cheese plate.
They also make the BEST little dessert! Case in point: these caramelized figs. They’re simple and sweet, made with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. And even though they don’t need anything else, a dollop of whipped cream cheese is the perfect finishing touch.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Easy: This recipe is easy to make and ready in just minutes. The perfect last minute dessert!
Versatile: Enjoy it as a dessert OR skip the cream cheese topping and combine it with prosciutto for a delicious appetizer!
Good for you: Figs are good for you! They’re high in fiber and contain essential nutrients like copper, potassium, manganese, magnesium and vitamin K.
what you’ll need for this recipe
Figs – I started with 15 ripe, fresh figs. Choose figs that have a little give without feeling mushy. Look for rich colored skin that’s soft to the touch and free from bruises and blemishes.
Brown sugar – I used brown sugar to caramelize the figs AND in the whipped cream cheese topping. Cinnamon – I added ground cinnamon to the sauce and the whipped cream cheese.1/2 Tablespoons Vanilla extract – I added 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the sauce.brown sugar
Cream cheese – I used 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature.3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Sea salt – A pinch of sea salt is optional, but adds another layer of delicious flavor to this recipe.
how to make caramelized figs
Prep the figs. Clean the figs and remove the stems. Slice them in half lengthwise.
Make the sauce. In a large skillet, melt the butter or coconut oil over medium heat. Add 3 Tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook until the mixture begins to bubble.
Add the figs. Add the figs, cut side down, and sauté 3-4 minutes. Flip and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until caramelized. Remove from heat.
Make the topping. In a small bowl, whip cream cheese, 1/2 Tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Top figs with cream cheese. Add a sprinkle of sea salt (optional) and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
- Substitute ricotta or creamy goat cheese for the cream cheese
- Top with toasted almonds or candied walnuts
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a delicious finish
- Serve with fresh baked brie (omit the cream cheese)
- Serve over vanilla ice cream
- Top with fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme
- Enjoy with salty prosciutto and crostini
More Delicious Fruit Desserts
Looking for some more dessert recipes that start with fresh fruit? These are some of our favorites!
Caramelized Figs with Whipped Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter or coconut oil
- 15 fresh figs
- 3 1/2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- Remove stems from figs; slice in half lengthwise
- In a large skillet, heat 2 Tablespoons butter or coconut oil over medium heat until melted. Add 3 Tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and heat until mixture begins to simmer.
- Add the figs, cut-side down, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Flip and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until caramelized. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, whip softened cream cheese, 1/2 Tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Top figs with cream cheese and a sprinkle of sea salt (optional).
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
haha.. I can so relate expect my problem is my husband. Whenever he goes with me magically stuff starts to appear in the grocery cart!
These figs sound awesome, so making these soon!
Jess says
Sydney loves figs so much, I think we will have to try your recipe! This looks delicious 🙂 Hope you’ve had a great weekend!