This Easy Homemade Fig Butter is sweet and smooth, perfect for spreading on your favorite bread or pancakes. Just toss figs, sugar, and a few spices into the crockpot, and let it do its magic!
I love how my kitchen smells while this cooks—it’s like a warm hug! Slather it on toast for breakfast, and your day will feel extra special. Trust me, it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Figs: Figs are the star of this recipe, bringing a lovely sweetness and unique texture. If fresh figs aren’t available, you can use dried figs. Just soak them in warm water or juice for about 30 minutes to rehydrate before using.
Sugars: I use a mix of granulated and brown sugar for depth of flavor. If avoiding white sugar, consider using all brown sugar or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Apple Cider or Juice: This gives a nice fruity tang. If you don’t have apple cider, substitute with orange juice or even a bit of water. It won’t be quite the same but will still work!
Spices: The spices add warmth and depth. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your personal taste. If you love more spice, adding a pinch of ground ginger can offer an interesting twist!
How Do I Achieve the Best Texture for Fig Butter?
Getting the right texture for your fig butter is key. After slow cooking, an immersion blender helps make it smooth. If you want to keep some chunks for texture, blend only a portion of the mixture. Don’t rush this step; blending takes a few moments for the best consistency!
- Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours—this slow cooking ensures the flavors meld beautifully and thickens the mixture.
- Blend gently; you can always blend more if needed, but it’s hard to go back once it’s pureed!
- Transfer to sterilized jars carefully to avoid spills, and let it cool before sealing.
Easy Homemade Fig Butter Recipe in a Crockpot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh figs, stemmed and quartered
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious fig butter takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8 to 10 hours to cook in the crockpot. It’s the perfect recipe to set up in the morning and let it simmer all day long!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Figs:
Begin by washing the fresh figs thoroughly. Remove the stems and cut the figs into quarters. This will help them cook down nicely in the crockpot.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In your crockpot, place the quartered figs along with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple cider or juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Give everything a good stir to make sure the figs are well coated with the sugars and spices.
3. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for about 8 to 10 hours. If possible, stir the mixture occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks thick, dark, and all the ingredients have melded together.
4. Blend for Smoothness:
Once cooking is complete, take an immersion blender and puree the mixture until smooth. If you like some chunks in your fig butter, pulse gently or blend partway to achieve your desired texture.
5. Stir in Vanilla (Optional):
If you’d like to add a touch of richness, stir in the vanilla extract at this stage for a delicious flavor boost.
6. Store Your Fig Butter:
Carefully transfer the warm fig butter into sterilized jars. Allow it to cool completely before sealing. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 weeks. If you want to keep it longer, consider processing it in a water bath canner!
7. Enjoy!
Your fig butter is now ready to be enjoyed! Spread it generously on toast, biscuits, or pancakes. It also makes a delightful combination with cheese for a sweet-and-savory treat.
FAQ About Easy Homemade Fig Butter Recipe
Can I Use Dried Figs Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can absolutely use dried figs! Just soak them in warm water or apple juice for about 30 minutes to rehydrate them before adding them to the crockpot. The flavor will be slightly different, but they will still produce a delicious fig butter!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Fig Butter?
If you prefer a sweeter fig butter, feel free to increase the amount of granulated or brown sugar. Alternatively, if you’re looking to cut back on sweetness, reduce the sugar by a few tablespoons or substitute with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind this will adjust the flavor slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Fig Butter?
Store your fig butter in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to keep the jar tightly sealed. If you’d like to store it longer, consider processing it in a water bath canner for shelf stability!
Can I Add Other Spices or Flavors to the Fig Butter?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom, or even add citrus zest for additional flavor. Just remember to adjust the quantities to your taste—homemade recipes are all about personalizing them!
