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Home » Recipes » Homemade Jam and Jelly

Fig Jam Recipe

Published: Apr 29, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · 16 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Delicious and figgy, filled with all the flavors of your favorite fig cookies! This homemade fig jam recipe has hints of cinnamon, vanilla and allspice. It's sweet and delicate, packed with fall flavors!

Each bite will have you begging for more. Learn how to make fig jam with these easy, step by step directions.

Fig jam on roll with jam.
Easy to make this fig preserves recipe has all the flavors of your favorite Christmas Cookie in a jam!
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe 
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • What is a rolling boil?
  • Equipment
  • 🙋‍♀️ FAQ's
  • Tips
  • Sealing and Storage
  • Serving suggestions
  • Related recipes
  • Fig Jam Recipe
  • Recipe backstory

Why you'll love this recipe 

✔️ This jam is sweet with a burst of honey-sweet fresh fruit flavor.

✔️  Perfect for scones, or to fill your favorite cookies!

✔️ It's easy to make, even if you've never made jam before!

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

  • fresh figs - that's about 2 pounds of fruit dried figs can be reconstituted with boiling water
  • pure cane granulated sugar and brown sugar
  • I prefer fresh lemon juice but you can use bottled lemon juice also.
  • cinnamon, allspice, vanilla extract
  • butter

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Rinse figs in cold water. Prepare the fruit by removing the step and chop, add to a large pot.
  2. Add the lemon, cinnamon, nutmeg and butter to the pot.
  3. Measure ¼ cup of the sugar and mix it with the pectin. Combine figs with the sugar and pectin, mix well and set it on the burner.
  4. Turn stove on high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  5. When it comes to a hard boil add the remaining sugar.
  6. Return it to a hard boil and boil one minute, remove from the heat.
  7. Immediately stir in the vanilla. Stir until it is completely incorporated, about a minute. 
  8. Ladle into clean, sterilized jars.
  9. Clean the tops of the jars, add the lid and screw top. Screw the lid on tightly. 
  10. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to seal. Remove from the hot water bath and place on a heat-proof surface.
  11. When you hear the jars pop and you'll know they are sealed!

What is a rolling boil?

What is a rolling boil? A rolling boil is one that you cannot stir down.

This is a common question for beginning canners, It's hard to describe what a "rolling boil" looks like, so instead I'll show you. Watch this quick video (only 14 seconds!)

Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

If you're a first time jam maker;

  • This jam essentials kit includes everything you need from a canning funnel to labels for the jars.
  • It doesn't include jars, lids or rings - these 8-ounce mason jars are what I use. They are simple, but pretty to give as gifts.
Fig Jam with spoon
With a few simple ingredients you can have the BEST homemade jam!

🙋‍♀️ FAQ's

How do figs grow?

The fruit is grows on a fig tree. There are several different varieties of figs. Here in the San Joaquin Valley we have Black Mission figs, Brown Turkey, Green Figs and Calimyrna figs, to name a few.

How do you store fresh figs?

Before storing fresh figs, wash them well, dry and refrigerate. Plan on using or eating them within 2-3 days.

Can you freeze fresh figs?

Yes, you can freeze fresh figs. Place on a small tray and pop them in the freezer. When they are completely frozen, put them in a ziplock bag and put back in the freezer. Freeze for up to a month. You can eat them right from the freezer, almost like a popsicle . They are delicious!

Are figs good for you?

Actually, figs are really good for you! Packed with fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamins B and K - as far as fruits go, they are a winner!

How long does Fig Jam last?

The shelf life of this spread is 6 months to year. I say that roughly though, because those jars disappear quickly around here!

When is fig season?

Fig season starts in early June. A second season starts August through June.

Can you make jam without pectin?

You can make jam without pectin but it will spoil quickly.

These low sugar fig preserves are a great way to enjoy the flavor all year long!

Tips

  • Jam making is part cooking and part science. Follow the recipe exactly!
  • Do not change amounts the recipe calls for. It's easy to think you can add less sugar or more fruit and it won't matter. If you do the jam may not set up correctly or it could mold and will have to be discarded!
  • If this is your first time making jam, review the Jam Making Guide. It has all of the best tips and tricks to make the BEST preserves at home!
  • This may go without saying, but just in case - use ripe fruit. Fruit at its peak of ripeness makes the best jam.

Sealing and Storage

Sealed jars go to into the pantry. If a jar doesn't seal you have a couple of options:

  1. Remove the jar from the jars. Reprocess the jam, ladling it back into clean sterilized jars and again place in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.
  2. Or simply refrigerate any jars that did not seal. They will last in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks.

As long as you clean the top of the jars with a wet paper towel prior to adding the lids, rarely have any jars not seal.

Fig Jam Recipe on roll.
Fig jam is so easy to make. It goes perfect with either sweet and savory dishes!

Serving suggestions

Like Pepper Jam - this easy fig jam recipe is very versatile! It goes well with sweet and savory dishes.

  • Slather a bagel or a piece of toast with cream cheese and top it with jam, a perfect breakfast!
  • Top your burgers with a slather of figs jam with Swiss cheese.
  • Delicious on a grilled cheese sandwich.
  • The shining star of your cheese board will be a crostini with a slice of blue cheese topped with fig jam and a drizzle of honey. Add some ripe figs as well!
  • Every cheese plate benefits with a jar of jam! It's a delicious way to showcase the preserves!
  • A wheel of brie topped with fig jam and baked is a quick appetizer - unbelievable!
  • On your charcuterie board with toast points spread with goat cheese and topped with fig jam with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar is fabulous!
  • This is a great recipe to glaze a holiday ham!

Related recipes

Still have some of those yummy fresh figs? Then here are three ways to enjoy them - look here for Fresh Figs Three Ways to find even more delicious fig recipes!

Homemade Jam is so much better than store-bought, there's really no comparison! I have several delicious jam recipes on the blog like this recipe for Strawberry Fig Preserves (everyone's favorite) and Orange Jelly - this jam is like a burst of sunshine!

Here are more easy recipes to make soon!

  • Homemade Apricot Preserves - sweet tangy and delicious this is an easy recipe and perfect if you're a first-time jam maker!
  • A little heat and a little sweet! With a pop of spice this sweet Pomegranate Jam Recipe is perfect for a PB&J!
  • Low Sugar Strawberry Rhubarb Jam is an old fashioned jam with the BEST flavor - family favorite!
  • This Peach Jam Recipe will have you wishing you were sittin' on a porch in the south! Sweet as a Georgia peach!

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️

If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! 

Fig Jam in jar with spoon filled with jam.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 7 votes

Fig Jam Recipe

Perfect for a PB&J sandwich this homemade jam is sweet and delicious!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Boiling jars to seal - 10 minutes10 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: Jams and Jellies
Cuisine: American
Servings: 40 servings
Calories: 329kcal
Author: Deb Clark
Cost: $15
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 5 cups figs fresh figs
  • 3`½ cups pure cane sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 sure-jell low sugar pectin - pink box
  • ¼ cup lemon
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Clean the figs, remove the stems - chop into ½ inch pieces. Add to a heavy bottom pot.
  • Add the lemon, cinnamon, nugmeg and butter to the pot.
  • Measure ¼ cup of the white sugar and mix it with the contents of the Sure-Jell. Sprinkle it into the fig mixture and set it on the burner.
  • Turn on high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  • When it comes to a hard boil (one that you cannot stir down) add the remaining sugar - the white and brown sugar.
  • Return it to a hard boil and boil exactly one minute.
  • Remove from the heat. With hot pan holders on immediately stir in the vanilla. It may bubble and spit a bit! Continue to stir until it is completely incorporated, about a minute. 
  • Ladle into clean, sterilized glass mason jars.
  • Using a paper towel clean the top of the jar off completely. Add the lid and screw top. Screw the lid on tightly.
  • Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to seal.Remove from the hot water bath and place on a heat-proof surface. You'll hear the jars pop and you'll know they are sealed

Notes

**Figs have a high sugar content and you'll need to be stirring this the entire time it's doing or it will scorch. Don't get distracted!
**Although the video is for a different recipe - Christmas in July Pepper Jam - it walks you thru the process of making homemade jam and jelly. Give it a quick watch (less than 1 ½ minutes!) it gives you a good visual!

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 84g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
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Recipe backstory

Now in my experience, either you either like figs or not, I've never met anyone that falls in-between. I'm definitely a fig fan!

Fresh figs are heavenly! When transformed into homemade fig preserves they become rich and flavorful.

We start seeing figs in late summer and early fall. And although you can pop whole figs right into the freezer (just wash them first), I love making them into jam to preserve the flavor all year long!

If you love fig newtons or mincemeat pie, let me tell you - this jam will WOW you! It has all the same flavors packed into an easy-to-make preserve!

All you need are fresh figs. They have a short shelf life, but figs are such a special fruit.

Have I talked you into trying this yet? I hope so!

A few years back Dan and I wanted to take a spur of the moment fall vacation, but we wanted to do affordable. I kid you not, I went to the grocery store and grabbed:

  • a 2 foot sub sandwich (that I sliced into 8 servings and wrapped individually)
  • bag of everything bagels and cream cheese
  • water, wine and beer

When I packed the ice chest I tossed in a jar of fig jam from my buddy Michelle and off we went to explore the Eastern Sierras!

Breakfast was a bagel with a smear of cream cheese, topped with this amazing fig jam recipe. It was heavenly! Lunches were tucked in our backpacks and off we'd go to explore.

It's still one of my fondest vacation memories and hence, one of my favorite jam flavors!

More Homemade Jam and Jelly Recipes

  • Strawberry Rhubarb Jam in jars and bowl.
    Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe
  • Low sugar blueberry jam spread on croissant.
    Low Sugar Blueberry Jam
  • Sure Jell Strawberry Jam in jar with spoon scooping out jam.
    Sure Jell Strawberry Jam
  • Mango jam spread on whole wheat toast.
    Crazy Good Mango Jam Recipe

About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tina

    January 09, 2023 at 7:22 pm

    Can I use regular surejel?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 11, 2023 at 2:13 pm

      I've never used regular surejell, but if you do increase the sugar to seven cups. Let me know how it turns out for you Tina, enjoy the jam!!

      Reply
  2. Jennifer A Stewart

    October 16, 2019 at 6:56 am

    5 stars
    I love figs so much! I am making a double batch of this for sure!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:32 pm

      Awesome, enjoy the jam!!

      Reply
  3. Nikki

    October 16, 2019 at 4:52 am

    5 stars
    Amazing! This one will be on our Christmas morning menu, if it lasts that long!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:32 pm

      Good chance it won't Nikki, might have to make a double batch! 😉

      Reply
  4. Erin Parker

    October 15, 2019 at 10:30 am

    5 stars
    Fig jam is my jam! We love this recipe so much, and it takes me back to the days when we had a giant fig tree in our yard. Those were the days!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:33 pm

      Yay!! I hope you love this recipe!!

      Reply
  5. Sandra Shaffer

    October 14, 2019 at 11:25 am

    5 stars
    I didn’t realize there are several varieties of figs, but I do know how much I love them! This is getting me excited to make up a batch for the holidays. A jar of fig jam will be great gifts for the open houses we attend!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      Mostly definitely, I hope you get a chance to make some jam!!

      Reply
  6. Lisa Hitzeman

    October 14, 2019 at 9:19 am

    5 stars
    This would be perfect to make and give as Christmas gifts!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      Yes it would, I think you might have a hard time giving it away though! 😀

      Reply
  7. kylee

    October 14, 2019 at 8:05 am

    5 stars
    I love this fig jam!! It goes SO well with pretty much everything. A great addition to my appetizer boards.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:37 pm

      Yes, that would be perfect!!!

      Reply
  8. Kathleen

    October 13, 2019 at 9:01 pm

    5 stars
    I love fig jam, so delicious on any number of crackers -- sweet and savory, delicious with cheese! Love this recipe, can't wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:38 pm

      I hope you really enjoy it Kathleen!

      Reply

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