Fig jam [refined sugar free]

We love Christmas in our family. I think it would be way easier to list what we DON’T love about Christmas. We love Christmas decorations, Christmas sweets, Christmas carols – which we often play and sing (very loudly and happily) completely out of season – and we love thinking about what Santa will bring us next Christmas. This year the kids are (already!) particularly excited because someone promised them puppies for Christmas (oh wait, it was me, gasp!).
But before you start with “What were you thinking?!”, hear me out – I struck a deal. No toys for whole 12 months for a couple of puppies which I was going to buy them anyway. You see the beauty of my plan? Ha – thought so. Either way, I need to save up for these puppies, have you seen how expensive they are now? Thank you Covid. But – expensive or not, they will be loved so much at our house, it’s totally worth it. And what will be loved next Christmas again too (and every other time we decide to have cheese and crackers)? This AWESOME fig jam. It’s so good and so easy to make, you will definitely be wondering why on earth you’ve ever bought fig jam and not simply made it at home.


Fig jam for Christmas and many other occasions
And yes, even though I shot these photos before Christmas and they do have a distinctly holiday theme, fig jam is not just a Christmas specific food. It’s going to be your best friend for any family gatherings, social get-togethers, lazy weekend picnics, as a lunchbox treat, or even just a cheeky cheese and cracker snack eaten while packing away all your groceries after an exhausting grocery shopping trip (or is that just me?).
This fig jam pairs perfectly with brie, camembert or any other soft creamy cheese, because it is sweet, rich, sticky and full of figgy flavour. Spread that jam on a crunchy seedy cracker or a biscuit and top with a slice of brie and you really have something. I bet you won’t be able to stop at one!

Ingredients I’ve used in this fig jam
I’ve tried to keep things simple. I have a tried and tested jam recipe that pretty much works for all fruit – minor tweaks here and there. You’ll get the idea from the cherry berry jam and mango jam recipes – the ingredients and quantities stay pretty much the same, just the fruit changes.
This recipe follows the same pattern and so, the ingredients are simple and few and, best of all, don’t include any white sugar or pectin. One of the reasons why more sugar is not needed is that dried figs are high in natural sugars so very little extra sweetening is required for this jam.
To make this fig jam, you will need:
- figs – obviously. I used dried organic figs here. While dried figs are high in sugar, as the sugar becomes concentrated when the fruits are dried (so consider this fig jam a treat if you’re trying to maintain a low sugar diet), figs also contain small amounts of a wide variety of nutrients, but they’re particularly rich in copper and vitamin B6. Source: Healthline
- Monkfruit sweetener / stevia – this natural sweetener is what I use to sweeten my jams and it works perfectly. My favourite brand is Raw Earth.
- Lemon juice – to counter and cut through all that sweeteness.
- Cinnamon – this gorgeous spice will bring out the fruitiness and figginess of the fruit in a way which I don’t quite understand but absolutely love.
- Tapioca flour – this is my favourite type of thickener for jams. I have tried chia seeds which are quite popular but my kids don’t like the texture – and I don’t blame them, it’s quite an adjustment from normal jam. You won’t have the problem when thickening with tapioca. Tapioca flour (also called tapioca starch) is a starch extracted from cassava root, works perfectly to thicken jams and, as a bonus, is wheat-free. Just look for a brand that’s preservative free.
And that’s it, folks! Make it, love it, you can thank me later. And if, you’re in Australia, happy Australia Day tomorrow – what a fantastic country we live in!

Recipe
Fig jam [refined sugar free]
Ingredients
- 500 g dried organic figs
- lukewarm water
- 1.5 tbsp monkfruit/stevia sweetener
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2/3 tbsp tapioca flour
- extra hot water, if required
Instructions
- Prepare your dried figs by pinching off the hard stalks and pop the soft fruit into a large glass (Pyrex-type of) bowl. No need to chop up the figs at this stage (though you can if you like – and then skip the chopping or snipping at step 4 below).
- Cover the figs in the bowl with lukewarm water for about 30 minutes, until the figs soften and plump up.
- Drain most of the water, leaving about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup.
- Snip the figs with kitchen scissors (or cut with a knife) into small pieces (at least quarters or smaller). and pop the pieces back in the large glass bowl.
- Add the monkfruit/stevia sweetener, lemon juice and cinnamon and mix through with the figs. Microwave for 5 minutes at 80% power.
- Take the bowl out of the microwave carefully (it will be hot), and mash the figs with a fork as well as you can. If they don't come out fully mushed at this point, no need to worry – you will mash them once more down the track.
- Add the tapioca flour and mix well through the fig mixture. If the fig mixture is looking a little dry (it should be fairly moist), then add 1/2 cup of hot water and mix it through. Add extra water if need be – what you looking for is slightly wetter texture than the final spreadable jam, as it's going to cook a little longer.
- Pop the bowl back in the microwave and cook at 90% for about 3 minutes.
- Take the bowl out of the microwave again, carefully, and mash the fig mixture with a fork until the figs are fairly smooth. Let it cool in the bowl until it is safe enough to handle, I'd say at least half an hour to an hour.
- One cool enough, transfer the mixture to sterilised jars.
- The jam can be eaten straight away (once cool).
Notes


Recipe notes
A word of warning, this recipe makes a LOT of fig jam so feel free to halve it if you just want to give it a go or you’re not big on cheese and crackers. You don’t actually use that much of it with biscuits and cheese, as it is quite rich, so a half should last you a while.
Unless of course you are looking for a fantastic homemade Christmas present to give to your friends and family, in which case make a couple of batches and enjoy all the compliments!
It would also make a fabulous end of school present for your kid’s/kids’ teacher(s) – just sayin’.
The jam will keep well in the fridge, for at least 2 months.


60 Comments
Georgia
Oh my goodness this looks delicious! And I am desperate to make it asap and put it on a grilled cheeese. Thanks so much for sharing as always!
/teandtwosugars.blogspot.com xx
Katerina
You’re so welcome, Georgia! Hope you enjoy it!
Balvinder
This looks swesome. I mostly use datepaste with crackers and cheese. But yes, why not fig jam. I am going to make this in a day or two as I always have figs in our home it is a regular part of my husband’s fruit palte.
Katerina
Thanks very much Balvinder and I hope you enjoy it!
2pots2cook
So into figs and eveyrthing that could be made with them ! Thnak you so much Katerina ! 🙂
Katerina
Thanks very much, Davorka!
Jill
I love fig jam and am definitely making this! I like it with cheese and crackers and I also use it on grilled cheese sandwiches!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Katerina
Ohhhh, that’s a great idea, Jill! Thanks so much.
Aarthi
I’ve never tried jams with fig, like the texture and color of it. Love that you have used dried figs in the recipe, so we could make this all year round , and I’m super excited for the microwave version of this recipe, looks easy and simple, thanks for sharing this Katerina!
Katerina
I’m so glad you like it, Aarthi, thanks so much for your comment!
Ron
Katerina, we love fig jam, especially with a good soft stong cheese. Alas, no fig trees up this way so we have to depend on the commercial stuff made in the UK.
A grand idea having puppies, I admire your courage. Pets were very expensive here prior to Covid and insurance on pets is even more. Yes, you’re expected to have insurance to assure the animal is always cared for. Do you have to have pet insurance there?
Katerina
Thanks so much Ron! I just picked up some fresh figs at the make the other day so might have a go making this jam from fresh fruit! And yes, pets are expensive here now too. Pet insurance is a great idea, I’m sure, but not compulsory here. Thanks for your comment!
Jeff the Chef
It didn’t take me long to think about what I’d do with a homemade fig jam. Your photos of spreading it on crackers with cheese look absolutely fantastic.
Katerina
Much appreciated, thank you Jeff!
Naya
I am such a fig jam lover! This recipe is gold, Katerina. I love the idea of using stevia, because it is quite sweet yet a much healthier alternative to sugar. Thank you so much for sharing! xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
Katerina
I’m so pleased you like this recipe, Naya, thanks so much!
Sophie
This sounds delicious, I don’t think I’ve ever tried fig jam but I love the simple ingredients in this one!
Katerina
As long as you like figs, I think you’ll like this jam! Thanks Sophie.
Marissa
Thank you for this, Katerina! We buy fig jam all the time, but I’ve never made my own. So excited to give this a try!
Katerina
Thanks so much Marissa, I hope you enjoy it!!
Beth Pollock
I do love fig jam, especially served with cheese! That’s a real book club staple. I’d love to try making it myself! Thanks for the recipe.
Katerina
Oh yes, perfect for book clubs! Man, I miss book clubs! Thanks so much Beth.
Sophie Harriet
This looks so yummy! I love figs so I would definitely enjoy this. I love that it’s sugar-free too xx
Katerina
Thanks so much Sophie, I’m so pleased you think so!
Laura Bambrick
I wanted to make sure I told you what a beautiful job you do taking photos! Seriously your photos are always stunning! And this fig jam looks amazing!
Katerina
Aww, thanks so much, Laura, you’ve just made my day! I do appreciate it. Thank you – hope you have a great day!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I just switched to a cleaner protein powder and it uses monkfruit sweetener. This fig jam looks OH so good. Makes me want to whip it up right now so I have an excuse to eat cheese and crackers with it!!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Katerina
Haha.. I know what you mean! I totally need a good excuse to eat cheese and crackers these days too but they taste so good!
Healthy World Cuisine
We are huge fig fans so this would be fantastic in our house. Not just for the holidays but all year around and fantastic on a cheese board. Great idea to make this in the microwave, great time saver. Love your photos and those cute little hands are adorable. Did you get the puppies yet? I’m sure there will be loads of super cute photos coming our way.
Katerina
I agree this jam is really wonderful year round and makes a great addition to a cheese board! No, no puppies yet – next Christmas so still have time to plan or change our minds haha 🙂 Thanks so much Bobbi!
John / Kitchen Riffs
I’ve never made fig jam! Which is odd, because I love its flavor. One of those things I usually buy, but why? It’s so easy, as your recipe shows. This looks terrific — thanks.
Katerina
Thanks so much John, I hope you get to make it and enjoy this version!
Kathrine Eldridge
I use fig jam a lot for my cheese boards. Thansk for sharing this recipe. Yay for new puppies in the family!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Katerina
That’s great! And homemade is always better, of course. Thanks Kathrine!
David @ Spiced
We got 2 puppies early on in COVID (that was always our plan – COVID just made puppies harder to find). They’ve been amazing, but man do they change your life! Get ready. 🙂 Also, do consider rescuing. I don’t know what things are like down there in Australia, but there are lots of dogs here in the States who need rescuing. We ended up adopting two puppies from Mississippi – that’s like a 20 hour drive from here. (The adoption group we used had regular transport vans.)
Now to the recipe – figs!! My grandparents made fig preserves every summer from a fig tree in their backyard. I just remember cabinets FULL of jars of fig preserves. Now I’m feeling a bit nostalgic, and I want to make a batch of this jam. I love that you use dried figs as fresh figs are darn near impossible to find where we live!
Katerina
You lucky thing! We used to have two labradors before kids and we look after a friend’s dog semi regularly so I’ve got a bit of an idea! I got used to no dog hair in the house and I’m pretty sure that’s about to change. I bet you wouldn’t change it for the world though. And thank you David! I hope you like this version!
Laura
I love fig jam, Katerina! And definitely appreciate a refined-sugar-free recipe to make my own! Figs are wonderful for so many dishes! And fig jam with cheese and crackrs is a perfect match!
Katerina
Isn’t it just! Thanks so much Laura!
Auggie
Sounds delicious! I love how this jam is naturally sweetened. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Katerina
My pleasure! Thanks so much, Auggie!
Renuka Walter
I sincerely thank you for this recipe, Katerina! I have so much of fig in my refrigerator and I don’t know what to do with it. This jam looks so delicious and healthy!
Katerina
You lucky thing!! I really hope you enjoy this jam!
jodie filogomo
Puppies?? So fun!!
We have been eating dried figs lately, so I know Rob would love this!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Katerina
Thanks so much Jodie, hope you and Rob enjoy this treat!
CoCo
No playing, Katerina, I just had fig jam for the first time this past weekend. It was served on top of crepes that were filled with brie, bacon, and green apples. It was amazing. My Granny used to put figs up each year and we were running out of ideas of how to use them so I am beyond excited to try your recipe. It looks so good! Hugs, CoCO
Katerina
Oh my goodness, what a delicious serving suggestion, I love this, CoCo! Thanks so much for sharing!
Raymund
That fig jam is so festive but regardless, it can fit all year round. Love this
Katerina
Thanks very much Raymund!
Lisa
I had no idea you could make fig jam in the micowave, that is such a fantastic cooking hack! We love figs in season but I’d never thought about using dried ones for jam – it’s on my list to try now, thank you 🙂
Katerina
I’m glad the recipe has inspired you, Lisa! Happy cooking 🙂
Michelle | Sift & Simmer
What a delicious looking fig jam! I love the texture of it 🙂 And what an exciting plan for Christmas you have ahead, Katerina!!
Katerina
Thanks so much Michelle, much appreciated!
Allie Mackin
Oh this looks and sounds so tasty! I would love to make this and I really like how you served it here. This would go so well with a chilled glass of white wine. OK my mouth is watering now!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Katerina
Haha Allie, the best compliment ever. I agree, white wine would go great with some cheese and biscuits with this fig jam. Thanks so much!
Julia Rees
Congratulations on the addition of the new family members! Puppies are so adorable!
That fig jam recipe looks delicous and I bet it tastes amazing with brie!
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Katerina
Thanks so much Julia but not yet haha! We have a little while to wait. And yep, it tastes pretty amazing! Hope you enjoy it.
angiesrecipes
I think the puppies for kids is a GREAT idea. Love what you cook for your family…wholesome real food is the best.
The fig jam looks droolicious!
Katerina
Thank you so much Angie, I really appreciate it. And yes, I agree, it’s great for kids to grow up with dogs around!
Neil
I like how you’ve used stevia here Katerina instead of sugar as that’s exactly the natural sweetener substitute I use. I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to use it in that would previously have called for sugar. Thanks for this!
Katerina
No worries at all, Neil, always happy to help! Hope you make this gorgeous fig jam!