Easy Creamy Fig Jam with Vanilla Bean and Lemon
A silky smooth, easy-to-make fig jam featuring fresh figs, real vanilla bean, and bright lemon for a perfectly balanced homemade spread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 1.5 cups (approximately 12 servings of 1 tablespoon each) 1x
- Category: Spread
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds fresh figs, ripe but firm
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 whole vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out
- 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the figs gently under cool water. Remove the stems and quarter each fig into bite-sized pieces (about 4 cups chopped figs).
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the tiny seeds. Set seeds and pod aside.
- In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, combine chopped figs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, water, vanilla seeds, and the scraped vanilla pod. Stir gently to mix.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the jam thickens and becomes glossy and creamy.
- Remove the vanilla pod. Stir in the softened butter until melted and fully incorporated.
- If desired, lightly mash the figs with a spoon or use an immersion blender for a few seconds for a smoother texture. Taste and adjust lemon juice or sugar if needed.
- Transfer the jam to a clean glass jar or container. Let cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating. The jam will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
Use ripe but firm figs for best texture. Stir gently and frequently to avoid burning. Vanilla bean pod can be reused for infusions. Butter adds silkiness but can be omitted or replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Store refrigerated and consume within two weeks. Freeze in small portions for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 8
- Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: fig jam, homemade jam, vanilla bean jam, lemon fig jam, creamy fig jam, easy jam recipe, fruit spread