Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
With only five ingredients, this sugar-free fig jam recipe is easy to make and incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect sweet topping for bagels, pizzas, toast, and even homemade ice cream. Whether you’re using fresh or dried figs, this jam is packed with flavor and has no need for added sugar or pectin.
Why make fig jam without sugar?
Figs, especially at their ripest in fig season, are naturally sweet and flavorful, making them an excellent base for homemade jam. If you’re lucky enough to have a fig tree nearby, you can pick ripe figs and enjoy the sweet flavour of fresh figs. For those without access to fresh figs like me, dried figs work great as well, as they have a naturally concentrated sweetness.
I also like making my own fig jam because I can control exactly what goes into it. I don’t like to eat a lot of sugar and jams from the grocery store are packed with refined white sugar and other preservatives.
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Benefits of figs
Rich in nutrients – High in vitamins A, B6, K, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron, supporting overall health.
High in fiber – Promotes healthy digestion, prevents constipation, and supports gut health.
Heart health – Helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels due to its potassium and soluble fiber content.
Antioxidant boost – Contains polyphenols and flavonoids that protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Bone health – High calcium and magnesium levels contribute to strong bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Can improve reproductive health – Traditionally used to help balance reproductive hormones and support overall fertility.
How to make homemade fig jam without sugar
Ingredients
Fresh or dried figs (such as black mission figs, brown turkey, or calimyrna figs) – You can use the whole fruit – here’s a source for dried organic figs
Lemon juice or fresh lemon zest
Vanilla extract
A small amount of water
Optional: Add a pinch of fresh thyme or curry powder for a unique flavor twist.
Supplies
Small saucepan or large saucepan (for larger batches)
Food processor or knife (for chopping figs)
Potato masher or immersion blender (for achieving a smoother consistency)
Clean jars for storing
Instructions
Use a food processor or knife to chop up the fresh fruit or dried figs into small pieces. If you’re using dried figs you can remove any especially hard parts of the fig skin.
Add the figs into a small saucepan and cover them with water. Bring it to a low boil, then reduce to a low heat and simmer until the water is absorbed and the mixture thickens. This took me about 20 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in lemon juice, vanilla extract, and any optional additions like fresh thyme or curry powder.
Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the softened figs to your desired consistency. A chunkier texture pairs well with morning toast, while a smoother jam is great on desserts like ice cream.
Add the jam into clean jars and refrigerate once the jam has cooled to room temperature. That’s it – I hope you give this easy fig jam recipe a try!
How to use the jam
On toast, homemade bagels or pancakes – Spread a hefty helping on your homemade baked goods for a sweet flavour that’s full of nutrients instead of cups of sugar!
On a charcuterie board with goat cheese – This jam makes a great addition to a charcuterie or cheese board.
Make a homemade balsamic vinegar and fig jam salad dressing – I like to add it to salads with walnuts as well!
On pizzas – I like to add this fig jam to the base of a homemade pizza and combine it with tomato sauce and cheese.
In homemade fig newtons – These taste so good with the jam!
On homemade ice cream – You can swirl it through homemade ice cream or add it on top.
You could mix the fig jam with other homemade fruit jams like strawberry or raspberry jam.
How long does sugar-free fig jam last?
I like to use the jam within a week or so when stored in the fridge. You can freeze it and it should last about a month in the freezer.
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Simple Fig Jam Recipe – No Sugar, No Pectin
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the fresh or dried figs into small cubes.
- Add the figs to a small sauce pan. Pour water over top of the figs until they are just covered.
- Simmer on low until the water has been fully incorporated and the mixture has thickened. This took about 20 minutes for me.
- Remove from heat and add the lemon juice and vanilla. Mix well.
- Use a fork to mash any larger pieces.
- Add the jam into a glass jar.
Made your recipe with store bought mission figs from Publix. Used 1/2 lemon because it was very tarte. Easy to make and took only 30 min total.
Very tasty & good consistency. Going to buy more BOGO figs and make more!
So good to hear!