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Caramelized Fig Jam with Honey and Pears (from dried figs)
5 from 18 votes

Caramelized Fig Jam with Honey and Pears (from dried figs)

This recipe creates a thick caramelized fig jam using dried figs, honey, pears, water, and apple cider vinegar, balanced with a homemade caramel sauce. The figs and pears soften and break down into a richly flavored jam with natural sweetness and subtle acidity. The preparation involves carefully cooking the caramel, then combining it with the fruit mixture and cooking until thickened. The result is a spread with deep, layered sweetness and slight tartness, perfect for preserving flavors of dried figs and fresh pears.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 60 servings
Calories: 46 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the jam:
  • 12 ounces figs stems removed (see post for types of figs, dried
  • ¾ cup honey
  • 2 cups water
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 medium pear washed, cored and diced small (¼ inch), no need to peel! I used Bartlet but other types pears will also work, ripe but not soft
For the caramel:
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup I use Karo Brand
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
To finish:
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh

Instructions

For the prep:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Wash enough jars and lids to hold 30 ounces of jam in hot soapy water and rinse well. Set aside.
  2. Combine figs, honey, water, and apple cider vinegar in a medium-large saucepan. Let the mixture warm over low heat while you make the caramel.
For the caramel:
  1. Stir the sugar, corn syrup and water together in a medium-large cup microwave-safe measuring cup or glass bowl. (I use a 2-quart Pyrex measuring bowl with a handle.)
  2. Microwave on high (full) power until the mixture is just beginning to brown, 4 to 8 minutes (depending on the strength of your microwave. Check at 4 minutes and every 30 seconds after. You’re looking for a pale amber color - don’t let it go any farther as it will deepen in color considerably as it sits.
  3. Remove the caramel from the microwave and set aside for 5 minutes or until it darkens to a rich honey brown.
To make the jam:
  1. Add the caramel to the mixture in the pot. Don’t worry, at first, the caramel will harden in a big blob. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. The hardened caramel will melt again and incorporate into the jam mixture.
  2. Reduce the heat a bit to maintain a steady, medium simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  3. Pulse/blend the jam with an immersion (or regular) blender until large pieces have disappeared but jam is still has a bit of texture. Add a bit of extra water to make the jam easier to blend, if needed.
  4. Add the diced pears and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the jam is thickened to the desired state. (It will get a bit thicker as it cools).
To finish:
  1. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
  2. Transfer to jars with tight-fitting lids. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 2-3 months.
  3. If you prefer to can this jam to make it shelf-stable, follow these directions. https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_07/fig_jam.html

Notes

  • Ensure jars and lids are well sterilized before filling to preserve the jam safely.
  • If the jam is too thick, add a few tablespoons of water and stir to adjust consistency.
  • Cook a bit longer if the jam is too thin to reach the desired thickness before storing.
  • This recipe yields about 30-36 ounces of jam, depending on jar sizes.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1tablespoon Calories 46kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 12g (4%) Protein 0.2g (0%) Fat 0.1g (0%) Saturated Fat 0.01g (0%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.03g (0%) Monounsaturated Fat 0.01g (0%) Sodium 2mg (0%) Potassium 49mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 11g (22%) Vitamin A 2IU (0%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 10mg (1%) Iron 0.1mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 60 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 46

% Daily Value*

Serving 1tablespoon
Calories 46kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Protein 0.2g 0%
Fat 0.1g 0%
Saturated Fat 0.01g 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.03g 0%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.01g 0%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Potassium 49mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 11g 22%
Vitamin A 2IU 0%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 10mg 1%
Iron 0.1mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.