Imagine waking up to the sweet, intoxicating aroma of fig butter wafting through your kitchen, crafted effortlessly in your slow cooker while you sleep! This delightful American recipe transforms fresh figs into a luscious, spreadable treat that’s perfect for slathering on toast, pairing with cheese, or simply enjoying by the spoonful. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a gourmet delicacy that will impress your family and friends. Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game and indulge in the rich flavors of homemade fig butter? Let’s dive into this easy and rewarding recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh figs, stems removed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Wash the fresh figs thoroughly under cool running water, removing any stems or blemished areas. Pat the figs dry with clean paper towels.
- Chop the figs into small, roughly quarter-inch pieces. This will help them break down more easily during the slow cooking process.
- Place the chopped figs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed across the bottom of the pot.
- Add sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon directly over the figs. Gently stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring the figs are well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat setting. Allow the mixture to cook slowly for approximately 8 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After 8 hours, the figs should be extremely soft and have reduced to a thick, spreadable consistency. If the mixture seems too liquid, continue cooking with the lid slightly ajar to allow moisture to evaporate.
- Use an immersion blender or potato masher to puree the fig mixture until smooth and butter-like in texture. For an ultra-smooth consistency, transfer to a standard blender.
- Let the fig butter cool completely before transferring to clean, sterilized glass jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Figs: For the best flavor, select ripe, fresh figs that are slightly soft to the touch. This will ensure a naturally sweet and rich fig butter.
- Prep Ahead: If you're short on time, you can wash and chop the figs the night before, storing them in the refrigerator until you're ready to start cooking.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference. If you prefer a less sweet fig butter, reduce the sugar by half.
- Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon adds a lovely warmth, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist on flavor.
- Check Consistency: If your fig butter is too runny after 8 hours, leave the lid slightly ajar for an additional hour to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Storage Tips: Ensure your glass jars are properly sterilized before filling them with fig butter to extend shelf life. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer preservation.
- Serving Suggestions: Try pairing your fig butter with creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie, or use it as a filling for pastries and desserts for a gourmet touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
