Homemade Caramelized Fig Ice Cream Recipe

Ice cream lovers, rejoice! If you’re looking for a luxurious twist on traditional ice cream, this Caramelized Fig Ice Cream Recipe is a must-try. Figs—often underrated in the dessert world—bring a natural sweetness and a slightly earthy flavor that pairs exquisitely with cream. When caramelized, they turn into gooey, golden bites of magic that add both texture and depth to ice cream. This recipe takes advantage of fresh ripe figs, cooks them into a rich caramel sauce, and folds them into a creamy custard base, resulting in a decadent, gourmet-quality dessert perfect for any season—especially summer and early autumn when figs are in season.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something sweet and special, this homemade ice cream is bound to impress. It’s gluten-free, rich in antioxidants from figs, and absolutely unforgettable in taste.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280

• Carbohydrates: 26g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 24g

• Cholesterol: 120mg

• Sodium: 35mg

• Calcium: 100mg

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Iron: 1mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on the size and type of figs used and optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

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Prep Time, Active Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Active Cooking Time: 30 minutes

• Resting/Chilling Time: 6 hours (includes custard cooling and ice cream freezing)

• Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes

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Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired

Course: Dessert

Servings: 6

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Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan

• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

• Mixing bowls

• Fine mesh strainer

• Ice cream maker (optional but recommended)

• Whisk

• Airtight container for freezing

• Knife and cutting board

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Ingredients

For the Caramelized Figs:

• 1 cup fresh figs (about 6–8 figs), stemmed and chopped

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 5 large egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Figs

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

2. Add chopped figs, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon. Stir well to coat.

3. Let the figs cook for 8–10 minutes until they become soft, golden, and syrupy.

4. Add lemon juice and a pinch of salt, then stir.

5. Remove from heat and allow the fig mixture to cool slightly.

6. Mash lightly with a fork or blend half of it for a smoother texture (optional).

7. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to fold into the custard.

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Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Custard Base

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and milk. Heat on medium until steaming but not boiling.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and creamy.

3. Gradually pour a little of the hot cream into the egg mixture while whisking continuously (this step is called tempering and prevents curdling).

4. Once combined, pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream mixture.

5. Stir constantly over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, or until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

6. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

7. Pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any curdled bits.

8. Let the custard cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully chilled.

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Step 3: Churn and Mix In the Figs

1. Once the custard base is chilled, churn it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).

2. When the ice cream reaches soft-serve consistency, gently fold in the caramelized figs.

3. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 3 hours, or until firm.

Don’t have an ice cream maker? After chilling the custard, fold in the figs and pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Freeze and stir every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours to reduce ice crystals and mimic the churning process.

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Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Scoop into bowls or cones.

• Optional toppings: crushed pistachios, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of sea salt.

This Caramelized Fig Ice Cream Recipe is indulgent on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Warm almond or olive oil cake

• Crispy shortbread cookies

• A spoonful of mascarpone or Greek yogurt on top

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Tips and Variations

• Vegan Option: Use full-fat coconut milk in place of dairy and maple syrup in place of honey.

• Boozy Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of brandy or port to the fig mixture while caramelizing.

• Crunch Factor: Add crushed candied walnuts or pecans during the final folding stage.

• Flavor Twist: Infuse the cream with fresh rosemary or orange zest before adding to the custard for a gourmet flair.

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Why You’ll Love It

This recipe balances luxurious, velvety ice cream with the rustic sweetness of figs, elevated by the rich caramelization process. It’s a fantastic way to preserve and enjoy seasonal figs in a new form. Moreover, it brings gourmet flavor into your home kitchen without any complicated steps.

Homemade ice cream always has the upper hand when it comes to freshness and customization, and this figgy treat is no exception. Whether you’re a fig enthusiast or just exploring unique dessert ideas, this Caramelized Fig Ice Cream will surprise and satisfy.

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Conclusion

When fresh figs are in abundance, turn them into something unforgettable with this Caramelized Fig Ice Cream Recipe. It’s a celebration of seasonal produce, creamy indulgence, and the joy of homemade desserts. Serve it as a show-stopping finale to a dinner party or a delightful treat on a hot day. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why figs aren’t in every ice cream flavor. This recipe combines the simplicity of tradition with a modern gourmet twist—truly a dessert worth making again and again.