Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe
If you have a soft spot for rich, fruity flavors with a lovely crunch, this Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe is going to steal your heart. It’s a delightful blend of fresh figs simmered to perfection with just the right touch of cinnamon and lemon, all crowned with toasted hazelnuts that add texture and warmth. Whether you’re spreading it on toast to brighten your morning or serving it alongside a sumptuous cheese board, this preserve is a cozy, versatile treat that feels homemade and special every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe comes from a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each contributes to the unique balance of sweetness, tang, spice, and crunch that makes these preserves unforgettable.
- Fresh figs (1½ pounds, trimmed and quartered): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a luscious texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Helps sweeten and preserve the figs, bringing out their natural flavor.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds a deeper caramel note and a beautiful richness.
- Water (½ cup): Balances the sugars and helps the fruit cook evenly.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the preserves with its fresh acidity and aids in setting.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Infuses a delicate citrus aroma that livens every spoonful.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Brings a warm, comforting spice that complements figs wonderfully.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making each one pop.
- Chopped toasted hazelnuts (½ cup): Add a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to every bite.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Round out the flavor profile with a hint of sweet warmth.
How to Make Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Simmer
Begin by placing your fresh figs, both sugars, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt into a large saucepan. Give everything a good stir to blend all the flavors together. Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This stage lets the sugars dissolve and the fruit start to soften.
Step 2: Cook Until Thickened
Lower your heat to maintain a slow simmer and cook uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the figs break down naturally. You’ll notice the mixture thickening into a luscious, jam-like consistency. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can gently mash the figs with your spoon as they cook.
Step 3: Add Hazelnuts and Vanilla
Once the preserves have thickened beautifully, stir in the toasted hazelnuts and vanilla extract. Allow the preserves to simmer for an additional 5 minutes so those flavors meld perfectly and the nuts soften just slightly without losing their crunch.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the preserves cool for a bit before transferring them to sterilized jars. Refrigerate them for up to two weeks, or if you want to store them longer, process your jars in a water bath canner for safe preservation. This step gives you that delicious, homemade preserve to enjoy over time.
How to Serve Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch that will make your preserve stand out, sprinkle a few extra toasted hazelnuts or a small twist of lemon zest on top of your serving plate or toast. Fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary work beautifully too, adding an herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe pairs with a host of dishes—the classic being a cheese board featuring creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, or a sharp aged cheddar. It also shines alongside roasted meats, like pork or chicken, where its sweet, nutty flavor complements savory richness marvelously.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the basics by using this preserve as a glaze on roasted vegetables or stirring it into yogurt or oatmeal for a luxurious breakfast. You can even fold it into butter for a delicious spread or mix it into baked goods like muffins or scones to add moisture and depth of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your preserves are cooled and sealed in jars, simply keep them in the refrigerator. The chilled preserves will last up to two weeks while retaining that fresh, vibrant flavor and satisfying texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe longer without canning, freezing is a great option. Transfer the preserves to airtight freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
When you’re ready to use the preserves, you can gently warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave to restore that spreadable, jam-like texture. Just heat carefully to avoid overcooking or burning the sugars.
FAQs
Can I use dried figs instead of fresh ones?
While fresh figs are ideal for this recipe due to their juiciness and texture, you can use dried figs if that’s what you have on hand. Just soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate before cooking. Keep in mind the final texture and flavor will be slightly different.
How long do the preserves last if canned properly?
When processed in a water bath canner and stored in sterilized jars, your preserves can last for up to one year unopened in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within two weeks.
Can I omit the hazelnuts?
Absolutely! The toasted hazelnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, but if you have allergies or prefer a smoother preserve, you can leave them out. Consider adding other nuts or seeds if you want some texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect condiment for anyone avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make a smoother fig preserve?
If you prefer a smoother consistency, use a potato masher or immersion blender during the cooking process after the figs have softened. Just be careful not to overblend—you still want some texture and nutty bits for that delicious character.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite compares to the cozy, rich goodness of homemade preserves, and this Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe delivers that in every spoonful. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on hand for breakfast, entertaining, or even as a thoughtful handmade gift. Give it a try—you won’t regret welcoming this preserve into your kitchen and your heart.
Print
Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: About 2½ cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Delight in the rich, fruity flavor of homemade Fig and Hazelnut Preserves, combining fresh figs, warm cinnamon, and toasted hazelnuts into a thick, luscious spread perfect for cheese boards, toast, or roasted meats. This easy stovetop preserve offers a wonderful blend of sweet and nutty notes with a hint of lemon zest, crafted for a comforting American-European fusion experience.
Ingredients
Preserve Ingredients
- 1½ pounds fresh figs, trimmed and quartered
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, place the fresh figs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir thoroughly to mix all the ingredients well before heating.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the combined ingredients to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 35 to 45 minutes. During this time, the figs will break down and the mixture will thicken to a jam-like consistency.
- Add Hazelnuts and Vanilla: Stir the chopped toasted hazelnuts and vanilla extract into the thickened fig mixture. Continue to simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes to incorporate the flavors and soften the nuts slightly.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the preserves cool slightly. Transfer the mixture into sterilized jars. You can refrigerate the preserves for up to 2 weeks or process the jars in a water bath canner for longer shelf storage.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, lightly mash the figs during cooking to break them down further.
- This preserve is a perfect complement to cheese boards, enhancing the flavors with its sweet and nutty profile.
- Also delicious spread on toast or served alongside roasted meats for added depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-European Fusion
