Fig Rolls

Craving something sweet and homemade? Try making Fig Rolls! These delightful pastries are filled with sweet, sticky figs and are surprisingly easy to bake. Perfect for a snack or a special dessert, they're sure to become a favorite.

Whether you are looking for a refreshing dessert option to change up your typical baked goods or looking for a healthier dessert option to snack on throughout the week, you will love this easy-to-follow recipe for fig roll.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This fig roll recipe is the perfect balance of healthy, tasty, and simplistic. The diced almonds introduce a delightful crunch and offer a source of healthy fats and proteins. The inclusion of lemon adds a refreshing and zesty twist while also infusing the recipe with a dose of vitamin C.

Additionally, the straightforward instructions make it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers alike, resulting in an enjoyable outcome without the intimidation of complex techniques.

Ingredients

Sugars:

Sugars play an important role in this fig roll recipe, and the use of castor, muscovado, and golden brown sugars all add depth to the overall flavor. Castor sugar has a fine texture and it dissolves easily, contributing a smooth sweetness to the dough. Muscovado sugar, on the other hand, is unrefined and brings a rich, molasses-like taste to the dough. Meanwhile, the golden brown sugar, with its caramel notes, provides a warm undertone to the filling, giving our fig rolls a comforting sweetness.  Any kind of sugar or sweetener such as honey, agave, or maple syrup can be used. However, these alternatives may mean a change in the texture or taste of the final product.

Almonds:

Diced almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty undertones to the dough of our fig rolls. They also bring a subtle sweetness to the fig filling, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Figs:

Dried figs can be readily found in the dried fruits section of most grocery stores, health food stores, or specialty markets. However, if fresh figs are in season and accessible, they can also be used as a flavorful alternative. While dried figs provide the sweetness and chewy texture essential for the filling, you might need to make adjustments to the recipe should you choose fresh figs which will add more moisture to your filling. Simply chop some soft, ripe figs to mimic the size and shape of the dried ones, and reduce the amount of water you add to the filling.

Mixed Spices:

This typically refers to a blend of ground spices that add warmth and flavor to a recipe. Cinnamon, nutmeg, Allspice, cloves, and ginger can all be a part of that composition. So if you have a prepared spice mix you like to use, you certainly can, or you can make your own using one or more of the previously mentioned ground spices.

Lemon:

The lemon contributes acidity to this recipe, which balances the sweetness of the fig filling, preventing the rolls from becoming overly sweet and providing a refreshing contrast.

How to Make Fig Rolls

Step One: 

Add butter and sugars to a bowl and cream.

Step Two: 

Add the egg and stir until incorporated.

Step Three: 

Slowly add flour, bit by bit, and mix until combined.

Step Four:

Fold in the ground almonds.

Step Five: 

Dump the contents of your bowl onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. Your dough should be a smooth ball. Cover it in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes.

Step Six: 

Add your figs, water, lemon juice, golden brown sugar, cinnamon, spices, and lemon zest to a saucepan. Stir to incorporate and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Step Seven: 

Once a simmer has been reached, remove your figs from the stove and add them to a blender to puree. Set aside.

Step Eight: 

Remove the dough from the plastic wrap and roll it into a rectangle approximately 10" x 20" on parchment paper.

Step Nine: 

Cut your dough rectangle in half lengthwise and spread your fig puree on each half.

Step Ten: 

Fold each half of the dough lengthwise and brush the tops with a light coat of oil.

Step Eleven: 

Bake for 25 minutes at 350F.

Step Twelve: 

Cut each length into 2" pieces, serve while warm, and enjoy!

Tips

• Pay attention to the texture of your dough. It should be pliable but not overly sticky, so adjust your flour or liquid as needed.
• Roll your fig roll dough evenly to ensure a balanced distribution of the fig filling. You will want your dough to be about ⅓"- ½" thick.

What to Serve With Fig Rolls

Fig rolls pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing their indulgent flavor. A cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee is a classic choice. For a touch of elegance, serve your fig rolls alongside a platter of mild cheeses. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream can elevate your fig rolls into a delightful dessert

FAQs

What's the best way to slice fig rolls without them falling apart?

Ensure the fig rolls are fully cooled before cutting, as this allows the filling to set. Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts to prevent sticking and maintain precision. Applying minimal pressure and using a back-and-forth sawing motion, rather than pressing down forcefully, helps maintain the roll's structural integrity, resulting in clean slices without squashing the delicate layers of dough and fig filling.

How do I prevent the fig filling from oozing out during baking?

Leave a small margin along the edges, and firmly press or crimp the edges together to trap the filling. Avoid overfilling the dough, as this can cause the excess filling to leak. Additionally, ensure you chill the rolled dough before baking; this helps the fats in the dough solidify, further reducing the risk of leakage. Finally, be conscious of overbaking as this can cause the filling to become too liquid and start escaping.

How long can leftover fig rolls be kept fresh?

Leftover fig rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated to extend their shelf life to a week. For longer-term storage, fig roll can be frozen for up to 3 months. This is a great make-ahead recipe as you can even freeze them before baking. That way, when you are craving something sweet, you can simply pop fig rolls in the oven for a quick treat.

More Dessert Recipes

If you have a sweet tooth craving that needs curing, we've got you covered with a collection of dessert recipes to tantalize your tastebuds, including:

Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Creme Brulee Donuts

Pecan Tarts

Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls