Homemade Fig Jam (3 Variations: Classic, Lemon, Bourbon)

Homemade fig jam changed my mornings. One spoonful on warm toast, and suddenly breakfast feels like comfort, warmth, and a little moment of magic. It’s not just sweet—it’s rich, real, and completely unforgettable. Once you taste this, store-bought will never cut it again.

Why Your Breakfast Needs This homemade fig Jam Right Now

Picture this: thick, luscious fig jam smeared on warm toast, melting into every crevice. Store-bought jam? Forget it. Homemade fig jam is the flex your pantry deserves. Whether you’re a purist, a citrus lover, or someone who thinks bourbon makes everything better, we’ve got a variation for you. This isn’t just jam—it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. And the best part? You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard to make it. Ready to upgrade your breakfast game? Let’s go.

What Makes homemade fig jam So Good

First, figs are nature’s candy—sweet, rich, and packed with fiber. Simmer them down with a few simple ingredients, and you’ve got a jam that’s miles ahead of anything in a plastic tub. The variations? Classic is timeless, lemon adds a zesty kick, and bourbon brings a smoky depth that’ll make you question all your life choices. Plus, it’s stupidly easy to make. No fancy equipment, no obscure ingredients—just pure, unadulterated jam goodness.

Ingredients

For the Classic Fig Jam:

• 2 lbs fresh figs, stems removed and chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the Lemon Fig Jam:

• 2 lbs fresh figs, stems removed and chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Bourbon Fig Jam:

• 2 lbs fresh figs, stems removed and chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp bourbon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the figs: Wash, dry, and chop them into small pieces. No need to peel—the skins add texture.
2. Combine ingredients: Throw figs, sugar, water, and any flavor-specific additions (lemon, bourbon, etc.) into a heavy-bottomed pot.
3. Simmer: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the figs break down (about 20–25 minutes).
4. Mash or blend: For a smoother jam, use a potato masher or immersion blender. Leave it chunky if you’re a texture enthusiast.
5. Jar it up: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, seal, and let cool. Congrats, you’re a jam wizard.

Storage Instructions

Store sealed jars in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. For longer shelf life, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes—they’ll last up to a year in the pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2 weeks.

Pro tip: Label your jars unless you enjoy playing “guess the jam” later.

Benefits of This Recipe

Homemade fig jam is free of preservatives, packed with fiber, and way more flavorful than store-bought. It’s also versatile—use it on toast, cheese boards, yogurt, or even as a glaze for meats. Plus, making it yourself means you control the sugar.

Feel like a kitchen hero yet?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking: Jam turns into fig cement if you boil it too long. Use the cold plate test.
• Undercooking: Runny jam is sad jam. Cook until it thickens properly.
• Using unripe figs: They lack sweetness. Go for ripe, soft figs for the best flavor.
• Forgetting to sterilize jars: Unless you’re into science experiments involving mold.

Alternatives

No fresh figs? Use dried figs—just soak them in hot water first. Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup if you’re feeling fancy.

Not a bourbon fan? Try rum or skip the alcohol altogether. Vegan?

Omit the bourbon (most are vegan, but check labels). The world is your fig-filled oyster.

Homemade Fig Jam – Classic, Lemon & Bourbon Variations

Ethan

Rich, naturally sweet fig jam made three ways: classic, with lemon, or with bourbon. Perfect on toast, cheese boards, or even as a glaze—easy to make and endlessly versatile!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 4 half-pint jars

Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 lbs fresh figs stems removed and chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar for all versions
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice for classic version
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional, for classic and bourbon versions
• 1 lemon (zest and juice) for lemon version
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon for lemon version
• 2 tbsp bourbon for bourbon version
• 1 pinch salt for bourbon version

Instructions

 

• Wash, dry, and chop the figs into small pieces. No need to peel them.
• In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine figs, sugar, water, and your choice of additional ingredients (lemon zest/juice, bourbon, spices, etc.).
• Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the figs soften (about 20–25 minutes).
• Mash with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency. Leave it chunky if preferred.
• To test doneness, drop a spoonful on a cold plate. If it thickens as it cools, the jam is ready.
• Pour hot jam into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and let cool.

Notes

Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. For longer shelf life, process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes and store in the pantry for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2 weeks. Try it on toast, yogurt, cheese boards, or as a glaze for meats. You can use dried figs (soaked), reduce sugar for a less sweet version, or skip bourbon for a kid-friendly option.

Nutrition

Calories: 60kcalCarbohydrates: 15gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.3mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

FAQ about Homemade Fig Jam

Can I use frozen figs?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first. Excess water = runny jam.

Why is my jam too sweet?

You might have used overripe figs or too much sugar.

Balance it with a splash of lemon juice next time.

How do I fix runny jam?

Reheat it and simmer longer. If it’s still not thickening, a pinch of pectin can help (but don’t overdo it).

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but sugar acts as a preservative. Less sugar means shorter shelf life—keep it refrigerated.

Is bourbon fig jam kid-friendly?

The alcohol cooks off, but if you’re worried, skip it or use bourbon extract.

Final Thoughts

Homemade fig jam is a game-changer.

It’s easy, customizable, and tastes like you put way more effort into it than you did. Whip up a batch, impress your friends, and never look at store-bought jam the same way again. Happy jamming!