Simple Honey & Orange Baked Figs With Orange Mascarpone Cream

Fresh figs

Figs are a delicious fresh fruit, with lots of seeds on the inside. The whole fruit is edible, including the skin. They have a sweet, jam like taste when ripe. Some varieties are dark in colour (like Black Mission figs), while others are a vibrant green.

When figs are in season depends on the variety and where you live, but they are usually a Summer or Autumn/Fall fruit. In the US figs are grown mostly in California and are available from May to November. Here in Australia figs only have a more limited season in Autumn and are usually available in stores from February to April. We have a wonderful local pick your own fig farm, but you may be lucky enough to have your own backyard tree. Figs can bruise easily, so it’s best to source them locally when you can.

You can tell when figs are ripe when they feel soft to touch and when the inside is juicy. (Under-ripe figs will feel too firm and an overripe fig will be mushy and have a sour smell when sliced.)

Fresh figs go beautifully with the sweetness of oranges, including navel, Cara Cara and blood orange varieties. This recipe adds cinnamon and honey for a sweet and lightly spiced dessert.

Ingredients for honey orange baked figs

To make this simple orange baked fig recipe, you’ll need:

• 8 fresh figs
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 Tablespoons orange juice
• Zest of half an orange
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the sweet orange mascarpone cream you’ll need:

• 250g (1 cup) mascarpone cheese
• 1 Tablespoon icing (powdered) sugar
• 2 Tablespoons orange juice
• Zest of half an orange
• Optional: Replace one Tablespoon of orange juice with orange liqueur (eg Cointreau)

Method

Preheat oven to 200C (400F).

Gently rinse figs and pat dry. Using a sharp knife, cut off any any woody tips.

Slice figs in half lengthwise and place in a lightly greased small glass or ceramic rectangular baking dish.

Place butter, honey, 2 Tablespoons orange juice and zest of half an orange and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low to medium heat, stirring, until the butter melts and the mixture is well combined.

Pour melted butter and honey mixture over the figs in the baking dish.

Place the figs in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until figs are soft.

Orange mascarpone cream

While the figs are baking, prepare the mascarpone cream.

Place mascarpone, icing sugar, orange juice and orange zest in a small bowl and stir well to combine. (If you prefer, substitute one Tablespoon of the orange juice with an orange flavoured liqueur such as Cointreau).

Serve honey and orange baked figs warm, topped with the sweetened orange honey sauce and a dollop of orange mascarpone cream.

Serves 8.

Making ahead and storage

Both the baked figs and mascarpone cream can be made ahead of time and kept well covered in the fridge. Figs will need to be gently reheated in the oven before serving so that the orange honey sauce is melted and warm.

Left over figs and mascarpone can be kept in the fridge in a well covered container for up to 3 days. Again, reheat figs before serving.

More citrus inspired recipes

For another delicious citrus dessert, try our citrus fruit salad with vanilla and cardamom. Or for more recipe ideas using oranges, you might like our easy orange vinaigrette or blood orange loaf cake.

There are lots more tasty citrus recipes to try on our recipes page.

And don’t forget to subscribe for more citrus inspiration for your kitchen, garden and home.

Free goodies!

Subscribe and receive our citrus themed weekly planner and to do list

Email*

Email

Submit