Sugar Free Fig Jam Simple and Healthy Recipe

June 21, 2025 by Natalie

Are you ready to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt? In this post, I’ll guide you through my simple and healthy recipe for sugar-free fig jam. Made with fresh ingredients like figs and applesauce, this jam bursts with flavor. Whether you’re diabetic or just looking to cut sugar, this jam is perfect for breakfast or snacks. Dive in to create a delicious, guilt-free spread that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients

– 2 cups fresh figs, stems removed and chopped

– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

I love using fresh figs for this jam. They have a sweet and unique flavor. When you chop them, make sure to remove the stems. This step helps the figs break down better while cooking. Applesauce adds moisture and sweetness without any sugar. The lemon juice brings a bright taste and helps with preservation.

Flavor Enhancers

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– A pinch of salt

The vanilla extract adds warmth to the jam. It pairs perfectly with the figs. Ground cinnamon gives a cozy touch. Just a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. These simple ingredients make the jam taste gourmet.

Nutritional Information

This jam is low in calories and sugar. Each serving has about 50 calories and only a few grams of natural sugars. Fresh figs provide fiber and antioxidants. This jam is a healthy choice, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to yogurt. You can enjoy this guilt-free treat anytime!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

First, gather your fresh figs. You need 2 cups, with the stems removed. Chop the figs into small pieces. This helps them cook down evenly. Next, measure out 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. You’ll also need 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This adds a nice zing to the jam. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Lastly, get 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt ready.

Cooking Process

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped figs, applesauce, lemon juice, and salt. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir the mixture every few minutes. This helps the figs break down. Cook for about 10 minutes until they soften. Then, add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Mix well to blend all the flavors. After that, reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Finishing the Jam

Keep an eye on the jam as it simmers. You want it to thicken nicely. When it reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Let it cool for a bit before transferring it to a clean glass jar. Allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, seal the jar and store it in the fridge. Enjoy your homemade sugar free fig jam for up to two weeks!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Texture

To get the right texture for your jam, cook it slowly. Start with fresh figs. Chop them finely. This helps them break down easily. Keep stirring as they cook. Aim for a thick consistency. If it’s too runny, simmer it longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. Let it cool to see the final texture.

Flavor Adjustments

Spice up your fig jam with a few tweaks. Try adding ground cloves or nutmeg for warmth. You can mix in a splash of orange juice for a fresh twist. Another option is to use ginger for a bit of zing. Experiment and taste as you go. This lets you find your favorite flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid cooking your jam too fast. If you do, it may burn. This ruins the flavor and texture. Under-cooking can also be a problem. The jam won’t thicken well if you rush it. Do not skip the cooling step. If you jar it too warm, it can spoil. Give it time to cool before sealing.

Variations

Alternative Sweeteners

You can use different sweeteners in your fig jam. Honey adds a nice floral taste. Maple syrup gives it a rich, earthy flavor. Try agave syrup if you want a low-glycemic option. Each sweetener changes the taste slightly, so choose what you like best. Remember, if you switch sweeteners, adjust the amount to fit your taste.

Fruit Mix-Ins

Adding other fruits can make your fig jam even better. Consider mixing in berries like raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and flavor. Apples or pears can also add a nice texture. You can even try spices like cardamom or ginger for a warm taste. Experiment with any fruit you love. This makes the jam unique to you.

Unique Culinary Pairings

Fig jam pairs well with many foods. Spread it on toast or bagels for breakfast. Use it in a cheese platter with brie or goat cheese. It also goes well with roasted meats, adding a sweet touch. You could even use it in desserts, like drizzling it over yogurt or ice cream. The options are endless!

Try the Full Recipe for a great starting point to make your own fig jam.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

You can store your sugar-free fig jam in the fridge for up to two weeks. Make sure the jar is tightly sealed. This keeps the jam fresh and tasty. If you notice any changes in smell, color, or texture, it’s best to throw it out.

Freezing Suggestions

If you want to keep your jam longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe jar or a plastic container. Leave some space at the top, as the jam will expand while freezing. When you’re ready to use it, move the jar to the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also thaw it at room temperature for a few hours.

Jar Sealing Techniques

To seal your jars safely, start with clean, dry jars. After filling them with jam, wipe the rim to remove any residue. Then, place the lid on top and screw the band until it’s snug but not too tight. This allows air to escape. Check that the lid is sealed by pressing the center. If it pops back, it’s not sealed properly. Proper sealing helps keep your jam fresh and safe to eat.

FAQs

How can I make Sugar Free Fig Jam without applesauce?

You can skip applesauce and still make great jam. Try using mashed bananas or pureed pears. Both options give a nice sweetness and smooth texture. If you want a thicker jam, use chia seeds. They absorb liquid and create a gel-like texture. Just mix in one tablespoon of chia seeds after cooking.

Is this jam diabetic-friendly?

Yes, this jam can fit into a diabetic diet. Figs have natural sugars, but they also provide fiber. Fiber helps slow sugar absorption in your body. The jam uses no added sugar, making it a better choice. Always check how it fits into your meal plan.

Can I use dried figs instead of fresh?

You can use dried figs, but the jam will taste different. Dried figs have a stronger sweetness and a chewier texture. To use dried figs, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes before cooking. This softens them and helps them break down easily when you cook. Keep in mind that the cooking time may change with dried figs.

Making fig jam is simple and fun. You learned about fresh ingredients, flavor boosters, and the cooking steps. We covered tips for perfecting texture and avoiding common mistakes. You can also explore cool variations to keep things fresh. Lastly, proper storage helps your jam last longer. Enjoy your homemade fig jam with new recipes and enjoy its health benefits. You have the skills now to create tasty jams anytime!

$- 2 cups fresh figs, stems removed and chopped - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 tablespoon lemon juice I love using fresh figs for this jam. They have a sweet and unique flavor. When you chop them, make sure to remove the stems. This step helps the figs break down better while cooking. Applesauce adds moisture and sweetness without any sugar. The lemon juice brings a bright taste and helps with preservation. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - A pinch of salt The vanilla extract adds warmth to the jam. It pairs perfectly with the figs. Ground cinnamon gives a cozy touch. Just a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. These simple ingredients make the jam taste gourmet. This jam is low in calories and sugar. Each serving has about 50 calories and only a few grams of natural sugars. Fresh figs provide fiber and antioxidants. This jam is a healthy choice, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to yogurt. You can enjoy this guilt-free treat anytime! First, gather your fresh figs. You need 2 cups, with the stems removed. Chop the figs into small pieces. This helps them cook down evenly. Next, measure out 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. You’ll also need 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This adds a nice zing to the jam. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Lastly, get 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt ready. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped figs, applesauce, lemon juice, and salt. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir the mixture every few minutes. This helps the figs break down. Cook for about 10 minutes until they soften. Then, add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Mix well to blend all the flavors. After that, reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the jam as it simmers. You want it to thicken nicely. When it reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Let it cool for a bit before transferring it to a clean glass jar. Allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, seal the jar and store it in the fridge. Enjoy your homemade sugar free fig jam for up to two weeks! To get the right texture for your jam, cook it slowly. Start with fresh figs. Chop them finely. This helps them break down easily. Keep stirring as they cook. Aim for a thick consistency. If it’s too runny, simmer it longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. Let it cool to see the final texture. Spice up your fig jam with a few tweaks. Try adding ground cloves or nutmeg for warmth. You can mix in a splash of orange juice for a fresh twist. Another option is to use ginger for a bit of zing. Experiment and taste as you go. This lets you find your favorite flavor profile. Avoid cooking your jam too fast. If you do, it may burn. This ruins the flavor and texture. Under-cooking can also be a problem. The jam won’t thicken well if you rush it. Do not skip the cooling step. If you jar it too warm, it can spoil. Give it time to cool before sealing. {{image_2}} You can use different sweeteners in your fig jam. Honey adds a nice floral taste. Maple syrup gives it a rich, earthy flavor. Try agave syrup if you want a low-glycemic option. Each sweetener changes the taste slightly, so choose what you like best. Remember, if you switch sweeteners, adjust the amount to fit your taste. Adding other fruits can make your fig jam even better. Consider mixing in berries like raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and flavor. Apples or pears can also add a nice texture. You can even try spices like cardamom or ginger for a warm taste. Experiment with any fruit you love. This makes the jam unique to you. Fig jam pairs well with many foods. Spread it on toast or bagels for breakfast. Use it in a cheese platter with brie or goat cheese. It also goes well with roasted meats, adding a sweet touch. You could even use it in desserts, like drizzling it over yogurt or ice cream. The options are endless! Try the Full Recipe for a great starting point to make your own fig jam. You can store your sugar-free fig jam in the fridge for up to two weeks. Make sure the jar is tightly sealed. This keeps the jam fresh and tasty. If you notice any changes in smell, color, or texture, it’s best to throw it out. If you want to keep your jam longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe jar or a plastic container. Leave some space at the top, as the jam will expand while freezing. When you're ready to use it, move the jar to the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also thaw it at room temperature for a few hours. To seal your jars safely, start with clean, dry jars. After filling them with jam, wipe the rim to remove any residue. Then, place the lid on top and screw the band until it’s snug but not too tight. This allows air to escape. Check that the lid is sealed by pressing the center. If it pops back, it’s not sealed properly. Proper sealing helps keep your jam fresh and safe to eat. You can skip applesauce and still make great jam. Try using mashed bananas or pureed pears. Both options give a nice sweetness and smooth texture. If you want a thicker jam, use chia seeds. They absorb liquid and create a gel-like texture. Just mix in one tablespoon of chia seeds after cooking. Yes, this jam can fit into a diabetic diet. Figs have natural sugars, but they also provide fiber. Fiber helps slow sugar absorption in your body. The jam uses no added sugar, making it a better choice. Always check how it fits into your meal plan. You can use dried figs, but the jam will taste different. Dried figs have a stronger sweetness and a chewier texture. To use dried figs, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes before cooking. This softens them and helps them break down easily when you cook. Keep in mind that the cooking time may change with dried figs. Making fig jam is simple and fun. You learned about fresh ingredients, flavor boosters, and the cooking steps. We covered tips for perfecting texture and avoiding common mistakes. You can also explore cool variations to keep things fresh. Lastly, proper storage helps your jam last longer. Enjoy your homemade fig jam with new recipes and enjoy its health benefits. You have the skills now to create tasty jams anytime!$