Fresh Figs with Date Caramel, Dark Chocolate + Pistachios topped with a little sea salt may be my favorite summer treat! Especially when you consider that they’re Paleo-friendly and ridiculously easy to make, and everybody ooooohs & aaaaahs when they see them.
– Updated June 2021 –
This is one of those bring to a party: everyone loves you treats. I use dairy-free, soy-free chocolate chips, and I usually leave a few without pistachios if I’m making them for a crowd. The date caramel prep is the hardest part – and it isn’t hard at all. I took date caramel recipe inspo from Minimalist Baker, because I started out making her recipe. Now I’ve got a version I’m really happy with. I think it definitely needs a touch of salt, and vanilla bean paste helps with the “real” caramel flavor. If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, DO NOT sub with vanilla extract. That results in a funky high-alcohol moment that is not delicious.
I put the figs on a rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment for easy clean up, and I use a disposable pastry bag to get the caramel on each fig. I use disposable pastry bags for all kinds of things now – my cupcakes have never looked better, and it’s no longer a challenge to fill little to-go containers with jarred condiments for packed lunches. Score!
Since 100% of the commercially grown fresh figs in the U.S. are from California, and they grow right around me, I have plenty of access to figs in the summer. I’m happy to share that this date caramel/dark chocolate/pistachio/flaky salt combo is also delicious on sliced rounds of fresh apple or strawberries too. Once you try this, you’ll definitely want to make it year-round.
Top your fresh figs with date caramel and let me know what you think! If you love fresh fig recipes, try Baked Eggplant with California Figs & Leeks or Fig and Prosciutto Salad.
Fresh Figs with Date Caramel, Dark Chocolate and Pistachios
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
For The Figs
- 12 fresh figs halved
- 1 batch date caramel {see below}
- 8 oz. dark chocolate chips dairy-free/Paleo if desired
- 4 oz. pistachios chopped
- flaky sea salt
For The Date Caramel
- 15 large pitted dates
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1/8 cup water or less
- fine sea salt
Instructions
Make the Date Caramel
- First, check to see if your dates are moist and pliable (slightly squishy). If so, move on to the next step. If not, soak them in warm water for 8-10 minutes, then drain and proceed.
- Add the dates and vanilla bean paste to a food processor. Pulse, stopping to scrape down sides occasionally, until the mixture begins to form a paste and a few bits remain. Add a scant pinch of salt, set the processor to run on low, and slowly pour in a thin stream of very warm water until the mixture becomes a thick, creamy paste.
- Scrape down the sides again and taste to see if the date caramel needs more salt. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, if it lasts that long!
- *To make topping the figs easier, I load the date caramel into a disposable pastry bag.
Assemble the Figs
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a Silpat, and place the figs on it cut side up.
- Top each fig with a dollop of date caramel – I usually use a pastry bag, but you can use a small spoon too.
- Add the chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring thoroughly between each 30 seconds, until chocolate is just melted. Immediately drizzle chocolate over figs.
- Before the chocolate begins to set, sprinkle chopped pistachios over the figs and add a bit of flaky sea salt to each fig.
- Allow chocolate to fully set (about 30 minutes in a 75 degree F room, or 10 minutes in the fridgand enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Photos: Alycia Moreno
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fresh Figs with Date Caramel:
Most caramel is made from milk, butter, sugar and possibly salt. Date caramel is made with fresh dates, salt and sometimes warm water and vanilla.
Yes! Fresh dates have a sweet, sticky flavor with caramel notes. The additional of salt and vanilla really bring out the caramel flavor in the fruit.
Dates have vitamins and nutrients in addition to their natural sweetness. They are considered healthier than granulated white sugar.
Yes! Figs contain lots of fiber, along with being a source of both calcium and potassium. That makes figs great for GI health and bone health too.
Absolutely. The skin of fresh figs is delicious, healthy and safe to eat.
