Honey Caramelized Figs with Crème Fraîche
Caramelized figs are seared in butter and honey until soft and jammy, then finished with a bright lemon pan sauce, cool crème fraîche, and flaky sea salt. A simple, one-skillet recipe that works just as well for dessert as it does for a sweet-savory appetizer.
Servings: 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 12 fresh figs any variety
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons crème fraîche
- large-flake sea salt (such as Maldon)
Instructions
- Rinse the figs under cold tap water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Slice each fig in half, lengthwise, place on a plate and drizzle the cut side with the honey.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or pan over medium-high and add the butter. When the butter has melted, place the figs, cut side down, in the melted butter.
- Cook the figs for 5 minutes without moving them, then carefully turn them over and cook for another minute. Remove the skillet from the heat, spoon the caramelized figs into glass goblets or dishes.
- Return the skillet to the stove. Heat the butter and juices until bubbly, then pour the lemon juice into the skillet. Bring to a boil while stirring and scraping the pan bottom.
- Lower the heat and simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, continuing to stir and scrape the bottom.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and spoon the sauce over each serving of figs, add a heaping spoon full of crème fraîche and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Notes
Make ahead: The figs and sauce can be cooked a few hours in advance and gently rewarmed over low heat. Add the crème fraîche and flaky salt just before serving.
Serving ideas: Serve warm as a dessert with crème fraîche, or pair with prosciutto and crisp crackers for an easy appetizer.
Heat control: Medium-high heat is key for caramelization. If the honey starts to darken too quickly, lower the heat slightly.
Storage: Leftovers keep for up to one day in the refrigerator. Rewarm gently; the figs will be softer but still flavorful.
Salt tip: Finish with flaky sea salt right before serving to sharpen the sweetness and add texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 117mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 43g
