Embrace Autumn: Easy 3-Ingredient Low-Sugar Fig Jam with Bare Snacks Apple Chips

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Discover the simplest way to make a naturally sweet fig jam using just three ingredients: fresh figs, lemon, and a hint of maple syrup. This delightful fall spread is perfect for topping toast, warm oatmeal, or enriching your favorite yogurt bowls, especially when paired with crispy apple chips.

Embracing the Cozy Comforts of Fall

As the days grow shorter and the air takes on a crisp, refreshing chill, I find myself drawn to the simple comforts of autumn. While the temperatures outside drop, I’m still relishing the cool, invigorating atmosphere within my home. I wake up to a comfortable 68 degrees, a gentle embrace of the season that encourages me to cozy up on the couch, wrapped in warm blankets, as I sip my matcha latte and enjoy a quiet morning journaling session.

There’s a unique beauty in consciously reducing energy consumption, allowing my home to ebb and flow with the natural rhythm of fall. Instead of rigidly heating and cooling to a perfect 72 degrees, I’ve learned to surrender to the changing temperatures, adapting with sweaters and long pants in the mornings, and opening windows to welcome warmer breezes in the afternoons. This intentional presence, connecting with the weather just outside my window, has brought a profound sense of peace and appreciation for the season.

A Celebration of Seasonal Produce: Figs and Apples

Beyond the delightful shift in temperatures, autumn also ushers in an abundance of incredible seasonal produce. Among my favorites are the luscious fresh figs and crisp, sweet apples. This particular recipe for Low Sugar Fig Jam & Apple Chips is a testament to the natural sweetness and vibrant flavors that fall has to offer. It’s the kind of wholesome, satisfying snack you’ll want to keep on hand throughout the season.

The Allure of Fresh Figs: A Fall Delicacy

Indeed, it’s finally fall, and with it, the much-anticipated fig season has arrived! I have an undeniable love affair with figs. Their exquisite taste, a delicate balance of sweetness and earthiness, is truly captivating. But it’s not just their flavor; their appearance is equally enchanting. The soft, sweet purple skin, revealing a vibrant pink interior dotted with a scattering of tiny yellow seeds, makes each fig a miniature work of art. They are, simply put, beautiful.

The inspiration for this homemade fig jam first struck me last fall, and the idea has been lingering in my mind ever since. I envisioned mason jars brimming with this delectable spread, ready to be enjoyed on everything imaginable. This recipe brings that vision to life, offering a delightful vegan, refined-sugar-free jam that comes together effortlessly on your stovetop with just three simple ingredients.

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: What You’ll Need

Creating this irresistible low-sugar fig jam is surprisingly straightforward, requiring only a handful of essential items:

• Fresh, ripe figs: The star of our jam, providing natural sweetness and a unique texture.
• Bright lemon: To add a crucial touch of acidity, balancing the figs’ sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor.
• Pure maple syrup: A natural, unrefined sweetener to complement the figs and achieve that perfect jammy consistency without excessive sugar.

That’s truly it! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the figs to shine through.

Starting with the Star: Fresh Figs

Our journey to delicious fig jam begins with a generous quantity of fresh figs – specifically, three pounds. While this might sound like a lot, rest assured it’s the perfect amount for a batch of rich, flavorful jam. For context, three pounds of fresh figs typically equates to about 36 small figs or 24 larger ones. Don’t worry about being overly precise with the count; this recipe is wonderfully forgiving. It may seem like an abundant starting point, but the figs will cook down significantly, concentrating their flavor and texture into a beautiful jam.

A fun anecdote from my own kitchen adventures recently involved trying to weigh packages on my downstairs scale, only to discover it couldn’t accurately measure anything under five pounds! The clever solution was to calculate the difference: weighing myself with the package, then without. Thankfully, you won’t need to perform any complex calculations for your figs. Just know that a substantial amount is key for a robust jam.

Preparing Your Figs for the Perfect Jam

Preparing the figs is a straightforward process. Begin by rinsing them thoroughly under cool water to remove any surface debris. Next, gently remove the stems, which can be done by simply twisting them off with your fingers or by carefully slicing them away with a sharp knife. The way you cut your figs will largely determine the final texture of your jam.

For this particular recipe, I opted to quarter my figs, resulting in a delightfully thick jam with substantial, satisfying chunks of fruit. If you prefer a smoother jam, you can dice the figs into much smaller pieces. For an even silkier consistency, consider mashing or even briefly blending the figs before adding them to the saucepan. Conversely, if you desire an extra chunky jam, you could even halve the figs. Once prepared to your liking, combine the figs with the fresh lemon juice and pure maple syrup in a large saucepan.

The Art of Cooking Low-Sugar Fig Jam

Given the natural sweetness of fresh figs, I highly recommend using a light hand with the maple syrup. Just a gentle drizzle is usually sufficient to enhance their inherent sugars and help achieve that desirable sticky, jammy texture. The addition of fresh lemon juice is crucial here; its bright citrus notes cut through the sweetness, providing a perfect balance to the rich fig and maple flavors. Lemon also contributes natural pectin, which aids in the jam’s setting process, ensuring a beautifully thick consistency without the need for added pectin.

Place the fig mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and allow it to cook for approximately 60 minutes. This slow-cooking method effectively mimics the gentle, even heat of a slow-cooker, allowing the flavors to meld and the figs to break down beautifully, all without the long wait of a traditional crockpot. In about an hour, you’ll be rewarded with a rich, aromatic homemade fig jam.

Essential Tips for Perfect Fig Jam

While your fig jam slowly simmers to perfection, a few key pointers will ensure the best possible outcome:

1. **Constant Stirring:** It’s vital to stir the mixture frequently. This prevents the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning, ensuring an even cook and consistent texture throughout. Don’t underestimate the power of a good stir!
2. **Maintaining Moisture:** Depending on the water content of your figs and the amount of maple syrup used, the jam might appear a little dry at times. If this occurs, simply add filtered water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring well to rehydrate the mixture. Don’t worry; this added water will evaporate during cooking and will not dilute the rich flavor of your jam.
3. **Smash and Muddle:** Don’t be shy about actively mashing and muddling the figs with your spoon or a potato masher as you stir. This action significantly helps the figs to break down more effectively, contributing to that coveted jammy consistency. The more you encourage them to break apart, the smoother and more integrated your jam will become.

These simple techniques will guide you to a truly exceptional homemade low-sugar fig spread.

Checking for Doneness and Customizing Sweetness

After approximately 30-45 minutes of simmering, your saucepan should reveal a luscious, gooey brown jam, beautifully mottled with fig seeds and inviting chunks of tender fig. This is a truly delightful sight!

At this stage, it’s highly recommended to perform a taste test. This crucial step allows you to assess the sweetness and adjust it to your personal preference. I find that a light drizzle of maple syrup allows the subtle, natural sweetness of the figs to truly shine. However, if you prefer a sweeter jam, feel free to add additional maple syrup, one tablespoon at a time, until it meets your desired taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

This is also the perfect moment to check the texture. If your jam is too chunky for your liking, use a fork or potato masher to further smash down the figs. Stir thoroughly and continue to cook down until the jam is perfectly combined and has reached your preferred thickness. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape.

The Perfect Companion: Bare Snacks Apple Chips

Before transferring your freshly made fig jam to jars to cool, let’s talk about the ideal pairing. A refined-sugar-free jam deserves a partner that’s equally wholesome and naturally sweet. And what combination screams “fall” more beautifully than figs and apples? It’s a classic duo that never disappoints.

I absolutely adore using Bare Snacks Apple Chips for dipping into this fig jam. The brilliance of these apple chips lies in their simplicity: they are made with just *one* ingredient – apples! Their natural sweetness and satisfying crispness provide a fantastic textural contrast to the soft, jammy figs. This pairing creates a truly fierce and flavorful fall snack that’s both healthy and incredibly delicious. You can spread the low-sugar fig jam directly onto the apple chips for elegant appetizer rounds, or simply dip the chips into the jam for a quick, sweet bite. Either way, it’s a match made in autumn heaven!

Versatile Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Fig Jam

Once cooled, this delicious Low Sugar Fig Jam, especially when paired with Bare Snacks Apple Chips, is a perfect addition to your fridge. It’s an incredibly versatile spread that can elevate numerous meals and snacks throughout the fall season. Here are just a few inspiring ideas for how to enjoy its delightful flavor:

• **Classic Toast & Bagels:** Generously smear it on your morning toast, a warm croissant, or a freshly baked vegan bagel for a delightful breakfast.
• **Peanut Butter & Jam Reinvented:** Pair it with your favorite Roasted Peanut-Cashew Butter for a healthier, gourmet twist on the classic PB&J sandwich.
• **Baked Goods Enhancement:** Use it as a sweet filling for thumbprint cookies, turnovers, or even as a base for a fig tart.
• **Breakfast Bowl Booster:** Stir a spoonful into warm oatmeal, a creamy yogurt bowl, or even a chia pudding for added sweetness and depth.
• **Savory Pairings:** Don’t limit it to sweet dishes! This jam shines on a cheese board, complementing both mild and sharp cheeses (vegan or dairy). It can also be a unique glaze for roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or plant-based proteins.
• **Simple & Satisfying:** Serve it atop crackers with a sprinkle of nuts, or simply enjoy it by the spoonful for an instant burst of fall flavor.
• **Dessert Topping:** Drizzle it over dairy-free ice cream, pancakes, or waffles for an indulgent treat.

This jam keeps well for several weeks in the refrigerator, allowing you to make a generous batch and enjoy its goodness in countless ways. Imagine all the possibilities!

Share Your Creations & Discover More Fall Flavors

If you give this Low Sugar Fig Jam & Apple Chips recipe a try, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your creative spreading ideas and how you enjoyed this delicious fall treat. Don’t hesitate to give me a shout on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to show off your beautiful creations!

For more inspiring recipes and beautiful food photography, be sure to check out my Pinterest page. You’ll find plenty of ideas to pin for later, ensuring your fall kitchen is always brimming with delicious possibilities.

And if you’re a fan of stovetop fruit spreads, you’ll definitely want to explore my other favorites, like Maple Pear Butter and Low Sugar Pumpkin Apple Butter. These seasonal delights are perfect for expanding your repertoire of homemade spreads.

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XO Lauren

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