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Flavorful Vanilla Bean Fig Jam with Cinnamon

vanilla bean fig jam - featured image

A quick and easy homemade fig jam infused with real vanilla bean and cinnamon, perfect for toast, cheese platters, or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) fresh figs, ripe but firm
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
  • 1 large cinnamon stick
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 pounds (900 grams) of fresh figs under cold water. Remove the stems and quarter the figs into small but chunky pieces.
  2. Using a sharp knife, carefully split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the tiny seeds. Set seeds and pod aside.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the quartered figs, granulated sugar, scraped vanilla seeds and pod, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, and water. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. As figs soften, mash some pieces against the pot side to release pectin. Simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
  5. Test jam consistency by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles and doesn’t run quickly, it’s done. Remove vanilla bean pod and cinnamon stick.
  6. Let the jam cool slightly before spooning into sterilized glass jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or process jars in a hot water bath for longer shelf life.

Notes

Use ripe but firm figs for best texture. Stir frequently to prevent burning and sugar crystallization. Lemon juice is essential for balancing sweetness and helping jam set. Vanilla bean pods provide richer flavor than extract. Jam thickens as it cools; remove from heat just before it feels done. For a smoother jam, strain seeds after cooking. Variations include adding cardamom or nutmeg, reducing sugar, or using a slow cooker.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig jam, vanilla bean jam, cinnamon jam, homemade jam, easy jam recipe, fruit preserves, breakfast jam, gift jam