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Homemade Fig Newton Butter Recipe

4.8 from 112 reviews

Homemade Fig Newton Butter is a delicious, naturally fermented fruit spread made from dried figs, dried apples, orange zest, and fresh whey. Lightly sweetened with raw honey and spiced with cinnamon, this fruity butter is perfect for spreading on toast, crackers, or using in desserts. The fermentation step adds depth of flavor and a subtle tang, enhancing the natural sweetness and texture of the fruit.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fruit Base:

  • 3/4 cup dried figs, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried apples, coarsely chopped
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups warm filtered water
  • Finely grated zest from 1 small orange
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh whey

To Finish:

  • 1 to 2 tbsp raw honey, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Soak the Fruit: Coarsely chop the dried figs and dried apples and place them in a bowl. Cover with 1 1/2 to 2 cups of warm filtered water and let the fruit soak for 20-25 minutes until softened. Drain well, reserving the soaking liquid for later use.
  2. Process the Fruit: Transfer the softened figs and apples to a food processor. Add the finely grated orange zest, sea salt, and fresh whey. Process until smooth, pulsing at intervals to achieve an even texture. Add a teaspoon or two of reserved soaking water as needed to help combine the mixture into a smooth paste.
  3. Jar and Ferment: Press the fruit paste firmly into a pint-sized mason jar, leaving at least 1 inch of headspace at the top and eliminating air pockets. Pour at least 1/2 inch of the reserved soaking liquid over the paste to cover it. Seal the jar tightly and set it aside at room temperature for 1-2 days to ferment and develop flavor.
  4. Add Honey and Cinnamon: After fermentation, stir in raw honey and ground cinnamon to taste. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
  5. Store and Serve: Refrigerate the fruit butter where it will keep fresh for 6-8 weeks. For added aroma and flavor, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before serving. Enjoy spread on toast, crackers, or used in various desserts.

Notes

  • Fermentation enhances the flavor and preserves the fig butter naturally.
  • Use fresh whey to aid fermentation; if unavailable, a probiotic or buttermilk can be substituted.
  • Adjust the amount of honey depending on your preferred sweetness level.
  • Keep the fruit butter refrigerated after fermentation to maintain freshness.
  • Ensure the jar is sealed tightly during fermentation to prevent contamination but allow for slight gas release if needed to avoid pressure buildup.

Keywords: fig butter, homemade fruit spread, fig newton butter, fermented fruit butter, natural fruit spread, raw honey fig spread