Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs: A Sweet & Savory Gourmet Delight

Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs are an indulgent treat that blends rich, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness. These decadent bites feature juicy dried figs stuffed with creamy goat cheese, drizzled with caramel, dipped in dark chocolate, and finished with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. This sophisticated combination of flavors and textures makes these figs the perfect appetizer, snack, or elegant dessert for any special occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these figs will surely impress.

If you’re looking for more gourmet dessert ideas, check out this Salted Caramel Brownie recipe or explore other fig-based recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Making Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs is a simple yet luxurious process. Here’s how to create these gourmet delights:

Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs: A Decadent Gourmet Treat

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 12 figs 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs are a luxurious and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of goat cheese, honey, balsamic vinegar, and the sweetness of caramel and dark chocolate. Each fig is carefully drizzled with melted caramel and dark chocolate, topped with finely chopped almonds, and finished with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Ideal for a special occasion or as a unique dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

12 large toothpicks
12 dried figs
4 ounces fresh goat cheese
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 package (11 ounces) Kraft caramel bits
2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup finely chopped almonds
1–1/2 cups dark chocolate chips, melted
Coarse sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Figs:
Carefully insert a toothpick into each dried fig, making sure it goes through the middle and stays in place. Set the figs aside.
Make the Goat Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the fresh goat cheese, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Stuff the Figs:
Gently stuff each fig with the goat cheese mixture. Use a small spoon or your fingers to fill the fig cavity, making sure each fig is filled generously with the cheese mixture.
Melt the Caramel:
In a small saucepan, combine the Kraft caramel bits and water. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
Melt the Chocolate:
In a separate bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
Dip the Figs:
Dip each stuffed fig into the melted caramel, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dip the fig into the melted dark chocolate, covering it completely.
Garnish:
Sprinkle the melted chocolate and caramel-covered figs with the finely chopped almonds. Then, lightly sprinkle with coarse sea salt for an added flavor contrast.
Chill and Serve:
Place the figs on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the caramel and chocolate to set. Once set, serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Storage: These figs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent the caramel and chocolate from melting.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, or try using different types of chocolate for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions: These figs are perfect for a party platter or as a decadent treat for a special occasion.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Appetizer
Method: Melting, Stuffing, Chilling
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fig
Calories: 180
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs Recipe

Instructions:

Prepare the Figs: Carefully slice each dried fig lengthwise, creating a pocket, but not cutting all the way through. Remove the stem if needed.
Make the Goat Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the fresh goat cheese, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Stir until smooth and well combined. Carefully stuff each fig with the goat cheese mixture, using about a teaspoon for each.
Prepare the Caramel: In a small saucepan, melt the Kraft caramel bits with the water over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat once melted and let it cool slightly.
Coat the Figs in Caramel: Using a toothpick, dip each stuffed fig into the caramel, ensuring the fig is fully coated. Place the caramel-covered figs on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray to set.
Dip in Dark Chocolate: Once the caramel has set on the figs, dip them into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring each fig is coated. Place the chocolate-dipped figs back onto the parchment-lined tray.
Add Almonds and Sea Salt: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the figs with finely chopped almonds and a light sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
Allow to Set: Let the figs rest at room temperature or refrigerate them for about 20-30 minutes to allow the chocolate and caramel to set completely.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the figs are fully set, serve them on a platter. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Advanced Techniques for Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs

While the basic recipe is already indulgent, you can elevate these Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs with a few advanced techniques:

1. Experiment with Flavored Caramel

Instead of using regular caramel, you can infuse your caramel with flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or orange zest. Simply add a pinch of your desired flavoring to the caramel while it’s melting for an extra layer of depth in your figs.

2. Try Different Nuts

While almonds add a nice crunch to the figs, you can switch it up with other nuts, such as pistachios, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts. You can also toast the nuts before sprinkling them on the figs for a deeper flavor.

3. Use Dark Chocolate with High Cocoa Content

For a richer, more intense chocolate experience, opt for dark chocolate chips with a higher cocoa percentage (70-80%). This will create a more complex flavor profile that balances the sweetness of the caramel and figs.

4. Create a Ganache Instead of Melted Chocolate

For an extra luxurious coating, make a dark chocolate ganache by combining dark chocolate chips with heavy cream. Heat the cream until it’s almost boiling, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly before dipping the figs for a silkier coating.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored and maintained with proper care.

1. Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover figs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will retain their flavor and texture, though the caramel may soften slightly over time.

2. Freezing the Figs

For longer storage, you can freeze the figs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour until firm. Then transfer the figs to a freezer-safe container or bag, and store them for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat them, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator.

3. Keep the Caramel and Chocolate Separate

If you’re preparing these figs in advance, it’s best to store the caramel and chocolate separately until you are ready to assemble. This ensures that the chocolate remains smooth and the caramel doesn’t become too sticky or soft during storage.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

You can easily adapt Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs to suit different dietary needs with a few simple substitutions:

1. Vegan Option

To make these figs vegan, swap the fresh goat cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, such as cashew cream cheese or coconut-based cream cheese. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and make your own vegan caramel using coconut milk or almond milk.

2. Gluten-Free Option

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses dried figs and does not include any gluten-containing ingredients. Just ensure that the caramel and chocolate are certified gluten-free if needed.

3. Low-Sugar Option

For a lower-sugar option, you can use a sugar-free caramel sauce or make your own using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Opt for dark chocolate with a lower sugar content to reduce the overall sugar in the recipe.

FAQs About Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs

1. Can I use fresh figs instead of dried ones?

While dried figs work best for this recipe because of their concentrated sweetness and firmer texture, you can try using fresh figs. However, fresh figs may not hold up as well when dipped in caramel and chocolate and could become too soft.

2. Can I prepare these figs in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs a day ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

3. What kind of caramel can I use?

You can use store-bought caramel sauce, but we recommend melting caramel bits for a smoother and more consistent texture. If you prefer, you can also make your own caramel from scratch.

4. How do I store these figs?

Store leftover figs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, though the texture may change slightly once thawed.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs are the perfect gourmet treat that combines the best of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, enjoying them as a decadent snack, or presenting them as a dessert for special occasions, these figs are sure to impress. Their indulgent flavors and stunning presentation make them an unforgettable treat that everyone will love.