Fig and Honey Tart Recipe

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A fresh fig and honey tart is one of those desserts that looks like it came straight from a patisserie window, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Using ripe, juicy figs, a drizzle of golden honey, and a ready-to-bake pie crust, you can create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. In this guide, we’ll walk through every step—from choosing the perfect figs to baking the tart to golden perfection. You’ll also find tips for enhancing flavor, presentation, and pairing ideas so your tart is the star of the table. Looking for inspiration? Try Peach Pie Cruffins Recipe for another stunning fruit dessert.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Ingredients for the Perfect Fresh Fig and Honey Tart

Selecting the Best Fresh Figs

Figs are the star of this tart, so choosing the right ones is key. Look for figs that are plump, soft to the touch, and rich in color. Avoid any that are overly squishy or have dry stems. For this recipe, Black Mission figs add a deep, jammy sweetness, while Kadota figs bring a lighter, honeyed flavor. You can even mix varieties for visual appeal.

Other Key Ingredients

  • Pie Dough – Store-bought works well for convenience, but homemade adds a richer, buttery taste.
  • Honey – Choose a floral variety like wildflower or orange blossom for subtle complexity.
  • Butter – A small amount helps give the crust extra flakiness.
  • Almond Meal – Sprinkling a thin layer on the crust before adding figs prevents sogginess.
  • Egg Wash – For that perfect golden-brown finish.
Sliced figs on pie dough for fresh fig and honey tart
Fresh figs arranged on buttery pie dough before baking

Don’t miss our Peach Cake recipe for another way to combine fruit and pastry.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preparing the Dough Base

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
  3. Place the dough onto parchment paper on a baking tray. Sprinkle almond meal in the center, leaving a 2-inch border for folding.

Arranging the Fresh Figs

Slice the figs into 1/4-inch rounds and gently overlap them in concentric circles on the dough. This not only makes the tart visually appealing but ensures every bite has a burst of flavor.

Adding the Honey Drizzle

Once the figs are in place, drizzle honey generously over the top. The heat will caramelize it during baking, creating a glossy finish and a deeper sweetness.

Folding and Baking

Fold the edges of the dough over the outer layer of figs, creating rustic pleats. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with a bit of raw sugar. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the crust is golden and the figs are tender.

Learn more about creating golden crusts in our Apple Pie Ice Cream Delight tutorial.

Serving Suggestions and Flavor Variations

Serving Ideas

The beauty of a fresh fig and honey tart is that it can be served warm or at room temperature. When warm, the honey is runny, and the figs release their juices for a luscious, almost jam-like texture. At room temperature, the flavors meld and intensify, making it perfect for a picnic or dinner party dessert.

Slice of fresh fig and honey tart with mascarpone
A warm slice of fig tart served with creamy mascarpone cheese

Top slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for a creamy contrast. If you want a bit of crunch, sprinkle toasted pistachios or walnuts over the top right before serving.

Flavor Variations

  • Cheese Layer – Spread a thin layer of goat cheese or ricotta on the crust before adding figs for a sweet-savory twist.
  • Spiced Honey – Warm the honey with cinnamon, cardamom, or even a pinch of black pepper before drizzling.
  • Citrus Touch – Add grated orange zest to the honey for a fresh, bright finish.

Discover great ideas like our Easiest Peach Galette for another rustic yet elegant dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing the Tart

If you have leftovers (a rare occasion!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind that refrigeration may slightly soften the crust, so reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes to restore crispness.

Make-Ahead Preparation

You can prepare the pie dough and slice the figs a few hours in advance. Keep the dough chilled in the refrigerator and figs covered in an airtight container. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

For events, you can also fully bake the tart earlier in the day, then warm it in the oven before guests arrive.

Looking for inspiration? Try our New York Cheesecake Recipe for another crowd-pleasing make-ahead dessert.

Pairings for the Perfect Dessert Experience

Beverage Pairings

Pair your fresh fig and honey tart with a lightly sweet wine like Moscato d’Asti or a crisp sparkling wine like Prosecco. For a non-alcoholic option, herbal teas such as chamomile or mint complement the fig’s sweetness beautifully.

Fresh fig and honey tart with Moscato wine pairing
The perfect pairing – fig tart with a glass of Moscato d’Asti

Seasonal Pairings

In summer, serve with fresh berries on the side. In autumn, pair with roasted pears or a spiced apple compote for a cozy seasonal twist.

Why This Tart Works Year-Round

Because figs are available both fresh and dried, you can adapt the recipe for different seasons. Fresh figs shine in summer, while dried figs rehydrated in a warm honey syrup can bring the same indulgence to winter tables.

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FAQ – Fig and Honey Tart Recipe

Can I make fig and honey tart with dried figs?

Yes. If fresh figs aren’t in season, you can rehydrate dried figs in warm water or a light honey syrup for 15–20 minutes. This will soften them and enhance their sweetness before baking.

What’s the best honey to use for this tart?

Choose a light, floral honey like orange blossom, acacia, or wildflower. These varieties complement the figs without overpowering their natural flavor.

How do I prevent the tart crust from getting soggy?

Sprinkling almond meal or fine breadcrumbs on the dough before adding figs creates a barrier that absorbs extra moisture, keeping the crust crisp.

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the tart a few hours in advance and store it at room temperature. For the best texture, reheat at 325°F for 10 minutes before serving.

What’s the best way to serve fig and honey tart?

Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of mascarpone, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of extra honey right before serving adds extra shine and sweetness.

Can I freeze fig and honey tart?

It’s not ideal to freeze this tart because figs can release too much moisture upon thawing, making the crust soggy. If you must freeze it, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and reheat in the oven from frozen.

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Sliced figs on pie dough for fresh fig and honey tart

Fig and Honey Tart Recipe


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  • Author: ava salmon
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A simple, elegant dessert featuring juicy fresh figs, golden honey, and a buttery crust. Perfect for entertaining or enjoying with afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ready-to-bake pie dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1012 fresh figs, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 3 tbsp honey (wildflower or orange blossom recommended)
  • 2 tbsp almond meal
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp raw sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out pie dough on a lightly floured surface until ⅛ inch thick.
  3. Place dough on parchment-lined baking tray and sprinkle almond meal in the center, leaving a 2-inch border.
  4. Arrange sliced figs in overlapping circles on the almond meal layer.
  5. Drizzle honey evenly over figs.
  6. Fold dough edges over the outer figs, pleating as needed for a rustic look.
  7. Brush crust with egg wash and sprinkle with raw sugar.
  8. Bake for 35–40 minutes until crust is golden and figs are tender.
  9. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Best served the same day for maximum freshness.
  • For a savory twist, spread goat cheese on the dough before adding figs.
  • Reheat leftovers at 325°F for 10 minutes to refresh the crust.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ tart)
  • Calories: 245 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

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