Almond Flour Fig Recipe – Easy Gluten-Free Indian Dessert

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Almond Flour Fig Recipe – Easy Gluten-Free Indian Dessert

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this incredibly simple, yet utterly delicious, almond flour and fig recipe with you. It’s a little something I whipped up when I was craving a sweet treat that wouldn’t leave me feeling guilty. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, which is a win for everyone! This recipe is inspired by the beautiful tradition of Indian sweets, but with a modern, lighter twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s quick – ready in under 30 minutes! It’s easy – even if you’re not a seasoned baker. And it’s delicious – the warm, sweet figs nestled in a buttery almond crust are just heavenly. It’s a perfect little dessert for a cozy night in, or to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful mini pies:

• 1 cup almond flour (about 96g)
• 1 tablespoon ghee (about 15ml)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon honey (about 21g)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (about 2.5g)
• Pinch of salt
• 10-12 figs
• 1 teaspoon honey (about 7g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Almond Flour: This is the star for keeping things gluten-free! It adds a lovely nutty flavor and a slightly crumbly texture. You can find it easily in most supermarkets now, or online.
• Ghee: Ghee is liquid gold in Indian desserts! It adds a richness and a beautiful aroma that butter just can’t replicate. If you don’t have ghee, you can use melted butter, but ghee really elevates the flavor.
• Figs: Figs are best when they’re in season (usually late summer to early fall). I love using Black Mission figs for their deep, sweet flavor, but Brown Turkey figs work beautifully too. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the almond flour, ghee, egg, honey, baking soda, and salt. Mix everything together until it forms a dough. It should come together nicely, but don’t overmix!
3. Grease a muffin pan (6-7 cavities). Press the dough into each cavity, forming little crusts.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown.
5. While the crusts are baking, slice the figs into quarters. Drizzle them with the extra teaspoon of honey.
6. Place the figs under the broiler for about 5 minutes, watching carefully, until they’re nicely caramelized. This step is key for bringing out their sweetness!
7. Spoon the roasted figs and any lovely juices into the baked crusts.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature. Honestly, they’re amazing either way!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip caramelizing the figs! It makes all the difference.
• If your dough is too crumbly, add a tiny splash of water, just a teaspoon at a time.
• Keep a close eye on the figs under the broiler – they can burn quickly.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• Spice Level: My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of cardamom to the dough for a warm, fragrant flavor. It’s delicious!
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: Double-check your baking soda to ensure it’s certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
• Festival Adaptation: These make a wonderful Diwali sweet! You could even garnish them with chopped pistachios for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

These little pies are perfect on their own with a cup of chai. You could also serve them with a dollop of coconut yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, though!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I use another type of flour instead of almond flour? While you could try, the texture will be quite different. Almond flour provides a unique tenderness. If you must substitute, oat flour might be the closest option, but it won’t be gluten-free.
• Can this be made ahead of time? You can bake the crusts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Then, just add the figs when you’re ready to serve.
• What is the best way to caramelize the figs? Broiling is the quickest and easiest method. Just watch them closely!
• Can I use fresh dates instead of figs? Absolutely! Dates will give a slightly different flavor, but they’re a delicious substitute.
• How does ghee contribute to the flavor of this dessert? Ghee has a nutty, caramelized flavor that adds depth and richness to the crust. It’s a traditional ingredient in Indian sweets for a reason!

Enjoy! I really hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and how it turns out!