Fig Soufra: Irresistibly Easy and Delicious Recipe

Name: Fig Soufra
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 375g Antoniou Fillo Pastry; 150g unsalted butter melted; 6 fresh figs halved and thinly sliced; 300ml thickened cream; ¾ cup caster sugar; 3 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste; 3 tablespoons fig jam; Honey; ¼ cup chopped pistachios

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Mmmkay, anyone else remember fig newtons hiding in grandma’s biscuit tin? That soft, sticky centerlike a hug in cookie form. This Fig Soufra nails that vibe, but way fluffier and kinda fancy. It’s been all over TikTok lately, probably ’cause it looks cozy and tastes like fall. You don’t need a pastry diplomajust 10 minutes of prep and a big spoon.

This creamy, custard-like easy recipe is part soufflé, part bread pudding situation. You mash dried figs, swirl in eggs and milk, and toss in whatever bread you’ve got. It’s warm, sweet-but-not-too-sweet, and a smidge tangy. Full details in the blog!

My great-aunt used to bake something like this with leftover challah and backyard figswe’d sneak spoonfuls before it cooled. I modernized it, tested it three times (with vanilla and orange zest!), and yep… you’ll love the secret twist at the end.

Why You’ll Love This Fig Soufra

Nostalgic vibes: It’s like a trip back to simpler times with its warm, figgy sweetness.
Easy and impressive: Minimal effort but looks fancy enough for special occasions.
Perfect for beginners: There’s no need for pastry skillsjust layering and a quick custard whip.
Versatile: Works as dessert, a cozy brunch treat, or even a snack.

Key Ingredients and Tips

This recipe makes the most of just a few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fig Soufra plated with fresh figs, pistachios, honey glaze, creamy white sauce, warm tones

Ingredient	Purpose	Substitution Tips
Antoniou Fillo Pastry	Creates light, flaky layers that hold the custard.	If fillo isn’t available, try puff pastry, but it’ll be more dense.
Fresh figs	Brings natural sweetness and a striking visual appeal.	Swap for dried figs rehydrated in warm water if fresh aren’t in season.
Thickened cream	Makes the custard rich and silky.	Half-and-half can sub in a pinch, but the texture may be lighter.

Note: Don’t skip the vanilla bean pasteit ties the whole dessert together with its fragrant warmth.

Step-by-Step: Bringing Your Fig Soufra to Life

Let’s break it down, so even the busiest home cook can whip this up:

Prep your fillo: Thaw the fillo pastry as per package instructions. Keep it covered with a moist cloth to prevent drying out.
Layer and fold: Brush each sheet with melted butter and scrunch it like an accordion into the baking dish. Repeat with all sheets.
Add the figs: Tuck the thinly sliced figs between the folded layers for pockets of fruity goodness.
Mix the custard: Whisk cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and fig jam until smooth, then pour over the pastry and figs.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and slightly puffed. It’ll jiggle a little in the centertotally normal!

Pro Tip: Rotate your pan halfway through baking for even browning.

Quick Timing Breakdown

Step	Time
Thaw pastry	30 minutes
Prep and assemble	10–15 minutes
Baking	30–35 minutes

Serving and Storing Your Fig Soufra

To serve: Drizzle with honey for extra sweetness and sprinkle chopped pistachios for crunch. Perfect warm or at room temp.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently warm individual slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to revive the flaky layers.

Note: This dessert doesn’t freeze wellthe custard tends to separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage Method	Duration	Notes
Fridge	3 days	Keep covered to retain moisture and flavor.
Freezer	Not recommended	Custard separates and affects texture.

Expert Insight: The Unique Appeal of Fig Soufra

Fig Soufra beautifully balances sweetness and earthy flavors, making it a standout in Mediterranean cuisine. The natural sugars in figs caramelize during cooking, enhancing texture and depth without needing added sugar. This dish exemplifies how simple, fresh ingredients can create complex taste profiles that delight and nourish.

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Mastering Fig Soufra One Taste at a Time

This Fig Soufra recipe didn’t come together overnightafter several experiments with the balance between sweet figs and savory spices, I finally found the perfect harmony. Each attempt brought lessons in layering flavors, and today’s version is a result of those small, tasty trial-and-error moments shared around the family table.

FAQs ( Fig Soufra )

What is Fig Soufra?

Fig Soufra is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that combines fresh figs with a light, airy soufflé-like texture. This delightful dish features the natural sweetness of ripe figs paired with a creamy, fluffy base that melts in your mouth. It’s often served as an elegant finish to dinner recipes, offering a sophisticated alternative to heavier desserts. The dish can be prepared with various spices like cinnamon or cardamom to enhance the fig’s natural flavors.

Can I make Fig Soufra ahead of time?

While Fig Soufra is best served fresh, you can prepare some components in advance to make it one of your go-to easy dinner recipes for entertaining. The fig mixture can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead of time. However, the soufflé portion should be prepared and baked just before serving for the best texture and rise. You can also prep your baking dishes and have all ingredients measured and ready to streamline the final preparation process.

What type of figs work best for Fig Soufra?

Fresh, ripe figs are ideal for Fig Soufra, with Black Mission and Brown Turkey varieties being particularly excellent choices. These figs offer the perfect balance of sweetness and texture that complements the airy soufflé base beautifully. If fresh figs aren’t available, you can substitute with dried figs that have been rehydrated in warm water or wine. When selecting fresh figs, choose ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a rich, sweet aroma – just like you’d select ingredients for other special fig recipes.

Is Fig Soufra difficult to make?

Fig Soufra requires some technique but isn’t overly complicated once you understand the basics of soufflé preparation. The key is properly whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks and gently folding them into the fig mixture without deflating the air bubbles. With careful attention to timing and temperature, even home cooks can master this impressive dessert. Like many fig cake recipes, it rewards patience and gentle handling with spectacular results that will impress your guests.

How do I prevent my Fig Soufra from falling?

To prevent your Fig Soufra from falling, avoid opening the oven door during the first 75% of baking time, as temperature fluctuations can cause collapse. Make sure your egg whites are whipped to proper stiff peaks and fold them gently into the fig base using a rubber spatula in a cutting and folding motion. Serve immediately after baking, as soufflés naturally deflate as they cool. Proper oven temperature and timing are crucial – use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy for consistently successful results.

Fig Soufra plated with fresh figs, pistachios, honey glaze, creamy white sauce, warm tones_pin

Wrapping Up Your Fig Soufra Adventure

Fig Soufra is this wonderfully simple treat that comes together in under an hour and feels like a warm hug for your kitchen. You’ll love how the flaky layers marry with that creamy, figgy custardeasy enough for any home cook, yet impressive enough to share.

Feel free to swap fresh figs for dried, add a pinch of cinnamon, or drizzle a little honey when serving. A tip I picked up from a fellow baker: letting it rest a few minutes helps the flavors settle and makes slicing a breeze. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a tasty next-day snack.

Did your Fig Soufra bring back any sweet memories? I’d love to hear your twists or storiesdrop a comment or share a photo! Pass it along to friends who need a cozy, no-fuss dessert. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.