There’s something about a warm, sweet puff of dough in the evening that just feels like home. Fig Soufra has been bubbling up all over Pinterest and Reddit this month and for good reason. It’s cozy, buttery, and wildly simple. We’re talking minimal effort, 30-ish minutes from start to finish, and a soft, custardy center that feels like a hug.
This rustic beauty is made with dried figs, eggs, and a handful of pantry basics think cinnamon, milk, and flour. Kind of like if French toast met bread pudding but dressed up for a dinner party. It’s warm, flexibly sweet, and worth every bite. Full details in the blog!
I grew up helping my grandma slice figs straight off her backyard tree in Texas. This recipe’s got that same feel simple, local, no fuss. It’s not stuck on trends but built on flavor. I tested it. You’ll love the secret I tucked in the batter.
Why You’ll Love Fig Soufra
Fig Soufra is one of those recipes that feels like a treasure from simpler times, but it’s completely achievable in your kitchen today. Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:
Easy and beginner-friendly: You don’t need fancy skills to make this sweet, flaky treatit’s mostly about layering and a simple custard.
Perfect comfort: The combination of buttery fillo, tender figs, and creamy custard is nostalgic and heartwarming.
Customizable: You can tweak it slightly to suit your pantry or preferences (don’t worry, I’ve got tips for that below!).
Practical portions: This makes enough to share with a crowdor save for yourself, no judgment here.
Whether you’re comforting friends with a homemade dessert or baking up something special for yourself, this has all the “wow” with none of the stress.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient
Amount
Antoniou Fillo Pastry
375g
Unsalted butter (melted)
150g
Fresh figs (halved, thinly sliced)
6
Thickened cream
300ml
Caster sugar
¾ cup
Eggs
3
Vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon
Fig jam
3 tablespoons
To serve: Honey, chopped pistachios
Optional
Pro Tip: Let your fillo pastry thaw fully but keep it covered with a damp tea towel while you work to prevent drying out.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Fig Soufra
You’ll be amazed at how simple this isno pastry experience required!
Prepare your layers: Brush a sheet of fillo pastry with melted butter, fold it accordion-style (like a fan), and place it in your greased baking dish. Repeat until all fillo sheets are snugly packed.
Custard magic: Whisk together cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and fig jam for a rich and sweet custard base.
Add figs: Nestle your sliced figs in between the folds of the fillo, making sure they’re evenly distributed for a fruity surprise in every bite.
Pour and bake: Slowly pour the custard mixture across the fillo, letting it soak in. Bake in a preheated oven (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden and set.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if your layers look uneven or messyit adds rustic charm!
Step
Approx. Time
Prepare fillo layers
10 minutes
Mix custard
5 minutes
Bake
25–30 minutes
Troubleshooting & Tips
Even tried-and-true recipes like Fig Soufra can hit snags. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues:
Custard pooling? That’s okay! Let it bake longerit’ll firm up as it cools.
Soggy bottom layers? Make sure to butter those fillo sheets generously; it helps them crisp up.
Dry edges? Cover the dish loosely with foil in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Pro Tip: If your figs are underripe, try warming them up in the microwave with a drizzle of honey before layering them into the dish.
Serving & Storage
This dish shines warm from the oven, but leftovers are just as delightful!
Serve warm: Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with pistachios for a fancy, flavorful finish.
Make ahead: Bake and cool completely. Reheat individual portions in a low oven or microwave.
Freezing tips: Freeze cooled portions in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.
Storage Method
How Long
At room temp (covered)
1 day
Refrigerator
3–4 days
Freezer
3 months
For best texture, reheat in the oven so the fillo can crisp back up.
Expert Insight: The Unique Appeal of Fig Soufra
Fig Soufra combines the natural sweetness of figs with layers of spiced cream and nuts, creating a balance of textures and flavors that is both comforting and elegant. This traditional Lebanese dessert showcases how simple, high-quality ingredients can transform into a sophisticated treat with cultural depth and seasonal charm.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
Perfecting My Fig Soufra, One Taste at a Time
This fig soufra recipe took several weekends of testing, including a few too-sweet batches and a surprise twist with spices that didn’t quite work. Through those trials, I learned how to balance fresh figs with subtle herbs, creating a dish that feels both comforting and freshsomething my family now asks for again and again.
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.
Wrapping Up Your Fig Soufra Adventure
Fig Soufra comes together in under an hour, with a flaky, buttery crust and tender, cozy fig layers you’ll adore. It’s simple to bake, yet feels special just the kind of homemade treat that warms the kitchen and hearts alike.
Feel free to swap dried figs for fresh when you find them, or stir in a pinch of cardamom for a little twist. Leftovers? Cover, chill, and rewarm gently so the fillo stays crisp a tip I picked up from my market strolls.
Have you ever cooked with figs or made something similar at home? I’d love to see how your version turns out! Share your photos or stories, and pass this cozy recipe on to your favorite kitchen pals. It’s pure comfort in every bite.
Yesica Andrews
Fig Soufra: Irresistibly Easy and Delicious Recipe
This Fig Soufra combines delicate fillo pastry with a rich custard and fresh figs for an easy, elegant dinner or dessert that’s sure to impress.
