Roasted Fig Gelato is a luxurious twist on traditional Italian ice cream — creamy, smooth, and infused with the deep, honeyed sweetness of roasted figs. Slow-roasted figs bring out rich caramel notes that blend beautifully with a velvety gelato base made from milk, cream, and a touch of vanilla.
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🍇 Roasted Fig Gelato Ingredients
For the Roasted Figs:
- 1 pound fresh figs, halved (about 10–12 figs)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Gelato Base:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 5 large egg yolks
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt

🍧 How To Make Roasted Fig Gelato
- Roast the figs:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Toss halved figs with honey, balsamic vinegar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, until soft, caramelized, and syrupy.
Let cool, then puree in a blender until smooth. Set aside. - Make the gelato base:
In a medium saucepan, heat milk, cream, and half the sugar over medium heat until steaming (do not boil). - Whisk the egg yolks:
In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and thick. - Temper the yolks:
Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 170°F / 77°C). - Combine and chill:
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt. Strain through a fine sieve, then mix in the roasted fig puree.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Churn and freeze:
Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions (about 25–30 minutes).
Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
💭 Recipe Tips
- Use ripe figs: The sweeter and softer they are, the more intense the flavor.
- Add texture: Fold in chopped roasted figs or crushed almonds during the last few minutes of churning.
- No ice cream maker? Pour into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until creamy.
- Flavor twist: Add a splash of brandy or amaretto for an adult version.
- For vegan gelato: Use coconut milk and skip the eggs — it’s rich and silky, too.
🍪 What To Serve With Roasted Fig Gelato?
Serve this gelato on its own or with a drizzle of honey, toasted pistachios or dark chocolate shavings. It pairs beautifully with almond biscotti, shortbread cookies or a slice of fig tart for an elegant dessert.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Roasted Fig Gelato?
- Freeze: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- To serve: Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for the perfect creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried figs?
Yes, but soak them in warm water or orange juice for 30 minutes first, then roast briefly to soften.
What makes gelato different from ice cream?
Gelato uses more milk than cream and less air, giving it a denser, silkier texture.
Can I skip the eggs?
Yes replace them with 1 tablespoon cornstarch whisked into the milk for a custard-free version.
Can I make it ahead?
Definitely the flavor deepens beautifully after a day in the freezer.
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📊 Roasted Fig Gelato Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 45mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugars: 23g
- Protein: 5g
Roasted Fig Gelato
Description
This Roasted Fig Gelato is creamy, smooth, and full of caramelized fig flavor — a rich, elegant Italian-inspired dessert perfect for late summer and fall.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Figs:
For the Gelato Base:
Instructions
- Roast figs until soft and syrupy, then puree.
- Prepare custard base with milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks.
- Mix in fig puree and chill.
- Churn and freeze until set.
- Serve with honey or nuts.
Notes
- Use ripe figs: The sweeter and softer they are, the more intense the flavor.
Add texture: Fold in chopped roasted figs or crushed almonds during the last few minutes of churning.
No ice cream maker? Pour into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until creamy.
Flavor twist: Add a splash of brandy or amaretto for an adult version.
For vegan gelato: Use coconut milk and skip the eggs — it’s rich and silky, too.
