Fig Gelato is a light and refreshing dessert, perfect to enjoy when fresh figs are in season, usually from late summer through early fall. This homemade recipe is quick and easy to prepare, and it makes the most of the natural sweetness and aroma of ripe figs.
Making fig gelato at home is simple, and the result is creamy and delicious. This no-cook recipe highlights the flavor of fresh figs with just a few ingredients: milk, sugar, and a touch of organic lemon.
There are NO EGGS or HEAVY CREAM in this gelato, as the high sugar content and smooth texture of figs naturally create a rich, creamy consistency.
Fig Gelato is a treat for anyone who loves this seasonal fruit. Serve it on its own, or pair it with an Italian almond tart for a perfect flavor combination.
Now let me show you how to make the best homemade fig gelato (Italian fig ice cream), WITH or WITHOUT an ice cream maker!
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Ingredients
WITH Ice Cream Maker:
- Prep Time: 50 Min (10 min of preparation + 40 min in the ice cream maker)
- Cook Time: None
- Servings: 6 people (about 750 g / 5 cups of fig gelato)
WITHOUT Ice Cream Maker:
- Prep Time: 5 Hours + 10 Min (10 minutes of preparation + 5 hours in the freezer fo)
- Cook time: None
- Servings: 6 people (about 750 g / 5 cups of fig gelato)
- 450 g (1 pound) fresh figs, peeled (about 12 to 15 figs, depending on size)
- 1 organic lemon
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 250 ml (1 cup) whole fresh milk
Kitchen Tools and Equipment
GELATIERA (ICE CREAM MAKER):
To prepare fig gelato at home, having an ice cream maker, or gelatiera, is highly recommended. These machines come in various types, but the most reliable ones are those with a built-in compressor that chills the mixture while churning. This ensures a smooth texture and an authentic flavor.
BEST OPTIONS: Among the top choices is the Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker. Made in Italy, it delivers professional-quality gelato with ease. Its design is compact, featuring a large fixed bowl and a stainless steel spatula. Thanks to its powerful refrigeration system, there is no need for pre-cooling. Another excellent option is the Whynter ICM-200LS Automatic Ice Cream Maker, which also has a built-in compressor and can produce up to two quarts of gelato in one cycle, making it ideal for home kitchens.
ALTERNATIVE MACHINES: If you use a gelato maker without a compressor, you will need to pre-freeze the container for several hours before preparing your gelato. In this category, the Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker is an affordable and practical solution.
WITHOUT A GELATO MAKER: It is still possible to achieve great results even without a machine by carefully following our recipe. In this case, a suitable gelato container is essential, whether you enjoy it immediately or store it for later.
OTHER TOOLS: A blender or immersion mixer is important for processing the fig pulp into a smooth mixture. To serve your gelato beautifully, consider using a gelato scoop or classic sundae scoops. And of course, don’t forget the joy of waffle cones or waffle cups, always a favorite for both kids and adults.
Instructions
First, I’ll show you how to make fig gelato with an ice cream maker. Then I’ll explain how to prepare it without one.
Making gelato without an ice cream maker requires more time and patience, but the result - a creamy homemade fig gelato - will be just as delicious as what you’d find in an authentic Italian gelateria!
How to Make Fig Gelato WITH an Ice Cream Maker
Step 1) - Wash and peel the figs until you reach the amount indicated in the ingredients list. Then Place the figs in a blender.
Note: If your figs are small and have a very thin skin, you can simply wipe them with a damp cloth and use them whole, skin included.
Step 2) - Add the sugar. Grate in a little lemon zest and squeeze in about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Finally blend lightly.
Step 3) - Pour in the milk and blend again until you get a thick, smooth, and creamy mixture.
Step 4 A) - Transfer the fig mixture to your ice cream maker, close the lid, and switch it on. After about 30–40 minutes (depending on your model), your fresh fig gelato will be ready to enjoy!
Tip: The best ice cream makers have a built-in compressor that chills the mixture as it churns, giving you a perfectly creamy gelato without pre-freezing. This is the type of machine I used for this recipe.
How to Make Fig Gelato WITHOUT an Ice Cream Maker
No ice cream maker? No problem! It will take a little longer (about 5 hours instead of 40 minutes) and a bit more effort, but the result will still be amazing. Here’s how:
Step 4 B) - Follow steps 1 through 3 above. Then pour the fig mixture into a gelato container and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. After that, transfer the container to the freezer.
Freeze the mixture for about 5 hours, but every 30 minutes remove it from the freezer and break up the frozen surface with a whisk (hand or electric, on low speed). Beat for about 30 seconds each time, then return it to the freezer.
This process prevents large ice crystals from forming and ensures a smooth, creamy texture - just like real Italian gelato. It may take a little more patience, but the result is worth it. In the end, you’ll have a delicious homemade fig gelato to serve and enjoy!
Storage
When it comes to Italian gelato, the best way to enjoy it is fresh, especially if you’ve prepared it with an ice cream maker. This gives you the smooth, creamy texture that makes gelato unique.
If gelato stays in the freezer for too long, ice crystals may form, making it harder and less creamy.
If your gelato becomes too firm in the freezer, simply take it out 10–15 minutes before serving. Let it rest at room temperature until it softens slightly, then give it a quick stir to restore its creamy consistency.
For homemade fig gelato, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. It will keep well for up to one week, letting you enjoy it over several days without losing much of its flavor or texture.
More Fig Recipes
- Fresh Fig Risotto Recipe
- Fresh Fig Cake Recipe
- Fresh Fig and Ricotta Tart Recipe
- Italian Chocolate Fig Cake with Ricotta
Substitutions
SUGAR: Both black and green figs work well for fig gelato, as long as they are very ripe and naturally sweet. Their sweetness is essential for both flavor and creaminess. If your figs are especially sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar or even leave it out. Alternatively, you can replace the sugar with two tablespoons of honey for a different touch of sweetness.
MILK: For a richer but slightly heavier result, replace half of the milk with heavy cream.
Tips
To keep the gelato from freezing too hard, you can add a small amount of alcohol. About 20–30 ml of brandy or another liqueur (Limoncello works wonderfully) is enough.
If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute cow’s milk with a plant-based drink such as almond or rice milk. Lactose-free milk also works well. Just keep in mind that while the flavor of the figs will remain strong, the gelato may turn out a little less creamy.
Variations
You can enrich the basic recipe by adding chopped walnuts or almonds, which pair beautifully with figs.
If you enjoy warm, spiced flavors, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture for a unique twist.
Another variation is to stir in chopped dried figs at the end of the churning process for extra texture and flavor.
Fig Gelato: FAQs
This recipe works best with fresh, ripe figs. Dried figs are much sweeter and stickier, so they won’t give the same fresh flavor or creamy consistency.
Homemade fig gelato can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. After that, it may start to lose creaminess and form ice crystals.
Absolutely! You can replace cow’s milk with almond milk, rice milk, or another plant-based drink. The flavor of the figs will remain intense, though the gelato may be less creamy.
Yes. If your figs are very ripe and sweet, you can cut the sugar in half or leave it out completely. You can also use honey as a natural alternative.
Recipe Card
Homemade Fig Gelato Recipe (No Eggs)
Ingredients
- 450 g fresh figs, peeled (about 12 to 15 figs, depending on size) - 1 pound
- 1 organc lemon
- 100 g granulated sugar - ½ cup
- 250 ml whole fresh milk - 1 cup
Instructions
How to Make Fig Gelato WITH an Ice Cream Maker
- Wash and peel the figs until you reach the amount indicated in the ingredients list. Then Place the figs in a blender.
- Add the sugar. Grate in a little lemon zest and squeeze in about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Finally blend lightly.
- Pour in the milk and blend again until you get a thick, smooth, and creamy mixture.
- Transfer the fig mixture to your ice cream maker, close the lid, and switch it on. After about 30–40 minutes (depending on your model), your fresh fig gelato will be ready to enjoy!
How to Make Fig Gelato WITHOUT an Ice Cream Maker
- Follow steps 1 through 3 above. Then pour the fig mixture into a gelato container and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. After that, transfer the container to the freezer.
- Freeze the mixture for about 5 hours, but every 30 minutes remove it from the freezer and break up the frozen surface with a whisk (hand or electric, on low speed). Beat for about 30 seconds each time, then return it to the freezer.This process prevents large ice crystals from forming and ensures a smooth, creamy texture - just like real Italian gelato. It may take a little more patience, but the result is worth it. In the end, you’ll have a delicious homemade fig gelato to serve and enjoy!
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