Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a luxurious Italian-inspired dessert that will transport you to culinary heaven! These elegant stuffed figs are not just a recipe, but a sensory experience that combines the creamy richness of mascarpone, the crunch of maple-glazed walnuts, and the natural sweetness of fresh figs. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a gourmet moment, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 12 fresh figs
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the walnuts by toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a small bowl, mix the toasted chopped walnuts with maple syrup, coating them evenly. Set aside to allow the walnuts to absorb the syrup.
- Carefully wash the fresh figs and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp paring knife, make a small cross-cut at the top of each fig, cutting about two-thirds of the way down without splitting the fig completely.
- In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Gently open each fig and spoon the mascarpone mixture into the center, filling each fig generously but carefully.
- Top the mascarpone filling with the maple-coated walnuts, pressing them lightly into the cheese.
- Arrange the stuffed figs on a serving platter. For best flavor, chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, drizzle any remaining maple syrup over the figs for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips
- Choose ripe, fresh figs that are soft but not mushy. Look for figs with a deep color and slight give when gently pressed.
- Toast the walnuts carefully - the key is to watch them constantly and remove from heat as soon as they become fragrant to prevent burning.
- Use a piping bag or a small spoon for neat and precise mascarpone filling to ensure even distribution.
- For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a small mint leaf before serving.
- These figs are best served chilled, so prepare them in advance and refrigerate for the most harmonious flavor blend.
- If mascarpone is too rich for your taste, you can substitute with a lighter cream cheese, though the texture will be slightly different.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
