When summer calls for fresh, light, and easy-to-make dishes, ripe black figs are the undisputed stars of a no-bake dessert that wins over at first taste.
This recipe of figs, ricotta, and agave syrup is the epitome of delicious simplicity: few ingredients, zero stress in the kitchen, and a result that releases all the natural sweetness of seasonal fruit.
Perfect for ending a light summer lunch or dinner, this dessert pairs magnificently with a fresh vegetable-based first course or a fish-based second course, designed for wellness and taste without weighing you down.
If you are looking for inspiration for a complete light meal, after a tasty potato, green bean, and tuna salad or a light slice of baked salmon with crunchy asparagus, there is no better way to close in sweetness than with these delicious cups.
And for spoon dessert lovers who don’t want to give up on their figure, I suggest trying my irresistible Creamy Yogurt and Berry Cups.
Another quick, healthy, and guilt-free proposal that will win you over with its freshness.
Now, let’s find out together how to prepare the easiest and most refreshing dessert of this summer!
- Zucchini and Tuna Pasta: The Secret is the Fresh Cut (Forget the Cans!)
- Sweet and Spicy Pork Bites: Your Dinner Recipe
- The Summer Chicken Salad You Were Waiting For: Fresh, Light, with a Surprising Yogurt and Miso Sauce (Goodbye Usual Mayonnaise!)
- Oven-Peeled Peppers: They Are Taking Over! Perfect Peeling Trick
- Eggplant Caponata: The Original Sicilian Recipe, Easy and Quick
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Affordable
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, Summer
- Energy 166.27 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 20.52 (g) of which sugars 17.36 (g)
- Proteins 5.66 (g)
- Fat 7.63 (g) of which saturated 3.80 (g)of which unsaturated 3.65 (g)
- Fibers 2.22 (g)
- Sodium 39.23 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 280 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 7 oz sheep's milk ricotta (Fresh)
- 8 figs (Black and ripe)
- 3 tbsp agave syrup
- 8 leaves mint
- 1 tbsp almonds (Sliced)
Tools
- 1 Small Bowl Pyrex
- 4 Glasses Glasmark KROSNO
Steps
Preparation of the Figs:
Start by thoroughly washing the figs under cold running water.
It’s not necessary to peel them, their thin skin is an integral part of the flavor and texture.
Gently dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Ricotta and Agave Cream:
In a large bowl, combine the fresh ricotta and agave syrup.
With the help of a spoon or spatula, work the mixture vigorously for a few moments, until you obtain a smooth, homogeneous, and velvety cream.
This step will make it even more pleasing to the palate.
Slicing the Figs:
Now, gently remove the stem from each fig.
Then, slice them into rounds about a quarter-inch thick.
If you prefer, you can also cut them into wedges, depending on the presentation you want for your cups.
Assembling the Dessert:
It’s time to assemble our dessert glasses!
Take your glasses or cups and start creating the layers.
Place a generous spoonful of ricotta and agave cream at the bottom, then lay down some fig slices (or wedges).
Drizzle with an extra bit of agave syrup if you love sweeter flavors.
Repeat these steps, alternating layers of ricotta, figs, and syrup, until each glass is filled and the ingredients are used up.
For a “mind-blowing crunch” and an irresistible final touch, top the surface with plenty of sliced almonds.
Rest, Plating, and Tasting:
For a fresh result that enhances all flavors, we recommend letting the desserts rest in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes.
Once chilled, they are ready to be plated and served.
All that’s left is to dig in with a spoon and enjoy every single bite of this summer delight!
Here you will find valuable tips to best personalize your preparation, ideas to adapt the recipe to your tastes, and guidelines to best preserve the dessert, along with some extra notes for a perfect experience.
Useful Tips, Creative Variations, and Serving Notes:
Tips:
To enhance the freshness and flavor of this dessert, it is essential to choose figs that are well-ripened but still firm.
Their natural sweetness is the secret ingredient.
If the ricotta you use is very compact, you can soften it slightly with a fork before adding the agave syrup.
Variations:
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility!
You can enrich it by adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger powder to the ricotta, or a few drops of vanilla extract.
For a citrus touch, a grated zest of lemon or lime on the figs can make a difference.
Instead of almonds, try pistachio granules, chopped walnuts, or hazelnuts for different crunchy notes.
Storage:
This dessert is at its best if consumed immediately after preparation, when the figs are at their peak freshness.
If any remains, you can store it in the refrigerator, well-covered with food wrap, for up to 1 day.
Keep in mind that the figs will tend to release some liquid, and the ricotta may slightly lose its perfect consistency over time.
Notes:
The amount of agave syrup can be adjusted to taste: taste the figs before adding it, if they are very sweet on their own you might use less.
Serving the dessert in transparent glasses will enhance the beauty of the layers, making it a true pleasure for the eyes as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Recipe
Here you will find answers to the most common questions about this delicious dessert, to clarify any doubts and make your preparation perfect.
Can I use figs of another color (e.g., green or light purple)?
Absolutely yes!
Even though the recipe was developed with black figs for their particular sweetness and color, you can easily use other varieties such as green figs (Brogiotti) or light purple ones.
The important thing is that they are well-ripened and juicy to guarantee the best flavor.
Does the ricotta need to be of a particular type?
For optimal results and a richer flavor, we recommend fresh sheep’s milk ricotta, which has a silkier texture and more intense flavor.
However, cow’s milk ricotta, as long as it is of good quality and fresh, is perfectly fine and will make the dessert more delicate.
If you are making a vegan version, use plant-based ricotta (almond, soy, or rice).
Q: Can I replace agave syrup with another sweetener?
Sure! If you prefer, you can use honey (for a non-vegan version), maple syrup, or grind a couple of Medjool dates and mix them into the ricotta for a natural sweetener.
If you choose a granular sweetener like sugar, make sure to mix it very well into the ricotta so that it completely dissolves.
How far in advance can I prepare the dessert?
This dessert is ideal to be consumed immediately after preparation to best appreciate the freshness of the figs.
However, you can prepare it an hour or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Beyond 2-3 hours, the figs will tend to release more liquid, and the presentation might suffer slightly.
Is the almond granule essential?
No, it is not essential, but it is highly recommended!
Sliced almonds (or other dried fruits) add a delightful crunchy note that pleasantly contrasts with the softness of figs and ricotta, enriching the tasting experience.
If you don’t have them, the dessert will still be delicious.
