English Coffee with Roasted Figs

English coffee with roasted figs is a warm, indulgent drink that brings together deep, bold coffee flavors with the sweet, caramelized richness of roasted figs. I love making this when I want something cozy and a little bit elegant—perfect for a quiet morning, a relaxed afternoon break, or as a unique after-dinner treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s not just coffee—it’s an experience. The roasted figs add a syrupy depth that blends beautifully with the strong brew, while a touch of cream or milk rounds it out. It feels fancy without being fussy, and it’s a great way to elevate everyday coffee into something special. Plus, the aroma alone is enough to make me smile.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Strong brewed coffee (preferably English or dark roast)

• Fresh figs, halved

• Brown sugar or honey

• Ground cinnamon (optional)

• Heavy cream, milk, or dairy-free alternative

• Butter (optional, for roasting)

• Vanilla extract (optional)

• Ice (if serving iced)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a small baking dish with parchment paper.

2. I place the halved figs cut-side up in the dish, then drizzle them with brown sugar or honey. Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon and a tiny pat of butter for extra flavor.

3. I roast the figs for about 15–20 minutes, until they’re soft, caramelized, and slightly sticky.

4. While the figs are roasting, I brew a strong cup of coffee. I usually go for a dark English-style roast or a rich espresso.

5. Once the figs are done, I let them cool for a few minutes, then mash a few of them into the bottom of a mug or glass.

6. I pour the hot coffee over the mashed figs, stir gently, and top with a splash of cream or milk. If I’m in the mood for a cold version, I shake the coffee and fig mixture with ice and a little milk.

7. I sometimes garnish with a roasted fig half on top or a dash of cinnamon for a nice touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 serving.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

I’ve made this with almond or oat milk when I want a dairy-free version, and it still tastes rich and satisfying. For extra sweetness, I’ve added a spoonful of fig jam instead of roasted figs. If I want something more indulgent, I add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel on top. A shot of brandy or coffee liqueur also turns this into a lovely evening drink.

Storage/reheating

Roasted figs can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat them gently in the microwave or let them come to room temperature before using. The coffee is always best brewed fresh, but I’ve also prepped a cold brew version and mixed it with the figs for a make-ahead iced coffee.

FAQs

Can I use dried figs instead of fresh?

Yes, I’ve used dried figs before. I just soak them in hot water to soften, then roast or blend them into the drink.

What’s the best coffee to use?

I go for a strong English or dark roast. Espresso works great too, especially if I want a more intense flavor.

Can I make this into a dessert?

Absolutely. I’ve poured the coffee-fig mixture over vanilla ice cream for a quick affogato-style dessert.

Is this drink very sweet?

Not overly. The figs add natural sweetness, and I control the sugar depending on how sweet I want it.

Can I skip roasting the figs?

I’ve tried it with fresh mashed figs too. It works, but roasting really brings out a deeper, caramel flavor that I prefer.

Conclusion

English coffee with roasted figs is one of those little luxuries I like to treat myself to. It’s rich, layered, and just unusual enough to feel special without being complicated. Whether I sip it warm on a quiet morning or serve it iced for guests, it always brings a moment of calm and indulgence to my day.