Sep 05 2026

Papa Figos Recipe

Time2h
Serves8

Make Papa Figos Recipe in just 2h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Activate yeast and combine wet ingredients

    Warm the milk to about 105–110°F (warm to the touch). In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir and let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy. In a separate bowl whisk together the melted butter and the egg, then temper with a tablespoon of the foamy milk mixture before adding to the rest.

  2. 2

    Mix and knead dough

    In a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour and salt. Add the foamy milk mixture and the butter-egg mixture. Mix on low until the dough comes together, then increase speed and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky. If the dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time; if too dry, add up to 1–2 tbsp warm milk.

  3. 3

    First rise

    Form the dough into a ball, lightly oil the bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm draft-free spot until doubled, about 1 to 1¼ hours.

Filling

  1. 4

    Prepare figs

    While the dough rises, coarsely chop quartered figs into roughly 1/4–1/2-inch pieces if they are large. Place the chopped figs in a bowl.

  2. 5

    Combine filling ingredients

    To the figs add the brown sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, and sea salt. Toss gently to coat. The cornstarch will absorb some juices and help the filling hold together when baked.

  3. 6

    Macération (optional)

    If you have time (15–30 minutes), let the fig mixture sit so the sugar draws out some juices and flavors meld. If the mixture becomes very runny, drain off up to 1 tablespoon of liquid or add an extra 1/2 tsp cornstarch.

Shaping & Baking

  1. 7

    Preheat and prepare

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish depending on desired shape (free-form rolls or single slab).

  2. 8

    Shape dough

    Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or press the dough into a rectangle about 12x8 inches and roughly 1/4-inch thick. If you prefer individual Papa Figos (rolls), cut the rectangle into 8 squares; for a single tart, leave whole.

  3. 9

    Add filling

    Evenly distribute the fig filling across the center of each square (or down the center of the rectangle for a tart), leaving a 1/2-inch border. Fold edges over to create a pocket or roll the dough over the filling and pinch seams to seal. For open-faced style, simply mound filling on the center leaving edges exposed.

  4. 10

    Second rise (if enclosed)

    If you made filled rolls or enclosed pockets, place them on the prepared sheet, cover loosely, and let rise 20–30 minutes until slightly puffed.

  5. 11

    Egg wash and finish

    Whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon milk to make an egg wash. Brush the dough surfaces lightly with egg wash, sprinkle the demerara sugar over the tops, and brush any exposed fig edges with a little melted butter.

  6. 12

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 18–25 minutes for individual pieces or 25–32 minutes for a single slab, until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

  7. 13

    Rest and finish

    Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes on a wire rack. If using, dollop or spread crumbled goat cheese or mascarpone on warm Papa Figos and drizzle with honey. Brush exposed crust lightly with remaining melted butter for shine.

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