Fig & Mascarpone Tartine with A Warm Honey-Balsamic Glaze

I can’t say I love all food, but I do know I love really good food—and these figs with mascarpone cheese are unequivocally my version of that. The figs are sautéed on the stovetop until their juices are released and they soften beautifully. Then we add chopped raw nuts and a drizzle of honey, serving it all over creamy mascarpone cheese and golden-brown toast.

What is a Tartine?

Tartine is a French term that basically means an open-faced sandwich. It can be super simple—like bread with butter and jam—or more dressed up, like this mascarpone, figs, nuts, and honey. It's all about good bread with delicious toppings, no top slice needed.

Start by sautéing fresh figs on the stovetop—just until they release their sweet juices and soften slightly. Stir in some chopped raw nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds all work beautifully) and a drizzle of honey.

Spoon this over a thick layer of creamy mascarpone cheese on golden, toasted sourdough. The result? A crunchy, creamy, sweet-savory bite that feels a little fancy but takes only minutes.

And yes, it can get even better—stuff the mascarpone into the figs and roast them in the oven, or tuck the mixture into a tart shell for something more decadent. But today, we’re keeping things beautifully simple.

We’re in early autumn here in South Africa, which means the fresh produce is changing almost daily on the shelves. The transition from summer to winter is everywhere—in the sunshine glinting off rain-kissed bougainvillea, in the slight chill in the air despite the warmth of the sun. She’s called Autumn, and I love her.

I was so happy to find locally grown oranges this week—it’s a sign that we’re truly moving into a new season. And with every new season comes a fresh palette of flavors and recipe ideas. This toast is just the beginning.

And oh, the recipes you could make!

Reasons We Love This Recipe

• Figs store well both before and after cooking.
• Beautiful and delicious—perfect for entertaining or a quick brunch.
• Versatile and easy to customize.
• Incredibly simple to make.

Simple Autumn Toast with Figs & Mascarpone

This isn’t just any toast—it’s the foundation for an incredibly delicious, no-compromise treat: ripe, juicy figs paired with velvety mascarpone cheese. The figs are sweet and bursting with flavor, while the mascarpone adds a rich, creamy layer that transforms each bite from simple to extraordinary. I know, I love everything here and am hoping that you will too.

No excuses needed—just pure, effortless enjoyment.

Lately, we've been loving this fig and mascarpone combo on toast, or paired with yogurt for a light dessert. You only need a few ingredients, but the result feels anything but basic.

Loving this figs with mascarpone?  Then try the mascarpone cheese dip!

Ingredients

Find the full printable recipe with quantities in the recipe card below.

Fresh figs: When they are in season and they are right now in South Africa, take them. They either a deep purple colour or a purple-green colour and they soft but still firm. You can find them at farmers markets and grocery stores.

Granulated sugar: Regular sugar, it helps bring out the figs juices.

Raw walnuts: I use both walnuts and pistachios although the nuts are optional but so good!

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness just as the sugar has all dissolved and the figs softened.

Mascarpone cheese: Soft, creamy luxurious mascarpone cheese.

Balsamic reduction: You can make your own or buy it at the supermarket. If I have time, I make it but I also love the Woolies Italian style balsamic reduction for a quick substitute.

Fresh thyme: Adds a little hint of freshness, green and elegance!

Extra virgin olive oil: This is for the toast, a light layer of oil over the bread to help make it golden brown and delicious, no dry toast.

Salt: A tiny pinch goes a long way, you don't need much.

Bread: Any thick crunchy bread will work. I used sourdough here but ciabatta etc. also work.

How to Make Figs with Mascarpone Cheese on Toast

Here is my step-by-step instructions that does not require you to get the oven on.

Step 1. Toast the bread: Brush one side of each bread slice with olive oil. Place them oiled-side-up on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden brown. Move the rack closer to the grill/broiler at the end to get a nice finish—but keep an eye on them! They can burn quickly. Let them cool slightly.

Step 2. (Optional) Sauté the figs: In a skillet over medium-low heat, sauté the figs with granulated sugar for 4–5 minutes, until they soften and release their juices.

Note: You can skip this step and use fresh figs as-is—totally up to you.

Step 3. Make the mascarpone topping: In a mixing bowl, whip the cream and icing sugar until soft peaks form.In a separate bowl, stir the mascarpone and vanilla together with a spatula until smooth.Gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream and mix until soft peaks form again. Don’t overmix—stop once it looks smooth and creamy. Finish with lemon zest, fold it in.

Step 4: Finish the fig mixture: Once the figs are softened and syrupy, stir in the chopped nuts, a drizzle of honey, and a splash of balsamic glaze. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, just to warm everything through.

Step 5. Assemble: Spread a generous layer of the mascarpone mixture onto each toasted bread slice. Spoon the warm fig and nut mixture on top. Drizzle with a little more honey or finish with a pinch of sea salt if you like that sweet-salty balance.

Serve immediately. Enjoy warm while the toast is crisp and the topping is gooey and luxurious.

Expert Notes

• Don't rush the heat while sautéing the figs, it released beautiful juices that you can use to drizzle over the toast.
• Use soft but firm figs, not over-soft.

How to Serve Figs

Whether you are looking for ways to serve your figs once they are cooked or you have leftover figs, here are some examples:

• As a dessert with either mascarpone cheese, cream, ricotta or ice cream.

• Place the figs over a tart shell and oven bake till nice and golden brown and juicy.

• Figs on a fruit platter or charcuterie board is another great way to serve them.

• Pop the sautéed figs into the food processor with banana, protein powder, liquid etc for a morning quick breakfast or afternoon pick me up with some dates.

• Use them as a topping over French crepes or pancakes.

Autumn Recipes

We are saying goodbye for now to summer but don't despair, the beautiful season of Autumn comes with her own collection of warm and cosy recipes.

If you give this recipe a try, I would love to know what you think of it. Simply leave a rating and comment below. Enjoying my recipes and want to see more? Find me here Facebook Pinterest Instagram