In a saucepot over medium heat, add all the ingredients to the pot and gently heat and stir occasionally to incorporate everything until cheese has melted and no chunks remain (except for the preserves chunks).
Pour into a large bowl and let cool completely to room temperature then place, covered, in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours.
Once chilled, pour the mixture into the bowl of the ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Add in the chopped figs, if using, towards the end of the freezing process.
Scoop ice cream out into a freezer-safe container with a lid and freeze in your freezer overnight.
Notes
To make fig puree, stem and halve about 2 cups of figs and put them into a blender and blend until smooth.