Homemade Fig Bars That Are Chewy, Sweet & Totally Nostalgic

Baking these delightful homemade fig bars brings pure joy to my kitchen every single time.

Memories of childhood snacks flood back with each sweet, chewy bite.

Soft, fragrant figs nestled between golden layers of buttery pastry create a nostalgic treat that feels like a warm hug.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this simple recipe.

Mixing the dough requires just a few basic pantry staples and minimal effort.

Crumbly, tender pastry surrounding rich fig filling promises a delectable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Homemade Fig Bars Natural Sweet Snack

• Minimal Prep Magic: Crafting these bars requires just basic kitchen tools and under 30 minutes of active cooking time, making them ideal for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Wholesome Snack Solution: Using natural ingredients like dried figs and honey creates a healthier alternative to store-bought processed snacks, offering nutritious energy for kids and adults.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: These bars work wonderfully as after-school treats, lunch box additions, weekend brunch companions, or casual gathering refreshments, adapting seamlessly to different occasions.

Ingredients Found in Homemade Fig Bars

• Dried Figs: Sweet, chewy fruit that creates a rich filling for the bars.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that enhances fig flavor and helps bind the filling.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, flaky dough.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with dough texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the dough.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base structure for the bar cookies.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, subtle depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Water: Used for soaking figs to soften and release their natural sweetness.

Homemade Fig Bars Made In Easy Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

This will create the perfect baking environment for your delightful treat.

Step 2: Transform the Figs

Drop dried figs into a small bowl and drench them in steaming hot water.

Let them soak and soften for 10 magical minutes.

Carefully drain the figs, but save a tablespoon of the luscious soaking liquid.

Step 3: Create Silky Fig Spread

Toss the plump soaked figs, golden honey, and reserved liquid into a food processor.

Blitz until you achieve a smooth, spreadable mixture that looks like pure magic.

Set this treasure aside.

Step 4: Whip Up the Dough Base

Grab your mixer and start dancing with softened butter and sugar.

Cream them together until they transform into a dreamy, light mixture.

Introduce an egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything becomes beautifully incorporated.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Gradually sprinkle flour into the mixture, stirring until a soft dough emerges.

The dough should feel like a tender cloud in your hands.

Step 6: Roll Out the Canvas

Place the dough between two parchment paper sheets.

Gently roll it into a rectangular masterpiece measuring 12×5 inches.

Step 7: Layer and Fold

Spread the fig mixture down the center of your dough rectangle.

Leave a small border around the edges.

Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to create a sealed pocket of deliciousness.

Step 8: Slice and Bake

Cut the rolled dough into 10 equal pieces.

Transfer these gems onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your fig bars to cool and settle.

Once they reach room temperature, they’re ready to be devoured and shared with loved ones.

Fig Bar Prep Tricks For Homemade Ease

• Use hot water to soften dried figs completely, ensuring a smooth, spreadable filling with rich flavor and perfect texture.
• Roll the dough between parchment paper to avoid sticking and create clean, even edges for professional-looking fig bars.
• Gently press the dough edges together to prevent filling from leaking during baking, maintaining a neat and attractive appearance.
• Adjust honey quantity to control sweetness level, making the fig bars suitable for different taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Space fig bars slightly apart on the baking sheet for consistent golden-brown color and crisp edges on all sides.

Fig Bars Hold Up Great for On-the-Go Snacking

• Store leftover fig bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
• Warm bars gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes if you prefer them slightly toasty. This method helps restore their crisp edges and soft center.

Cozy Picks For Fig Bars

• Flavor Symphony: Pair these homemade fig bars with creamy goat cheese to enhance the sweet and tangy notes, creating a delightful taste contrast.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a crisp Riesling or Moscato white wine that complements the fig's natural sweetness and balances the buttery pastry.
• Tea Time Twist: Brew a pot of chamomile or Earl Grey tea to provide a gentle, aromatic backdrop that softens the fig bar's rich flavors and adds a soothing touch.
• Afternoon Delight: Serve alongside a light cappuccino or latte, where the espresso's boldness cuts through the fig's sweetness and creates a harmonious bite.

Fig Bar Remakes at Home

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure the texture remains similar by adjusting liquid content slightly.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of regular egg. Use maple syrup in place of honey for a plant-based alternative that maintains the sweet flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use unsweetened dried figs and reduce overall sugar content while keeping the natural fruit sweetness intact.
• Nutty Enriched Bars: Incorporate ground almonds or walnuts into the dough for added protein and a rich, crunchy texture. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking for extra crunch and nutritional boost.

FAQs

• Are dried figs a healthy ingredient?

Dried figs are packed with fiber, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants. They help improve digestion, support bone health, and provide natural sweetness with lower sugar content compared to processed snacks.

• Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs?

Fresh figs have higher water content and might make the filling too wet. Dried figs are recommended for achieving the right consistency and concentrated flavor in this recipe.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make these fig bars?

These homemade fig bars are beginner-friendly. The recipe requires basic mixing and rolling techniques that even novice bakers can easily master. Just follow the steps carefully and you’ll create delicious bars.

• What kind of flour works best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour is perfect for these fig bars. It provides the right texture and structure for the dough. If you prefer, you can also use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.

Homemade Fig Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful homemade fig bars showcase Mediterranean sweetness with rustic charm. Wholesome ingredients blend effortlessly, creating a nostalgic treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit and Filling:

• 1 cup dried figs, roughly chopped, stems removed

Sweeteners:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup sugar

Baking and Binding Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour

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Instructions

1. Activate your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), preparing the environment for delectable pastry creation.
2. Immerse dried figs in steaming water for 10 minutes, allowing them to plump and soften. Carefully drain, reserving a tablespoon of the fragrant liquid.
3. Transform the hydrated figs into a silky puree using a food processor, incorporating honey and the reserved soaking essence. Blend until achieving a luscious, spreadable consistency.
4. Whip softened butter and sugar together in a mixing vessel, creating a creamy base. Introduce egg and vanilla, blending until harmoniously integrated.
5. Gradually incorporate flour into the mixture, gently kneading until a cohesive dough emerges.
6. Using parchment paper as your canvas, roll the dough into a rectangular landscape measuring approximately 12×5 inches.
7. Artfully distribute the fig puree along the dough’s central corridor, maintaining a delicate border. Tenderly fold the dough edges, sealing the filling within its buttery embrace.
8. Slice the filled dough into 10 uniform segments, arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until achieving a golden, tempting complexion.
9. Allow the fig bars to cool and settle, transforming from piping hot delicacies to irresistible treats ready for enjoyment.

Notes

• Select soft, plump dried figs for the most vibrant and rich filling flavor, ensuring a smooth and spreadable consistency.
• Experiment with alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar for different dietary preferences or to reduce refined sugar intake.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to make handling easier and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour, adjusting liquid content slightly to maintain dough texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 168
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 36 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 23 mg