Fig Bars – Page 2 – Tasty Recipes

Step 1: Make the Fig Filling

Prepare the figs: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped figs and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the figs are softened and most of the water has been absorbed.
Blend the filling: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth. If you want a chunkier texture, pulse the figs a few times rather than blending them fully.
Add flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon (if using). Taste the filling and, if desired, add a bit of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness. Set the fig filling aside to cool while you make the crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the wet ingredients: Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to mix the ingredients together until the dough is crumbly but begins to come together. You should have a dough that can be pressed into the pan, but it will be slightly crumbly.
Press the crust: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Reserve the remaining dough for the top layer.

Step 3: Assemble the Fig Bars

Spread the fig filling: Evenly spread the cooled fig filling over the crust layer in the baking pan.
Top with remaining crust: Crumble the remaining dough over the fig filling. It’s okay if it doesn’t cover the filling completely; some gaps are fine. The dough will bake into a crumbly, golden top layer.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.
Cool: Allow the fig bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat.
Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for the perfect pairing.

Tips for the Best Fig Bars

Use High-Quality Figs: The quality of your dried figs will affect the flavor and texture of your filling. If possible, opt for soft, moist figs rather than overly dry ones, as they’ll blend into a smoother filling.
Experiment with Flavors: The fig filling is versatile and can be flavored in many ways. Try adding a bit of orange zest, lemon juice, or even chopped nuts to the filling for an added texture and burst of flavor.
Make Them Ahead: Fig bars store well in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make a large batch and store some for later.
Cutting the Bars: For cleaner cuts, chill the fig bars in the refrigerator for about an hour before slicing. This helps the filling set and prevents it from oozing out.

Variations of Fig Bars

Gluten-Free Fig Bars: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. These adjustments will make the bars gluten-free while maintaining their delicious texture.
Vegan Fig Bars: Use a plant-based butter and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) to make these fig bars vegan-friendly.
Add Nuts: Add chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to the crust or fig filling for added crunch and flavor.

Why Fig Bars Are So Popular

Fig bars are a perfect balance of sweetness, chewiness, and texture, making them a universally loved snack. Not only are they a healthier option compared to traditional cookies or sugary bars, but they also provide the natural benefits of figs, such as fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They’re a snack that’s satisfying without being overly indulgent, making them a great choice for both kids and adults.

Final Thoughts

These homemade fig bars are a delicious, healthier alternative to store-bought snacks. With their sweet fig filling and crumbly, buttery crust, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. Plus, they’re easy to make and customizable, so you can adjust the flavors to suit your tastes. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon snack or serving them at a party, these fig bars are sure to be a hit!

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