There’s something about a homemade version of this fig bars recipe that makes this iconic treat yummier and extra special. Similar to fig newton cookies, this recipe makes a buttery cookie dough crust and fruity filling with added texture and flavor from roasted chopped walnuts! Try making these nutty fig dessert bars and we bet it’ll be one of your go-to recipes when thinking of what to do with figs. Serve it with milk or caramel coffee for a satisfying snack.
Tips on Making Fig Bars
Making these nutty fig cookies is a breeze with this easy fig bars recipe. Here are must-know tips for making it:
- While we used apple juice to simmer the figs, you can also use orange juice or water mixed with 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Using fruit juice boosts the fruit flavor of the figs.
- You can make the filling and cookie dough in advance. Stored separately in plastic wrap, they will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Double or triple the recipe, divide them, thaw them out before assembling and baking, and have this freshly baked nutty treat anytime you want.
- Cool the filling to room temperature before using it. Otherwise, the dough will melt and the final outcome will be greasy.
- Always line the baking sheet with parchment paper so that it’s easier to remove them once baked.
- Aside from using chopped walnuts, you can use your preferred nuts like pecans, almonds, peanuts, or cashews.
- Want to make it gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose with tapioca flour and the whole wheat flour with almond flour or oat flour.
- Keep your cooked fig bars in a sealed container at room temperature and not in the fridge. This allows the texture of the cookie crust to get even softer the next day.
Looking to make this famous dessert the classic way? Check out our copycat fig newton recipe! For other fig dessert recipes, check out these roasted figs with a sweet scoop of vanilla ice cream and this fig cake.
How To Make Fig Bars
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this fig bars recipe! It’s a delicious dessert with a buttery vanilla cookie crust filled with dried figs and chopped walnuts.
Ingredients
For Fig Nut Filling:
- 1½ cups dried figs, halved
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup apple juice, or orange juice
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
For Cookie Crust:
- 2 egg yolks
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp butter, softened
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour
Instructions
Fig Nut Filling:
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Heat up a pan on medium heat. Toast the chopped walnuts, shaking the pan frequently to make sure that the nuts get an even browning, for about 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside.
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Combine figs, salt, and apple juice in a saucepot. Simmer for 10 minutes or until figs are soft.
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Puree the figs in a food processor.
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Mix together the figs and toasted walnuts. Cool to room temperature before using. Meanwhile, prepare the crust.
Cookie Crust:
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In a bowl, combine baking powder, salt, and both flours. Set aside.
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In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
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Add egg yolks and vanilla extract and beat until well-combined.
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Add half of the dry ingredients. Fold using a spatula.
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Fold in the remaining flour mixture until combined.
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Form the dough into a ball.
Assembly:
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Divide the cookie dough into two.
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Take a 9x9-inch baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper.
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Spread the cookie crust in an even layer at the bottom.
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Spread the fig nut filling evenly.
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Spread the remaining cookie dough to cover the filling evenly. You should have three layers.
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Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
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Once done, let it cool for 5 minutes.
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Using a straight-edged knife, slice it into 9 squares by cutting it into three vertically, and three horizontally, or as desired.
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Serve and enjoy your homemade fig nut bars!
Nutrition
- Sugar: 33g
- :
- Calcium: 96mg
- Calories: 371kcal
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Cholesterol: 43mg
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Iron: 2mg
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g
- Potassium: 332mg
- Protein: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 252mg
- Vitamin A: 398IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are fig bars a healthy snack?
Figs, both fresh and dried, are loaded with fibers and minerals including magnesium, iron, and copper. You get all these benefits when eating fig bars. However, there is a small amount of added fat and sugar from the cookie crust. So, it’s still best to consume them in moderation.
What can you do with fresh figs?
You can use fresh figs for this recipe. Use 1 pound of fresh figs with ½ cup of fruit juice. Dried ones are sweeter since the sugars are more concentrated. Adjust the sweetness of fresh figs according to taste by adding maple syrup or brown sugar in the simmering stage.
Conclusion
Whether serving to kids or adults, everyone will love this easy-to-make fruity and nutty fig bars recipe! Give it a try for desserts or snack time, and double the recipe because you surely would want to make another batch again.Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
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