Fig bars have long been one of our favorite snacks to make at home and while I sometimes buy them at the store, I am slightly obsessed with this homemade version. Made with a simple dried fig filling, these bars are hearty enough to be a meal with a side of fruit, or can be a smaller mini meal or snack—depending on the portion. They taste similar to Fig Newtons, but are a little more filling. This fig bars recipe is made primarily with pantry staples and store so well in the fridge or freezer. Best of all? They have pure fig taste. (And you don’t need an electric mixer or any fancy cooking gear to make them.) These are one of our favorite make-ahead toddler breakfasts and homemade healthy snacks to make, for sure! (You may also like my Blueberry Date Bars, Breakfast Bars and my Easy Granola Bars.)
Ingredients You Need
To make this fig bar recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients so you know what to have on hand. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Dried figs: I used dried golden figs, but any kind will work including Mission figs and black figs. You’ll want to remove the stems and pack them tightly into the measuring cup. I use dried figs over fresh figs since it’s faster to get the sticky, jam filling ready to add to the recipe. Orange juice: We use this to plump up the dried figs to make them easy to blend. It also adds flavor. Rolled oats: You can start with old fashioned rolled oats or instant oats. You can also use oat flour if that’s what you have. Honey: Honey adds a little sweetness to the crust. You can use maple syrup if you prefer (or for kids under age 1.) Whole-wheat flour: You can use all-purpose or a gluten-free cup for cup flour if you prefer, too. Nut or seed butter: You can use almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter. (Or 1 egg.) Milk: Dairy or nondairy milk works here so you can use the one that works for your family. Vanilla extract: This adds a nice note of flavor to the batter, so I recommend adding it. You can use pure vanilla or imitation extract. Cinnamon: The flavor combination of the figs and cinnamon is really yummy so I like to add some cinnamon to the batter. Baking powder: This helps the crust rise ever so slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at how to make this fig bars recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing. 5. Spread the fig jam on top. 6. Crumble the remaining dough over the fig jam and press down slightly. Bake.
How to Store
Store this fig bars recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Or freeze in a zip top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge. (They freeze really well!) You can also wrap each bar individually with plastic wrap or parchment paper (seal with tape) to make them easy to pack as a lunch box recipe for kids. (These are similar to my Healthy Breakfast Bars, though with a distinct fig flavor that is delish. Try my Peach Crumb Bars and my Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, too.)
Best Tips for Success
If you want them a little softer, serve them at room temperature rather than chilled. Line the pan with parchment paper so the bars are easy to lift out of the pan and slice. You can use almond butter instead of peanut butter. If the base mixture seems crumbly and isn’t holding together well, add a tablespoon or two of water and that should take care of it! Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or an egg. Gluten-free: Use gluten free flour blend and certified gluten free rolled oats. You can use instant oats or oat flour. Or grind rolled oats briefly in a food processor or blender. Use store-bought fig jam to save a few steps in these homemade fig bars.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it, so please comment and rate the recipe below!
Healthy Breakfast Bars with Jam
Easy Homemade Granola Bars
Easy Oatmeal Bars (with Blueberry and Carrot)
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This recipe was first published September 2022.
