These Easy Fresh Fig Bars are the perfect summer snack! With sweet figs wrapped in a soft, buttery crust, they’re fruity and oh-so-yummy. Plus, they’re simple to make!
Honestly, what’s better than a snack that tastes like dessert and is packed with fresh fruit? I love to keep these in the fridge and grab one whenever I’m craving something sweet. 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Figs: The stars of this recipe! Fresh figs add natural sweetness and a unique texture. If fresh figs aren’t available, dried figs can work too, but soak them in hot water first to soften.
Granulated Sugar: Used for sweetness in the fig filling. Feel free to replace it with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener.
Rolled Oats: They add a nice chewiness to the crust. You can substitute with quick oats, but the texture will change slightly. Gluten-free oats work great for a gluten-free option as well!
Unsalted Butter: It helps to bind the crust. Coconut oil can be a great dairy-free substitute here, giving a hint of flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Fig Filling is Perfectly Thickened?
Getting your fig filling just right is key to enjoying these bars. Follow these steps for a great consistency:
- Cook the figs and sugar mixture over medium heat while stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Look for it to become thick and jammy—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Once done, let it cool before spreading on the crust. It will continue to thicken as it cools!
Taking the time to get that filling right will really make the flavors pop in your bars. Happy baking!
Easy Fresh Fig Bars Recipe for Summer Snacks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh figs, stemmed and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30–35 minutes of baking. Plus, you’ll want to let the bars cool completely before cutting, which takes another 30 minutes. So, total time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. But trust me, the deliciousness is worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some extra paper hanging over the edges. This will make it super easy to lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Fig Filling:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the chopped fresh figs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until it becomes thick and the figs break down into a jam-like consistency, about 10–15 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let this yummy filling cool for a bit.
3. Prepare the Crust Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
4. Mix in the Butter:
Now, pour in the melted butter. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything until the mixture looks crumbly and sticks together when you press it. This will form the crust and topping.
5. Assemble the Layers:
Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s packed evenly. Then, spread the cooled fig filling over this crust layer evenly.
6. Top It Off:
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fig filling. It doesn’t have to be perfect—some fig filling peeking through adds charm!
7. Bake and Cool:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and deliciously fragrant. Once baked, take the pan out and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Cut and Serve:
Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares, and if you like, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Enjoy your tasty summer snacks!
These fresh fig bars are sure to be a hit whether you’re enjoying them at home or sharing with friends. Happy snacking!
FAQ for Easy Fresh Fig Bars Recipe
Can I Use Dried Figs Instead of Fresh Figs?
Yes, you can use dried figs! Just soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften them before chopping. This will help mimic the texture of fresh figs in your filling.
How Should I Store Leftover Fig Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Substitute the Butter for a Dairy-Free Option?
Absolutely! You can replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil, which works well in this recipe and adds a nice flavor. Just make sure it’s melted before mixing it in!
What Should I Serve These Fig Bars With?
These fig bars are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert! Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely snack break.
