Name: Homemade Fig Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups dried figs, stems removed; ½ cup water (plus more if needed); 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 ½ cups rolled oats; 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour); ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil); 1 tsp vanilla extract

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it reminds me of classic fig newtons but fresher and more flavorful. The dough is tender yet sturdy enough to hold the filling without crumbling, and the fig filling itself is naturally sweet with a jam-like consistency. I also enjoy that I can make them ahead of time and keep them on hand for quick snacks or lunchbox treats.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dried figs
Water (or orange juice for extra flavor)
Honey or maple syrup
Lemon juice
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract

Directions

I start by making the filling: I simmer chopped dried figs with water (or orange juice), honey, and lemon juice until soft and thick. Once cooled slightly, I puree the mixture until smooth and let it cool completely.
For the dough, I cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then I add the egg and vanilla.
In another bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then I gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
I divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a rectangle on a floured surface.
I spread the fig filling down the center of each rectangle, then fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
I place the filled logs seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
I bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes or until lightly golden.
After cooling, I slice them into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18–20 bars, depending on how thick I slice them. The prep time usually takes me 25 minutes, the cook time is around 20 minutes, and the total time is about 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I like to add cinnamon or nutmeg to the fig filling for a warm spice flavor. I’ve also swapped part of the figs with dried dates for a slightly different sweetness. If I want a healthier version, I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, and coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.

storage/reheating

I store my fig bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze really well—I wrap them tightly and keep them for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, I simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs?

Yes, but I prefer dried figs because they create a thicker, sweeter filling that holds up better. Fresh figs will need to be cooked down longer to remove excess moisture.

Do I need to peel the figs before cooking?

No, I don’t peel them. The skins soften completely during cooking and blend right into the filling.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until I’m ready to assemble the bars.

How do I keep the bars from spreading too much?

I make sure the dough is chilled before baking, which helps it hold its shape better.

Are homemade fig bars healthier than store-bought?

I like them because I can control the sweetness and ingredients—no preservatives, less sugar, and I can even make them with whole grains.

Conclusion

These homemade fig bars are a cozy, satisfying treat that I always enjoy making from scratch. I love how the tender dough pairs with the naturally sweet, jammy fig filling. They’re easy to make, great for storing, and even better for sharing.

Do you want me to format this into a recipe-card style section at the end for quick reference, like a compact printable version?

Homemade Fig Bars