Fig Bars are soft, buttery, and filled with a rich, homemade fig jam that melts in your mouth. Inspired by the classic fig newton, this recipe uses real figs, warm spices, and a tender oat crust for a nostalgic yet homemade upgrade. They’re perfect as a snack, breakfast treat, or healthy dessert — naturally sweet, fiber-rich, and packed with comforting flavor.
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🍇 Fig Bars Ingredients
For the Fig Filling:
- 2 cups dried figs, stemmed and chopped
- ½ cup orange juice or water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Crust & Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

🥧 How To Make Fig Bars
- Make the fig filling:
In a small saucepan, combine chopped figs, orange juice, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt.
Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until thick and jammy.
Let cool slightly, then blend into a smooth paste using a food processor. Set aside to cool completely. - Preheat the oven:
Set to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. - Prepare the crust:
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
Add flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined into a soft dough. - Assemble the bars:
Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Spread the cooled fig filling over the top. Crumble the remaining dough on top for a rustic finish. - Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. - Cool and slice:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.
💭 Recipe Tips
- Use soft dried figs: If they’re tough, soak in hot water for 10 minutes before using.
- Make it vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flaxseed egg.
- For a nuttier flavor: Add ¼ cup chopped almonds or walnuts to the topping.
- Add spice: A dash of nutmeg or ginger adds warmth and depth.
- Store for later: These bars keep beautifully for several days and taste even better the next day!
🍧 What To Serve With Fig Bars?
Enjoy them as a snack with coffee or tea, or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also perfect for lunchboxes, picnics or as a wholesome grab-and-go breakfast.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Fig Bars?
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep for up to 1 week for extra freshness.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?
Yes! Use 2 cups chopped fresh figs and reduce the liquid to ¼ cup since they have more moisture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Can I use store-bought fig jam?
Yes! About ¾ cup of quality fig jam or spread works as a shortcut filling.
Why are my bars crumbly?
Make sure to press the dough firmly into the pan and allow them to cool fully before slicing.
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📊 Fig Bars Nutrition Fact
Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g

Fig Bars Recipe
Description
Fig Bars Recipe features buttery oat crusts filled with homemade fig jam for a soft, chewy, and naturally sweet treat — a delicious homemade twist on classic fig newtons.
Ingredients
For the Fig Filling:
For the Crust & Topping:
Instructions
- Simmer figs and blend into a jam.
- Mix crust and topping dough.
- Layer dough, fig filling, and crumble topping.
- Bake until golden and cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use soft dried figs: If they’re tough, soak in hot water for 10 minutes before using.
Make it vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flaxseed egg.
For a nuttier flavor: Add ¼ cup chopped almonds or walnuts to the topping.
Add spice: A dash of nutmeg or ginger adds warmth and depth.
Store for later: These bars keep beautifully for several days and taste even better the next day!