Description
Homemade Fig Bars
These Homemade Fig Bars feature a jammy fresh fig filling sandwiched between a crunchy, chewy oatmeal crust. Inspired by the abundance of fig trees found in South Philly, these bars bring a slice of nature’s bounty into your kitchen. Fresh figs make these bars delightfully flavorful and are perfect if you want a homemade alternative to the store-bought version. The chewy oatmeal crust and sweet fig filling make it an ideal dessert to share with friends or freeze for later treats!
For the Fig Filling
24 fresh figs (720 g), quartered
1/3 cup (71 g) brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Oatmeal Crust
1 cup (226 g) melted butter
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (178 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup (213 g) brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
1. Make the fig filling: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Cook until thickened (45 min), blend if smoother texture desired.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix crust ingredients in a bowl.
3. Layer 1 1/2 cups crust, add fig jam, top with remaining crust.
4. Bake 30-35 min, until golden.
Prep Time: 1 hr
Kcal: 300 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine quartered figs, brown sugar, lemon zest, salt, and vanilla. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes until the mixture is very thick and jammy. For a smoother consistency, carefully blend with an immersion blender or transfer to a stand blender. Let cool slightly.
2. Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until a uniform, crumbly dough forms.
3. Assemble the Bars: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Firmly press about 1 1/2 cups of the oat crust mixture into the bottom to create an even layer. Spread the cooled fig filling over this base. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture evenly over the top, pressing down gently.
4. Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack before lifting out the slab and cutting into bars.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these fig bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a delightful dessert. They pair perfectly with a cup of black coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How-to Summary
Create a thick fig jam by simmering fresh figs with sugar and flavorings. Mix a simple, pressable oat crust. Layer the crust, jam, and remaining crust in a pan. Bake until golden, then cool completely before slicing into bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried figs instead of fresh? Yes. Soak 12 oz of dried figs in hot water for 30 minutes to soften, then drain and proceed with the filling recipe. You may need to add a few tablespoons of water during cooking.
How should I store these bars? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why is my filling too runny? The filling must be cooked long enough to evaporate excess moisture. It should coat the back of a spoon thickly. Letting it cool before assembly also helps it set.
Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
My top crust isn’t browning. What can I do? If the top is pale after baking, place the pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using under-ripe figs, as they lack sweetness and jammy texture. Do not skip the cooling step before cutting, or the bars will fall apart. Ensure your melted butter has cooled slightly before mixing to prevent the crust from becoming greasy. Press the bottom crust firmly to create a solid base.
Conclusion
These Homemade Fig Bars capture the essence of fresh figs in a portable, satisfying treat. With a perfect balance of a chewy oat crust and vibrant fig filling, they are a rewarding baking project far superior to any store-bought version. Whether enjoyed fresh, shared with friends, or frozen for later, they are a delicious celebration of seasonal fruit.