These Easy Homemade Fig Newton Bars are a tasty treat! With a soft cookie outside and a sweet fig filling, they’re sure to make your snack time special. Yum!
Making these bars is a piece of cake. Just mix, roll, and bake! I always keep some on hand for a quick snack, and they disappear fast—everyone loves them! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dried Figs: This is the star of the show! Dried figs give a sweet, chewy filling. If figs are hard to find, dates can be a good substitute. They also add that sweet flavor but may be a bit stickier.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great in this recipe. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. It usually provides a similar texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavor. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter is an excellent alternative. Just make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing.
Granulated Sugar: If you want to cut down on refined sugar, coconut sugar can be a good alternative. It has a lovely caramel flavor that pairs well with figs.
Egg: The egg helps bind the dough. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
How Do You Ensure Your Fig Filling is Just Right?
Creating the fig filling is essential to getting that sweet and slightly thick texture. Here’s how to nail it:
- Combine the figs, water, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir regularly to prevent sticking.
- The filling should get thick like jam; if it’s too runny, you can cook it a few more minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
- Don’t forget to let it cool completely before spreading; this makes it easier to work with and helps prevent the dough from getting soggy.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious Fig Newton Bars that everyone will love! Enjoy your baking!
Easy Homemade Fig Newton Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup dried figs, stems removed and chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and will need around 12-15 minutes to bake. Allow time for the fig filling to cool completely before assembling the bars. In total, plan for about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fig Filling:
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped figs, water, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the figs soften. You want it to look thick and jam-like, which takes about 10 minutes. Once done, take it off the heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Dough:
While the filling is cooling, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you have a soft dough.
3. Assemble the Bars:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll each part into a rectangle about 9×5 inches. Spread the fig filling evenly over one rectangle, making sure to leave about a 1/2 inch border on the edges. Carefully place the second rectangle of dough on top and seal the edges either by pressing with a fork or pinching shut with your fingers.
4. Bake:
Trim any edges if they have puffed up too much and cut the filled rectangle into bars about 1 inch wide. Place these bars on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled, they are ready to slice and enjoy! These homemade Fig Newton Bars make a perfect snack or dessert!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Fig Newton Bars!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Fig Newton Bars
Can I Use Fresh Figs Instead of Dried Figs?
Fresh figs won’t work well in this recipe because they have a much higher water content. If you only have fresh figs, you can try drying them in a low-temperature oven or using a dehydrator to concentrate their sweetness before using them.
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). You can also substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
How to Store Leftover Fig Newton Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; they’ll keep for about 2-3 months.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can mix in nuts, such as chopped walnuts or almonds, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Dried fruits like apricots or raisins can also complement the figs nicely!
