Homemade Fig Bars Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious!

Ingredients for Homemade Fig Bars

If you're looking to bake homemade fig bars, you'll need a simple list of ingredients to make these delicious and nutritious treats. Here's what you'll need:

For the Fig Filling:

• 2 cups dried figs, stemmed and chopped
• ³⁄₄ cup water
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for flavor)

For the Dough:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup whole wheat flour
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ³⁄₄ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• ¹⁄₄ cup applesauce or milk (for moisture)

✨ Note: If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose and whole wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Steps to Make Fig Bars at Home

Here's how you can create your own batch of homemade fig bars:

Making the Fig Filling:

1. Add the figs, water, honey or maple syrup (if using), lemon juice, and cinnamon into a medium saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the figs are soft and the mixture has thickened.
3. Let the fig mixture cool slightly, then blend or pulse in a food processor until smooth.
4. Set aside to cool completely before using.

Preparing the Dough:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and then stir in the applesauce or milk to combine.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until the dough comes together.

Assembling the Fig Bars:

1. Divide the dough in half. Roll out each half between two pieces of parchment paper into a rectangle about ¹⁄₄ inch thick.
2. Spread the fig filling evenly over one of the dough rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Carefully lay the second dough rectangle over the fig filling. Press the edges to seal the two dough pieces together.
4. Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled rectangle into bars. Typically, you would cut 8-10 bars from each rectangle.
5. Transfer the bars to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each bar.

Baking and Cooling

Once your fig bars are assembled, follow these steps to bake them to perfection:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Cut the bars once more to ensure neat edges if they've spread during baking.

🔔 Note: Cooling is crucial as it allows the fig filling to set, preventing the bars from breaking apart.

Storing Homemade Fig Bars

Storing your homemade fig bars correctly is key to keeping them fresh and enjoyable:

• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag or container, where they can last up to 3 months.

In summary, making homemade fig bars not only provides you with a sweet treat but also gives you control over the ingredients for a healthier option. This process involves preparing a rich fig filling and crafting a simple, yet delicious dough. From start to finish, these bars are an excellent project for baking enthusiasts, offering both taste and nutrition. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or stored for later, these homemade fig bars are sure to delight.

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried for the filling?

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Yes, you can use fresh figs, but keep in mind that they will produce a wetter filling. You might need to adjust the cooking time to reduce the moisture content.

What can I substitute for honey or maple syrup in the filling?

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If you prefer not to use honey or maple syrup, you can use agave nectar, molasses, or even a bit of sugar to sweeten the filling.

How can I make these fig bars vegan?

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Use vegan butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water), and ensure your sweeteners are vegan-friendly. Check all ingredients for animal-derived components.