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Homemade Fig Bars – Naturally Sweet, Soft, and Better Than Store-Bought!

Step aside, packaged fig bars—these Homemade Fig Bars are everything you love and more: naturally sweetened, filled with real dried figs, layered between a soft oat crumble crust, and baked to golden perfection. Think of them as a nostalgic snack made better with simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a healthy dessert, these fig bars are chewy, tender, and surprisingly easy to make. Once you try them fresh from the oven (or chilled from the fridge), you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fig Filling
  • 1½ cups dried figs stems removed and chopped
  • ½ cup orange juice or water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Oat Crust & Crumble
  • 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Blender or food processor
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1. Make the Fig Filling
  1. In a saucepan, combine:
  2. 1½ cups chopped figs
  3. ½ cup orange juice
  4. 1 tbsp lemon juice
  5. 1 tbsp maple syrup
  6. Pinch of salt
  7. Simmer over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, until figs are soft and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Step 2. Blend the Filling
  1. Transfer fig mixture to food processor.
  2. Add ½ tsp vanilla.
  3. Blend until smooth and jam-like; set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
Step 4. Make the Oat Crust & Crumble
  1. In a bowl, whisk together:
  2. 1½ cups oats
  3. 1 cup flour
  4. ½ cup brown sugar
  5. ½ tsp baking soda
  6. ½ tsp cinnamon
  7. ¼ tsp salt
  8. Add ¾ cup melted butter and 1 tsp vanilla.
  9. Stir until crumbly mixture forms.
Step 5. Assemble the Bars
  1. Press ⅔ of oat mixture into prepared pan to form crust.
  2. Spread fig filling evenly on top.
  3. Crumble remaining oat mixture over fig layer.
Step 6. Bake the Bars
  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and set.
  2. Let cool completely in pan before slicing into bars.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room temperature: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps up to 1 week; firmer texture when chilled.
Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: Not necessary—enjoy straight from fridge or room temp.
🥄 Variations
Nutty Fig Bars: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds to crumble topping.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan: Substitute dairy-free butter or coconut oil for butter.
Coconut Fig Bars: Mix ¼ cup shredded coconut into crust for extra texture.
Citrus Twist: Add 1 tsp orange zest to fig filling for brightness.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use fresh figs?
Fresh figs contain more moisture. It’s best to use dried figs for thicker filling.
2. Do I have to use orange juice?
No—you can substitute water, apple juice, or even brewed tea.
3. What type of figs work best?
Black Mission or Turkish figs both work great; just remove stems.
4. Why is my fig filling too runny?
Cook longer to reduce excess liquid before blending.
5. Can I use quick oats?
Rolled oats give better texture; quick oats may result in a softer crust.
6. Can I skip the food processor?
You can mash the fig mixture by hand, but texture may be chunkier.
7. Are these healthy?
Yes—made with whole grains, natural sweeteners, and fruit.
8. Can I make them into fig "bars" like store-bought ones?
Shape the filling inside dough layers and cut into rectangles after baking.
9. Do they freeze well?
Yes—freeze individually and thaw overnight or microwave for 15–20 seconds.
10. Are they good for kids?
Definitely—sweet, soft, and easy to pack in lunchboxes.
🏁 Conclusion
These Homemade Fig Bars combine the natural sweetness of figs with a buttery oat crumble for the perfect snack or dessert. They’re simple, wholesome, and deliciously nostalgic—perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier twist on a childhood favorite. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!