These easy fresh fig bars are perfect for summer! With a soft and chewy base, they are loaded with sweet, juicy figs that make every bite a little piece of heaven.
Trust me, these bars vanish quickly at any picnic! I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun twist. You won’t regret trying them out this season!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Figs: The star of this recipe! Feel free to swap with dried figs if fresh aren’t available, but remember to soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften.
Granulated Sugar: This helps sweeten the fig filling. You could use honey or agave syrup as a natural alternative, but adjust the liquid ingredients to maintain consistency.
All-purpose Flour: Standard for texture, but if you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep an eye on the moisture levels!
Rolled Oats: They add a nice chewiness. Steel-cut oats can be a good substitute, but they will have a crunchier texture.
Unsalted Butter: For a dairy-free option, you can replace it with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Just note that flavors may slightly differ.
How Do I Make Sure My Fig Jam is Perfectly Thick?
Getting your fig mixture to a jam-like consistency is key for these bars. Start with medium heat and stir often. Don’t rush this step! The mixture needs time to break down.
- Cook the figs, sugar, and lemon juice until the figs turn soft and syrupy (10-15 minutes).
- If it seems too runny, let it cook a bit longer, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Once it’s thick, pull it off the heat and let it cool before spreading it on the crust. This prevents it from making the crust soggy.
Easy Fresh Fig Bars Recipe for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fig Filling:
- 2 cups fresh figs, stemmed and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 to 35 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. Make sure to let the fig bars cool completely before slicing, which may take about 30 minutes. Overall, you should plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours before they’re ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the bars out later!
2. Make the Fig Filling:
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped fresh figs, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the figs soften and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once it’s done, set it aside to cool.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Combine with Butter:
Pour the melted butter and vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed in your hand.
5. Create the Base Layer:
Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This forms the base of your fig bars.
6. Add the Fig Filling:
Spread the cooled fig mixture evenly over the crust. Make sure it covers the base well!
7. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fig layer. Gently press it down, but keep it a bit crumbly for texture.
8. Bake the Fig Bars:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. Your kitchen will smell amazing by now!
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out once cooled. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your fresh fig bars right away, or store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are perfect for summer snacking!
Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Fresh Fig Bars Recipe
Can I Use Dried Figs Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! If using dried figs, soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften before chopping. They will provide a different texture but still taste delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Fig Bars?
Store any leftover fig bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Can I Make These Fig Bars Vegan?
Absolutely! To make the recipe vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) instead of the butter for moisture if needed.
What Can I Serve with Fig Bars?
These fig bars are delightful on their own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty dessert. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a nice finishing touch!
