I feel sorry for people who have never had a fig newton, a favorite dessert of mine. I feel even more sorry for someone who has never this fig bar recipe.
We think it’s one of the best fig recipes out there. We should know, we’ve made quite a few.
This fig bars recipe is one of the best dessert bars recipes you will find.
What is it?
We use dried figs for this fig dessert.
Have you ever cooked or baked with figs?
This fig bar recipe is a first for me. I definitely won’t be a last.
Raise your hand if you’ve never had a fig newton.
Even if you don’t care for figs, chances are pretty good that you have tried them in one form or another at some point.
Fig recipes make great desserts!
Some time ago our family made the short trek to a recently opened Costco store in our area.
Among the things that found their way into our cart was a bag of Calimyrina figs, sun-dried and unsulfured.
Neither Scott nor myself had any idea what those designations signified but that bag still looked mighty alluring to a couple of adventurous foodies.
By the same token, neither of us had any clue about how to use these.
Fig recipes make great desserts
With the shrug of our shoulders and that “should we give ’em a try” look in both of our eyes, they swiftly made their way into our cart and a short while later into our pantry where they sat for a while.
I pulled that bag of figs out a few times, gave it some thought and still had no earthly idea what I could do with these.
Until last night.
That’s when Scott sent me a link to some great ways to enjoy and use figs.
Oatmeal and chopped walnuts help make these dessert bars one of the best fig recipes you will ever taste.
That’s just one of the things I love about this guy.
He’s funny, I think he’s quite handsome, he’s a great dad and when he’s not poking fun of me and my Adirondack hillbilly quasi drawl, he is on occasion quite funny.
Did I mention resourceful?
Besides figs, these simple ingredients will make this fig bar recipe sing!
- Oatmeal
- Brown sugar
- Chopped walnuts
These fig bars could barely be any easier to put together and they take just a few ingredients.
Pick some figs up the next time you see them and be amazed at what you can do with them.
I hope you enjoy this one.
Make this fig bar recipe today!
If you’re looking for some of the best dessert bars recipes to make at home, we’ve got you covered!
See our full collection of the best dessert bars recipes you can find!
You might like some of our other popular dessert bar recipes, here is just a sample!
Looking for some great tips on how to be a better baker? Check out these 11 Baking Tips, from Bon Appétit!
If you’ve tried these Fig Bars or any other recipe on Platter Talk, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, we love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see what we have cooking!
Fig Bars Recipe
Ingredients
for the crust
- ½ cup butter softened
- ¼ sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
for the filling
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup dried figs chopped
for the topping
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cold butter
- ¼ cup quick-cooking oats
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray 9-inch square pan with cooking spray.
- In small bowl, beat ½ cup butter, ¼ cup granulated sugar and the vanilla with electric mixer until well blended.
- On low speed, beat in 1 cup flour until soft dough forms.
- Press dough in bottom of pan and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until center is set.
- Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, cook filling ingredients over medium-high heat 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until figs are tender and most of liquid is absorbed.
- Spread over crust.
- In small bowl, mix ¼ cup flour, the brown sugar and 3 tablespoons butter, using pastry blender or fork, until crumbly.
- Stir in oats and walnuts. Sprinkle over filling.
- Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until edges are bubbly and topping is light golden brown.
- Cool completely, about 1 hour.
- For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.
Video
Notes
As with any dessert recipe, nut may be complete omitted with these bars.
Michael says
Can’t wait to make these! I’m not sure which is sweeter the recipe or the kind words you say about your husband
Looking forward to this treat! Will try the variety of other fillings you suggest.
Thanks for this fun adventure
Dan from Platter Talk says
Scott is definitely sweeter!
Betsy says
Love anything with figs. Can you use fig jam for the filling?
Dan from Platter Talk says
Betsy, Fig jam would be an amazing filling!
Matt Glennie says
Very tasty. I added some almond flour to crust and orange juice to filling. I have made them twice. Could fill with apricot or blueberry, raspberry. So good.
Diane says
They didn’t last a day. Fabulous recipe! I would double the filling as it wasn’t quite enough for the bars
Dan from Platter Talk says
That’s a great sign, Diane! We’re happy you enjoyed this recipe for homemade fig bars!
Erin says
Fabulous!! Hands down the best
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Erin! So happy you enjoyed these homemade fig bars! Thanks for the great feedback and thanks for reading Platter Talk!
Linda Pritchard says
This is the same recipe and instructions that Better Crocker printed. I made these with Whole Wheat flour.
Jenni LeBaron says
These fig bars look heavenly! I love figs and think that these would make for a lovely dessert or brunch treat.
April says
Awesome fig bars recipe! I wonder why there are not so many fig recipes out there because it is so delicious! Great to diversify my bar collection a bit, too!
Marisa Franca says
Just the other day I was craving fig bars. And here you are with a recipe for them. I love them at Christmas time and I like having a variety on the dessert tray! I’m pinning this recipe so I don’t lose it.
Pavani says
Oh my, those homemade fig bars look sooo moist and delicious. I love figs and usually eat them as is but these bars sound outstanding.
Veena Azmanov says
Fig bars are my kids favorite for an afternoon snack. These look so good. Saving for later
Jen says
Oh I love figs so much! Can I eat these for breakfast without judgement? I am going to pretend they are granola bars and therefore can eat as many as I want.
Dan from Platter Talk says
We never judge, Jen!
Mahy Elamin says
Oh my goodness this fig bar recipe will surely be one of my favorites! This looks sooooo good! Yummy! This made me drool. Cannot wait to try this. Thank you for a great recipe!
Lauren Vavala says
I love figs but have never really cooked with them much. This sounds like a great way to jump back into it – bars are my go-to snack!
Dani says
I love figs! I love that this recipe is making homemade fig bars. I can’t wait to try this recipe for my kids’ afterschool snacks.
Claudia Lamascolo says
I love fig bars and actually have a beautiful fig tree. I would certainly be printing this off when they ripen and make will improvise this filling for dried! thanks
Dan from Platter Talk says
How lucky of you to have a fig tree!
Michaela Kenkel says
My Mom LOVES Fig Newtons! I am so making these fig bars for her!! She will be so excited!!
Debra C. says
Love figs, fresh or dried and these bars look AMAZING! Figs are so rich and sweet I know this will be the best combination – YUM!
Michele says
I just saw a bag of those figs at my Costco… now I need to go buy a bag to make these! 🙂
Angela says
I happen to LOVE dried figs! These bars sound just perfect, especially that oatmeal topping! Wonderful recipe my friends!!
Ashlyn says
Oh I looooove figs, but I hardly ever cook with them. That’s going to have to change because I definitely want to make these bars!
Sandra Shaffer says
Ohh, yum! next time I’m at Costco I’m going to look for figs to make these delicious fig bars! I prefer this homemade version over the packaged ones. You guys came up with a great recipe!
debi at Life Currents says
These fig bars will be a hit in my house! My husband loves those packaged ones, and homemade is always better!
Jessy @ The Life Jolie says
These would be a fun addition to any holiday cookie platter- my whole family loves figs and cannot get enough! We’ll have to try these!
Kristen Chidsey says
I just bought some figs from costco too!! I guess I should try these–they look fabulous!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much, Kristen; we have grown to love these figs!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
I have made Fig Newtons and that was the first time I had worked with figs. This idea of making them into layered bars sounds fun.
Silvia @ Garden in the Kitchen says
I love fig bar. Tried making some over the summer but they were too soft. Will have to try your delicious recipe!
[email protected] says
Fig Newtons are the best and I love a fig treat. Can’t wait to make these.
Melissa @ My Wife Can Cook says
I loved fig newtons as a kid! I have never tried fresh figs though. I think I need to look for them the next time I’m at the store!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Melissa, you don’t know what you’re missing!
valentina says
Wow, these look way better than Fig Newtons! I bet they are absolutely fabulous! Adding them to my “to bake” list!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Try these soon, Valentina!
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
I used to eat fig newtons ALL THE TIME!!! I had to make myself stop.. These sound so much better! I haven’t used a lot of figs before either (although I kind of adore fig jam!)
Dan from Platter Talk says
Sarah, you’re going to love!
Renee says
Love fig and love the idea of putting them into a bar. yum!
Amanda says
I love figs. I didn’t realize Costco had them. I have to check it out! These fig bars look so moist….yum!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much, Amanda. Don’t you just love Costco?!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
I grew up with fig newtons too. Thus I thought that is what figs tasted like and avoided them. But a few years ago
I tasted ‘real’ figs. Oh my there is NOOOOOOOOOOOO comparison. These bars have to be absolutely splendid.
Patty Haxton Anderson says
I love this. I really do. My husband is the fig newton fan and I think are so, so but this recipe would rock my taste buds big time.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Patty!