Not only are these bars incredibly tasty, but they’re also packed with nutrients. Figs provide natural sweetness and fiber, while oats offer heart-healthy benefits and keep you feeling full longer.This recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe both fun and rewarding to make.

Old Fashioned Fig Bars Recipe with Fresh Figs

We have a fig tree that puts off tons of the most delicious figs every summer. We love making homemade fig bars with some of the surplus. They have a delicious fig mixture and a chewy oatmeal crust that makes a sweet treat that is full of fiber for a healthy snack. It’s a great way to use up a lot of fresh figs and know we aren’t eating a ton of added sugar. They are great for special occasions, or just sweet snacks on a day you need a pick-me-up. The middle layer is my favorite. I can’t wait for you to try this healthy fig bar that can be used as a snack, or as breakfast bars. You’re going to love it!

This is a great balanced snack idea with a little bit of nut butter spread on top or with a cheese stick on the side. It’s full of fiber and all the deliciousness you need.

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Homemade Oatmeal Fig Bars

Soft, figgy, delicious, chewy fig bars with fig jam filling and a delicious fiber filled oatmeal crust!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword fig bars, fresh figs, oatmeal, oatmeal fig bars

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Ingredients

Fig Filling

• 1 pound dried figs stems removed and chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Oatmeal Crust and Topping

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter melted

Instructions

Prepare the Fig Filling

• Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped figs, water, and granulated sugar.
• Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the figs are soft and the mixture has thickened.
• Blend: Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then puree it in a food processor or blender until smooth. Set aside to cool completely.

Prepare the Oatmeal Crust and Topping

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
• Add Butter: Pour the melted butter over the oat mixture and stir until everything is well combined.

Assemble the Bars

• Press Crust: Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
• Add Filling: Spread the fig filling evenly over the crust.
• Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the fig filling, pressing it down gently.
• Bake and Cool
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
• Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares.

Tips

• Choosing Fig Jam: For the best flavor, if you don’t want to make your own jam, feel free to use a high-quality store-bought fig jam.
• Variations: You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the crust mixture for extra flavor.

How to Store Oatmeal Fig Bars

Storing oatmeal fig bars properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing them:

Short-Term Storage (1-2 Weeks)

1. Room Temperature:
   • Container: Place the bars in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
   • Layering: If stacking the bars, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
   • Cool Place: Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
2. Refrigerator:
   • Container: Use an airtight container or tightly wrap the bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
   • Shelf Life: Stored this way, the bars can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Long-Term Storage (Up to 3 Months)

1. Freezer:
   • Pre-Freeze: Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for 1-2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together.
   • Packaging: Once pre-frozen, transfer the bars to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
   • Labeling: Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
   • Thawing: To enjoy the bars, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.

Additional Tips

• Avoid Moisture: Make sure the bars are completely cool before storing them to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Check Freshness: Always check the bars for any signs of mold or off smells before consuming them, especially if they’ve been stored for a while.
• Portion Control: Consider slicing the bars into individual servings before storing them, making it easier to grab a single serving without exposing the rest to air.

By following these storage tips, you can keep your oatmeal fig bars fresh and tasty for an extended period.

Granola Bars Recipe

For another convenient and wholesome bar recipe, you can cut and take on the go, check out another favorite:

• Nut-Free Granola Bar Recipe

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