Brown Sugar and Oat Fig Bars Recipe: A Wholesome Treat You’ll Love

When it comes to indulging in something both wholesome and delicious, Brown Sugar and Oat Fig Bars are the perfect balance of sweetness and nourishment. These bars feature a buttery, brown sugar oat crust and topping, paired with a sweet, jammy fig filling. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, these bars are bound to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re preparing them for a busy morning or packing them for a picnic, these fig bars are versatile and packed with flavor.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making these chewy, wholesome fig bars that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

What Are Brown Sugar and Oat Fig Bars?

At their core, Brown Sugar and Oat Fig Bars are a combination of a rich, buttery oat crust and a luscious fig filling. The oat crust provides a delightful texture that’s both crumbly and slightly chewy, while the fig filling is jammy, sweet, and full of natural goodness. What makes these bars even better is that they’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them the perfect homemade snack for any occasion.

The key ingredients include dried figs, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and a few simple spices to elevate the flavor profile. This recipe is not just tasty; it’s packed with nutrients like fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, thanks to the figs and oats.

The Origin of Fig Bars: A Delicious Tradition

The history of fig bars dates back to the early 1900s. These chewy, sweet treats have long been enjoyed in various forms around the world. The most famous version of fig bars comes from the iconic Fig Newton cookie, created in the 19th century by the Newton, Massachusetts-based company. However, fig bars have a rich cultural history, with variations found across different regions.

While fig-based desserts have been popular for centuries, the use of figs as a filling for bars gained mainstream popularity in the United States. Over time, bakers began experimenting with oat crusts, combining the classic fig filling with a buttery, crumbly topping that is now beloved by many.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar and Oat Fig Bars

This recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable treat. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Fig Filling:

• 1 lb dried figs, stems removed and chopped
• 1 cup water
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• Pinch of salt

For the Oat Crust and Topping:

• 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream

Step-by-Step Directions for Preparation

1: Make the Fig Filling

1. Prepare the figs: If your figs are very dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes and then drain.
2. Cook the filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped figs, water, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the figs don’t stick to the pan.
3. Mash and season: Once the figs have softened, use a fork or a potato masher to break them down into a chunky paste. Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes until it becomes thick and jammy.
4. Cool completely: Remove from heat and set aside to cool while you prepare the crust.

2: Prepare the Pan and Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
3. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.

3: Make the Oat Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cold butter in small cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some larger pieces remaining.
3. Add the egg and milk or heavy cream to the mixture, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

4: Assemble the Bars

1. Press ⅔ of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the bottom crust.
2. Spread the cooled fig filling evenly over the oat crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the fig filling, pressing it down lightly.

5: Bake the Bars

1. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
2. Avoid overbaking—the center should remain slightly soft.
3. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting (this should take at least 2 hours).

6: Cut and Serve

1. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
2. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.

Variations for Brown Sugar and Oat Fig Bars

While the traditional recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize your fig bars to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:

Fig Filling Variations:

• Mixed fruit: Replace half of the figs with dates or dried apricots for a more complex flavor.
• Spiced: Add a ¼ tsp of nutmeg and a ¼ tsp of allspice for a spicier twist.
• Citrus: Add orange zest along with the lemon juice for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Boozy: Add 2 tbsp of rum or brandy with the vanilla for an adult version of the bars.

Crust Variations:

• Nutty: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds to the oat mixture for added crunch.
• Coconut: Replace ¼ cup of oats with unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
• Whole grain: Use half whole wheat flour for a heartier crust.
• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour for a gluten-free version of the bars.

Topping Ideas:

• Glaze: Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tbsp of milk to make a simple glaze for the top of the bars.
• Cream cheese: Spread softened cream cheese on the cooled bars for a tangy contrast.
• Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar can add an elegant touch to your finished bars.

FAQs About Brown Sugar and Oat Fig Bars

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs?

While dried figs work best for this recipe, fresh figs can be used. However, you’ll need to cook them longer to get the right consistency for the filling.

Can I make these fig bars vegan?

Yes, you can easily make these fig bars vegan by substituting the butter with plant-based butter and the egg with a flax egg or chia egg.

How can I make these Fig Oat Bars more tart?

If you want a more tart flavor, increase the amount of lemon juice in the filling. You could also add some tart berries like cranberries to the filling.

Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze well. After cutting them, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion: Enjoy a Delicious and Wholesome Snack

These Brown Sugar and Oat Fig Bars offer the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors. With a chewy fig filling and a buttery oat crust, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or even for dessert, these bars are a delicious treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

By following the simple steps and utilizing the many variations, you can customize these bars to fit your preferences and dietary needs. With the option to make ahead and store for later, they’re incredibly convenient for busy days.

Enjoy this homemade treat that’s bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, perfect for sharing with family and friends, or simply treating yourself to something special!

Brown Sugar and Oat Fig Bars Recipe: A Wholesome Treat You’ll Love

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

At their core, Brown Sugar and Oat Fig Bars are a combination of a rich, buttery oat crust and a luscious fig filling. The oat crust provides a delightful texture that’s both crumbly and slightly chewy, while the fig filling is jammy, sweet, and full of natural goodness. What makes these bars even better is that they’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them the perfect homemade snack for any occasion.

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Ingredients

For the Fig Filling:

• 1 lb dried figs, stems removed and chopped

• 1 cup water

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground ginger

• Pinch of salt

For the Oat Crust and Topping:

• 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Fig Filling

1. Prepare the figs: If your figs are very dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes and then drain.

2. Cook the filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped figs, water, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the figs don’t stick to the pan.

3. Mash and season: Once the figs have softened, use a fork or a potato masher to break them down into a chunky paste. Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes until it becomes thick and jammy.

4. Cool completely: Remove from heat and set aside to cool while you prepare the crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan and Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

3. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Oat Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

2. Add the cold butter in small cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some larger pieces remaining.

3. Add the egg and milk or heavy cream to the mixture, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Press ⅔ of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the bottom crust.

2. Spread the cooled fig filling evenly over the oat crust, leaving a small border around the edges.

3. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the fig filling, pressing it down lightly.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

1. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.

2. Avoid overbaking—the center should remain slightly soft.

3. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting (this should take at least 2 hours).

Step 6: Cut and Serve

1. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.

2. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

These chewy fig bars combine the rich sweetness of brown sugar with the hearty texture of oats—perfect for a wholesome snack or a light dessert. They store well, making them great for lunchboxes or meal prep!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snack / Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: Low

Keywords: Brown Sugar and Oat Fig Bars