There’s something special about savoring a sweet treat that whisks you back to simpler times, wrapped in the warmth of home and family. Fig Bars bring a tender slice of nostalgia, inviting us to gather around the kitchen table, sharing stories while the sun sets softly outside. Each bite encapsulates the love of generations, reminding us of cozy evenings under the porch lights with our cherished ones.
Why make this recipe
These delightful Fig Bars, inspired by the comforting kitchen of Helen Ridgeway, aren’t just a dessert; they’re a cherished memory woven into every crumb. With a perfect balance of sweet figs and a buttery crust, they embody the essence of home baking. Perfect for gatherings, or just a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this recipe lovingly embraces your heart and fills your tummy.
How to make Fig Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups dried figs, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
Directions:
- Begin by simmering the chopped figs in a saucepan with the water over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes until the figs are soft and plump. Then, allow them to cool just a bit before pureeing them in a food processor until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, filling the room with that rich sweetness we all adore.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well-combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the fig puree, allowing the warm flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 baking pan. Pour half of the fig mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until slightly golden. Remove it from the oven and spread the remaining fig mixture on top, returning it back to the oven for another 20-25 minutes, until the top is bubbling and golden.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares, which can be tricky, but oh-so-worth it.
How to serve Fig Bars
These bars are best enjoyed with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top or perhaps a dollop of whipped cream for those extra cozy moments. They’re delightful on their own but pair splendidly with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of chilled iced tea. Gather your loved ones, share a few stories, and let the Fig Bars become a centerpiece of your gathering.
How to store Fig Bars
Tuck these Fig Bars away in an airtight container where they’ll stay fresh for up to five days at room temperature. If you’re planning ahead or just want to keep that deliciousness around longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap them well and layer them with parchment paper to keep them from sticking.
Tips to make Fig Bars
- Don’t rush that fig simmering step; letting the figs soak up the water and soften truly brings out their natural sweetness.
- Slice them neatly using a sharp knife after they’re completely cooled for the best presentation.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add an extra layer of warmth.
Variations
If figs aren’t your fruit of choice, feel free to substitute them with dried apricots or prunes for a delightful twist. You could even go adventurous and mix in some chopped nuts for a little crunch.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs?
- Absolutely! Just keep in mind that fresh figs have more moisture, so you might want to reduce the water used when simmering.
- Are these Fig Bars suitable for freezing?
- Yes, these lovely bars freeze beautifully! Just make sure they’re well-wrapped.
- Can I make these bars gluten-free?
- Certainly! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go.
The kitchen is where memories are made, and with Fig Bars, each slice is a little piece of love waiting to be shared. I invite you to gather your family together, bake a batch, and watch as those delightful aromas fill your cherished home, warm memories bubbling to the surface, just like the sweetness of the figs in every bite. Happy baking!
Fig Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by simmering the chopped figs in a saucepan with the water over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they are soft and plump.
- Allow the figs to cool slightly before pureeing them in a food processor until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until well-combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the fig puree until incorporated.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 baking pan.
- Pour half of the fig mixture into the pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and spread the remaining fig mixture on top, then return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.