These Healthy Vegan Fig Bars are a tasty and nutritious treat! Made with wholesome ingredients like figs, oats, and nuts, they’re perfect for a quick snack anytime.
Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked! I love grabbing these for a sweet pick-me-up during the day. Plus, they’re super easy to make—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dried Figs: Figs are the star of these bars, providing natural sweetness and nutrition. If figs aren’t available, you can use dates or prunes for a similar texture and flavor.
Almond Flour: This flour adds moisture and a nutty flavor, but you can easily swap it for oat flour or whole wheat flour if you prefer. Don’t hesitate to use a nut-free option if allergies are a concern!
Maple Syrup: This sweetener gives a natural sweetness. If you want to change things up, agave syrup or brown rice syrup can also work well.
Coconut Oil: While melting coconut oil adds richness, you can substitute it with olive oil or melted vegan butter for a different flavor.
How Do I Get the Best Texture for My Fig Bars?
The key to a great texture is in how you prepare the fig paste and oat mixture. When cooking the figs, ensure they become soft and form a thick paste. This creates a great filling for your bars. Here’s a little tip:
- Make sure to stir the figs as they cook, so they don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- For the oat mixture, combining the dry ingredients well before adding the wet ingredients ensures even distribution of flavors!
- Press down firmly on the crust layer so it holds together nicely once baked.
You’ll appreciate the chewy texture and delicious flavors in every bite!
Healthy Vegan Fig Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups dried figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crust:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, let the bars cool completely before slicing. Overall, plan for about 1 hour to have perfectly set vegan fig bars ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang. This makes it easier to lift the bars out later. Don’t skip this step!
2. Make the Fig Filling:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped figs, water, and lemon juice. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the figs to soften and turn into a thick paste. Once done, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set the mixture aside to cool while you prepare the crust.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give everything a good mix so that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the maple syrup and melted coconut oil to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until fully combined and the mixture is moist.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Divide the oat mixture in half. Press half of it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a solid crust. Next, spread the fig paste evenly over the crust layer.
6. Top and Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture crumbles evenly over the fig layer, pressing gently down to adhere them. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.
7. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This step is essential to allow the bars to firm up. After cooling, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into bars.
8. Storage:
Store your delicious fig bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for added freshness. Enjoy as a wholesome snack anytime!
Enjoy your homemade healthy vegan fig bars as a delicious and energizing snack!
FAQ about Healthy Vegan Fig Bars
Can I Use Fresh Figs Instead of Dried Figs?
It’s best to use dried figs for this recipe since they have a concentrated sweetness and will create a thick paste when cooked. If you only have fresh figs, you might need to adjust the water and cook them longer to achieve a paste-like consistency.
Can I Substitute the Almond Flour?
Absolutely! If you don’t have almond flour on hand, you can use oat flour or even whole wheat flour as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Fig Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, although they may last about the same time. Just make sure they’re cool before sealing them up!
Can I Freeze These Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these fig bars! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying!
