Description
These chewy homemade fig bars feature a tender, buttery dough and a rich, sticky honey-fig filling. They are easier to make than store-bought versions and offer a sophisticated, rustic dessert perfect for gifting or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried figs, chopped
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon clove
- 2–3 tablespoons water
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a larger bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- While dough chills, chop dried figs. In a medium saucepan, combine figs, honey, orange juice, cinnamon, clove, and 2 tablespoons water.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until figs are soft and mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Roll out one dough disk into a rectangle (⅛ inch thick) and press into the pan. Trim excess and dock with a fork.
- Spread the cooled fig filling evenly over the crust, leaving a ½ inch border.
- Roll out the second dough disk. Cut into strips for a lattice top or lay flat with slits. Place on top, seal edges, and prick with a fork.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting.
Notes
Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent shrinking and sticking. Ensure fig bars cool completely before cutting to allow the filling to set. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For vegan version, use vegan butter and a flax egg. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: fig bars, honey fig bars, homemade cookies, dessert recipe, easy baking, fig filling, chewy cookies