If you’re looking for a simple yet utterly delightful treat that combines wholesome oats with the natural sweetness of figs, you’ve got to try this Fig Oat Bars Recipe. These bars are the perfect balance of chewy texture and fruity brightness, wrapped up in a crumbly oat crust that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you want a wholesome snack, a sweet breakfast option, or a dessert that’s both nostalgic and fresh, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Fig Oat Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a textured, flavorful experience. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the bar’s moist yet chewy texture and that rustic golden-brown hue you’ll want to admire before digging in.
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted: Adds natural richness and helps bind the ingredients while keeping the bars wonderfully moist.
- 1 flaxseed egg: A vegan-friendly egg substitute that provides structure and a slight nutty undertone.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Creates a tender crumb base for the oat topping and bottom.
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour: Brings hearty flavor and a wholesome texture, balancing out the sweetness.
- 1 ½ cup old fashioned oats: The star for chewiness and that classic oatty texture we all love.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the figs without overpowering the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift for lighter, less dense bars.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for highlighting the subtle sweetness and balancing flavors.
- ½ cup fig preserves: The luscious, sticky heart of these bars, bringing fruity sweetness and a touch of jammy goodness.
How to Make Fig Oat Bars Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This small prep step ensures your bars won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup. Setting the oven early also earns you extra brownie points for efficiency!
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Giving these ingredients a good whisk ensures an even distribution, so every bite is consistent with flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the melted coconut oil and add your flaxseed egg to the dry mix. Stir everything together until it forms a cohesive dough. The oil brings moistness, while the flax egg acts as the perfect binder without weighing anything down.
Step 4: Press the Base Layer
Using clean hands, press about two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of your parchment-lined pan. This base will form the sturdy crust that supports the fig filling and crumbled topping, so press it firmly but not too thick.
Step 5: Add the Fig Filling
Gently spread your fig preserves over the pressed base, being careful to leave a small gap around the edges. This little border prevents the preserves from scalding or oozing over during baking, keeping everything neat and tidy.
Step 6: Crumble the Topping
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the jam layer evenly, then lightly press down to help it stick together. This top layer will create that irresistible golden-brown, slightly crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft figs below.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan onto the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. When the bars are lightly browned on top and the jam looks bubbly, you know they are perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Step 8: Cool, Cut, and Enjoy
Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing into nine generous squares. Cooling helps them set properly so you get neat bars that hold their shape but are still tender and chewy inside. Then get ready to savor the harmonious blend of figs and oats with every bite.
How to Serve Fig Oat Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty, sweet finish or scatter a handful of toasted chopped nuts on top right before baking to add crunch and a toasty aroma. Fresh figs sliced alongside can also elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
These oat bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them a perfect companion for your morning or afternoon break. For a more filling option, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a complete dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the bars with cream cheese frosting for a more indulgent treat or use flavored preserves like raspberry or apricot for a twist on the classic fig filling. You can even cut them into bite-sized squares to serve as charming finger foods at brunch or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fig Oat Bars Recipe leftovers keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days. Storing this way preserves the perfect texture without drying them out or losing flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars in the weeks ahead, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making it easy to have a wholesome snack ready whenever you want.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, just pop one in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat in a low oven for a few minutes. The warmth intensifies the fig’s sweetness and softens the oat topping to a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh figs instead of fig preserves?
While fresh figs taste great on their own, the preserves provide a thicker, jammy consistency that holds up well during baking. If using fresh figs, consider cooking them down into a quick jam first to prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
Butter or a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil can be substituted for coconut oil. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might shift slightly, but the bars will still be delicious.
Is this Fig Oat Bars Recipe vegan?
Yes! By using the flaxseed egg as an egg replacement and coconut oil, this recipe is fully vegan-friendly, perfect for those avoiding animal products but still craving something homey and sweet.
Can I make the Fig Oat Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap all-purpose and whole wheat flours for a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum if needed for structure. Just be sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
How thick should I make the bars?
The batter pressed into an 8×8 pan yields bars about 1 inch thick, which is ideal for baking evenly. Too thick, and they may be undercooked in the center; too thin, and you lose some of that wonderful chewiness and texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about making and sharing a batch of these Fig Oat Bars Recipe. They’re straightforward to whip up, delightfully tasty, and so versatile for any time of day. I encourage you to give these bars a try — whether for a quick snack, a portable breakfast, or a cozy dessert. Once you taste how simple ingredients come together in such a splendid way, they’ll surely be a staple in your kitchen, just like they are in mine.
Print
Fig Oat Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These wholesome Fig Oat Bars combine the heartiness of oats and whole wheat flour with the natural sweetness of fig preserves. Perfect as a nutritious snack or a light breakfast treat, they feature a crumbly oat crust with a gooey fig filling that’s naturally vegan and packed with fiber.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 flaxseed egg* (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes)
- ½ cup fig preserves
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, old fashioned oats, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut oil and the flaxseed egg into the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and a crumbly dough forms.
- Press base layer: Using clean hands, press about two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is flat and even to form the crust.
- Spread fig preserves: Gently spread the fig preserves evenly over the pressed base layer, leaving about a ½-inch space around the edges of the pan to prevent the preserves from scalding or burning.
- Top crumb layer: Crumble the remaining one-third of the oat mixture evenly over the fig preserves. Lightly press the crumbles so they adhere during baking but maintain a rustic look.
- Bake: Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the edges are set.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan to set before slicing into 9 bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- The flaxseed egg acts as a vegan binder; prepare it by mixing 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Ensure the fig preserves do not touch the sides of the pan to prevent burning during baking.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slicing.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
