When you crave a different snack, this quick 5-ingredient Healthy Fig Bars recipe is perfect because these bars are super tasty, gluten-free, and easy to make.
We all need healthy, easy snacks around to ensure we don't succumb to easy-to-get trash food!
I love this fig bar recipe because it can be made any time of the year since it is made with dried ingredients that can be found in any supermarket.
These Vitamin C-packed homemade fig bars also make the perfect healthy snack and keep you full, as they are rich in fiber and taste much better than store-bought fig bars.
This fruit and nut bar great recipe was inspired by my homemade vegan granola bars recipe on this site, but this is a no-bake option like our vegan power balls and vegan protein cookies.
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🧾 Ingredients
This fantastic gluten-free homemade fig bars sweet snack is made with:
- Dried figs
- Raw almonds
- Dried fruit (your choice of cranberries or raisins)
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
This is how to make homemade fig bars. Start by immersing the dried figs in hot water to rehydrate them and soak them for 10 minutes.
Then drain the soaked dried figs and pour them together with the other ingredients in the food processor.
Blend and chop the fig paste until a soft dough forms with a sandy but malleable consistency, compacting without crumbling when you press it with your fingers.
You may need to open the food processor and scrape the fig paste with the help of a spatula.
Spread the fig paste into a prepared pan with parchment paper, a spatula, or a wooden spoon.
Then place a piece of parchment paper on top of the thick paste and gently press with your hands or glass, making a thin layer on the baking sheet.
Leave the baking sheet with the fig paste to compact in the freezer for at least 20 minutes.
Then cut the bars as you prefer.
Hint: use a rectangular or square baking sheet. Then place another piece of parchment paper on top, and use a glass to compact the fig mixture.
🍶 Substitutions
Almonds
Use walnuts or pecans instead.
Dried cranberries
Use sultanas or raisins. They both work well.
Dried Figs
You can use dried strawberries or dried apricots, following the same hydrating procedure used for the dried figs.
If using fresh figs, you can sub 5 ounces of dried figs with 13 whole fresh figs; more helpful fig conversions.
📖 Variations
Here are some of the variations we have experimented with using this gluten-free fig bars recipe.
Protein
If you want to add more protein to these bars and make oatmeal fig bars, we suggest adding a cup of rolled oats.
Note: this fig recipe is naturally oil and gluten-free as it doesn't use wheat flour or any other ingredient containing gluten, but if you choose to add rolled oats, make sure to pick them GF, to keep them celiac-disease friendly.
Citrus flavor
You can add ½ orange zest or lemon zest to give the bars an additional zesty flavoring.
Ginger
Add one teaspoon of ground ginger to give the bars a spicy flavor twist. Ginger and figs pair beautifully in many recipes like jams and marmalade; this recipe is no exception.
🍽 Equipment
To make this quick recipe, you only need three things:
A food processor (affiliate link), a baking sheet (affiliate link), and a wooden spoon or spatula (affiliate link).
🥡 Storage
If you don't eat them right away, don't worry; fig preserves very well. Keep your homemade fig bars in an airtight container for a month.
However, they keep longer in the freezer: if you decide to freeze them, remember to leave them at room temperature for at least half an hour before consuming them.
✅ Health benefits of figs
The benefits of figs include relief from constipation, weight loss, respiratory problems, diabetes, and cholesterol. A diet rich in figs is believed to provide optimum health.
Figs are known for their numerous health benefits. The fruit of this plant has been popular since ancient times in the Mediterranean region and South Asia, where it originated.
These fruits are considered one of the healthiest fruits because they contain several essential vitamins and minerals for good health.
Figs also provide several phytonutrients and antioxidants which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body and guard against conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and premature aging.
Eat dried figs or fresh figs to benefit from all their health benefits. These homemade fig bars are a great way to include them in your diet easily.
🪧 Benefits of cranberries
The Health benefits of cranberries include their ability to fight urinary tract infections, reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, lower blood sugar levels in diabetics and prevent kidney stones.
Cranberries are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, making them an excellent fruit for overall health. Not only can you get cranberry juice from cranberries, but you can also try other recipes that include them as these homemade fig bars.
❓ FAQ
Dried figs are an excellent source of fiber and nutrition, making them a great snack option. When properly stored, dried figs can last for up to 6 months. In order to ensure that your dried figs remain fresh, it is important to store them in a cool, dark place such as the pantry or refrigerator.
When you purchase dried figs from the grocery store, ensure they have been handled carefully and not exposed to sunlight or moisture. If you have stored your own homegrown dried figs, check the quality before storage - if any mold forms on the surface of a few pieces of fruit, discard them so as not to contaminate the entire batch.
To further extend their shelf life at home, try storing the dried fruits in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. This will prevent exposure to oxygen which could cause molding and spoilage more quickly than when kept in their original packaging alone.
Once opened and exposed to air, however, your plans for long-term storage may need rethinking; vacuum bags are usually best for these situations instead! Dried Figs will still last around 1 - 2 months when packaged correctly and can be incorporated into cooking recipes.
📚 More healthy snack recipes
We have some delicious recipes for sweet snacks and savory ones. You will surely love these healthy recipes; they are all gluten-free.
Also, try our new no-bake low-calorie protein balls made with only 3 ingredients.
If you try this Gluten-Free Fig Bars Recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo #ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
📋 Recipe
Healthy Fig Bars Recipe (Gluten-Free, 5-ingredient, No-Bake)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 oz dried figs
- 5 oz almonds or walnuts
- 4.5 oz dried cranberries or raisins
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or poppy or sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds
Directions
- Start by immersing the dried figs in hot water to rehydrate them and soak them for at least 10 minutes.
- Then drain and pour them together with the other ingredients in the mixer.
- Blend until you reach a compound with a sandy but malleable consistency, compact without crumbling when you press it with your fingers.
- Spread the mixture into a rectangular or square baking dish. There is no correct or wrong size: if you use a small pan, the bars will be thicker, while if you opt for a wider one, they will be thinner.
- Leave to compact in the freezer for at least 20 minutes.
- Then cut the bars as you prefer.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts
🌡️ Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Wonderful! I love that there are only a handful of ingredients! I have a fig tree and cannot wait to use the fruit with this recipe!
Jenn says
My obsession with fig bars knows no bounds! Love this easy and healthy homemade version (and gorgeous photos!) - thank you!
Gus says
That's so great to know you love them! So cool, aren't they?
Carrie Robinson says
I just love anything with figs! I am going to have to whip these up soon. 🙂
Angela says
This is the perfect bar recipe! Love that it's loaded with fruits and nuts, with no sugar! Definitely a new family favorite. Thanks for sharing!
Gus says
You are welcome Angela! I am glad you and your family like them!
Heidy says
These Homemade Fig Bars were perfect! The entire family loved them. I will be making them again!
Gus says
That's great to heat Heidy! thank you!
Kate says
Easy to make, sweet and healthy - the perfect after-school snack. Thanks so much!
Gus says
Thanks for you review Kate, we are glad you enjoyed it!
Grace T. says
This is really interesting! I haven't tried fig bars yet 🙂
Gina says
Doesn't get more whole food based than this! Great snack bar with ingredients I don't have to worry about and they come together so easily!
Toni says
These are reall fantastic snack!! Perfect that they are so easy to make!
Gus says
I am super glad you liked them, Toni!
Toni says
I will definitely make these bars again! They are so good!
Gus says
I am glad you enjoyed them Toni!
Dannii says
My husband loves figs, so I know he would enjoy these. I can't wait to try them.
Natalie says
These bars sound fantastic. I will make them for my son. It's a great healthy snack to pack in his lunchbox. Thanks!
Taly says
Qué rico y qué fácil! Me encantan los higos y los arándanos!
Gus says
son una combinación tremenda!
Casey says
Delish! My kiddos LOVED these! I am going to try your homemade granola bars next!!!
Vicky says
As a kid I had a fig tree in my backyard. We were always looking for ways to use our bounty of figs. I love this idea and the natural sweetness of these bars.
Mirlene says
A great snack to have and will make these for my kids to pack their lunches. Love that these are easy to make!
Gus says
Thank you Mirlene, I am glad you found them easy to make and that your kids liked them!
veenaazmanov says
Healthy combinations and perfect snack box option too. Quick and easy to make as well.
Gus says
Yep! Nothing simpler and easier! I am glad you liked them!
Alison says
These are so good! Like a larabar only better!
Gus says
Yes! That's where I took my inspiration from! 🙂 Thank you!
Kristina says
These fig bars taste amazing! I use a combination of almonds and walnuts and I can't get enough of them. Even my kids love them!
Gus says
That's super cool Kristina! Thanks for your review!
Carrie Robinson says
I absolutely adore figs! I will have to make these bars soon. 🙂
Vicky says
These are just perfect for packing in my kids lunchbox. I love giving them something that is not prepackaged or filled with preservatives. The figs add a wonderful sweetness.
Gus says
Indeed! Thanks for your reviews, Vicky! I am glad your family enjoyed them!
Nathan says
I'm always looking for new healthy snacks to keep around, and these homemade fig bars look so simple to make. Can't wait to try them out!
Holley says
I love that these are homemade and soooo easy to make! So much better than store bought!
Gus says
Yes! And made in minutes!
nancy says
fig bars are amazingly chewy and tasty! i love all the natural wholesome ingredients used
Andrea says
These bars turned out delicious! So good and so quick!
Gus says
I am glad to hear that, Andrea. Thanks for your review of our fig bars!
Melanie says
Yum!! We have neighbors with fig trees that should be ready for harvest soon and have promised us some of theirs. I look forward to trying this out with the fresh figs - looks so delicious!
Gus says
Nice! I have never tried them out it fresh figs, let us know how that goes!
Holly says
Excellent recipe! We love the flavor and texture of these fig bars!
Gus says
The texture is fantastic, isn't it?
Katie says
These are so perfect!! Love making these as a healthy on the go breakfast!
Erica Grace says
Anyone make these with fresh figs? How much volume of chopped fresh figs do you use?
Gus says
Hi Erica, thanks for your question. Using fresh figs, you can sub 5 ounces of dried figs with 13 whole fresh figs. I hope it helps, and please let us know how it goes! Cheers!