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    Home » Recipes » Snacks

    Updated: Jul 31, 2022 by Gustavo De Obaldia

    Healthy Fig Bars Recipe (Gluten-Free, 5-ingredient, No-Bake)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Comments
    homemade fig bars laying in parchment paper english pin
    barritas de higos
    homemade fig bars laying in parchment paper english pin

    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!

    homemade fig bars laying in parchment paper

    I love this fig bars 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.

    Jump to:
    • 🧾 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🍶 Substitutions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🍽 Equipment
    • 🥡 Storage 
    • ❓ FAQ
    • 📚 More healthy snack recipes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    🧾 Ingredients

    This fantastic gluten-free homemade fig bars sweet snack is made with:

    Fig bars ingredients
    • Dried Figs: Figs are this fig bar recipe's primary ingredient and flavor. Besides their distinctive taste, they are rich in dietary fiber and a great source of essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron, contributing to a well-rounded, nutritious snack.
    • Raw Almonds: These provide a rich, nutty flavor to the bars and an essential crunch factor. Almonds are a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients, including vitamin E and magnesium.
    • Dried Fruit (Cranberries or Raisins): Dried fruits add a complementary fruity sweetness and chewiness to this fig bars recipe, enhancing their overall flavor profile. They also contribute to the overall nutritional content, particularly fiber and antioxidants.
    • Chia Seeds: they are an excellent binding agent due to their hydrophilic properties (they absorb water), which help hold the bars together without baking. They are also packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and quality protein, further boosting the nutritional profile of these bars.
    • Flax Seeds: they act as another natural binder in this no-bake recipe, helping to keep the bars' shape and adding a subtle nutty flavor. They are a rich source of lignans, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fiber, promoting heart health and aiding digestion.

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    🔪 Instructions

    This is how to make homemade fig bars.

    hand holding dried figs.

    Step 1: Pick dried figs and remove stiff stems.

    soaking dried figs.

    Step 2: Start by soaking the dried figs in a bowl with hot water to rehydrate them and soak them for 10 minutes.

    place the ingredients in a food processor or blender.

    Step 3: Then drain the soaked dried figs and pour them with the other ingredients in the food processor.

    blend the ingredients in a food processor

    Step 4: 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.

    Hint: You may need to open the food processor and scrape the fig paste with the help of a spatula.

    spread the figs mixture

    Step 5: Spread the fig paste into a prepared pan with parchment paper, a spatula, or a wooden spoon.

    compact the fig mixture on a baling dish with a glass

    Step 6: 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, making squares or rectangles.

    cut fig bars

    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.

    If you want the bars to be sweeter, add two tablespoons of brown sugar, pure maple syrup, or agave nectar.

    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) or a blender, a baking sheet (affiliate link), and a wooden spoon or spatula (affiliate link).

    You don't even need an oven, making it the perfect Summer treat for camping and picnics!

    🥡 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.

    After mastering the art of making these delicious Homemade Fig Bars, you might even consider scaling up your production. If you ever dream of selling your own brand of fig bars in stores, you'd likely need a co packer to help with large-scale production and packaging.

    They can take your homemade recipe and produce it in large quantities, ensuring more people can enjoy your delicious creation.

    ❓ FAQ

    How long do dried figs last?

    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.

    Can I use fig preserves or jam instead of dried figs?

    Yes. You can use store-bought fig preserves or fig jam if dried figs are not available. You may need to increase the amount of seeds, nuts, and dried fruit to make a thick, malleable paste.

    Are fig bars healthy?

    Yes, fig bars can indeed be a healthy snack option, especially if they're homemade and you're conscious of the ingredients you're using. They can offer a range of nutritional benefits depending on the ingredients, and they're often a source of fiber, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
    This recipe includes ingredients like dried figs, raw almonds, dried fruit, chia seeds, and flax seeds, all of which provide beneficial nutrients. Dried figs and other fruits offer fiber and antioxidants, raw almonds add healthy fats and protein, while chia and flax seeds provide a combination of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
    However, like any food, fig bars should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. While they can be a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods or processed snacks, they can still be relatively high in sugar, albeit natural, and calories. Always be mindful of portion sizes and your own dietary needs and goals.

    📚 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.

    Indulge in a scrumptious, mini blueberry muffin, only 69 calories, and ready in under 25 minutes!

    • homemade granola bars
      Homemade Date Granola Bars (Easy, Healthy & Chewy)
    • power balls
      Easy Vegan Truffles Recipe (Dairy-Free)
    • crispy-kale-snack
      Guilt-Free Crispy Kale chips
    • vegan granola bars
      Homemade Vegan Granola Bars

    Also, try our new no-bake low-calorie protein balls made with only 3 ingredients.

    homemade fig bars laying in parchment paper

    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

    homemade fig bars laying in parchment paper

    Healthy Fig Bars Recipe (Gluten-Free, 5-ingredient, No-Bake)

    Author: Gustavo De Obaldia
    When you crave a different snack, these Quick, No-bake, 5-ingredient Homemade Fig Bars are perfect because they are super tasty and easy to make.
    4.8 from 51 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Resting Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Tipo Snack
    Cocina Healthy
    Servings 12 bars
    Calories 139 kcal

    Equipment

    May favorite food processor: Cuisine Art
    (affiliate link)
    Food Processor (affiliate link)
    white ceramic casserole dish.
    (affiliate link)
    Ceramic baking dish (affiliate link)
    Tovolo Flex-Core Wood Handled Silicone Spatula Non-Stick, Heat-Resistant, BPA-Free, Dishwasher-Safe with Removable Angled Head.
    (affiliate link)
    Spatula (affiliate link)

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    If you don't eat them right away, keep them in an airtight container for a month.
    However, in the freezer, they keep longer: if you decide to freeze them, remember to leave them at room temperature for at least half an hour before consuming them.

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 179mgFiber: 4gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram and Hashtag it #ourplantbasedworld so we can see what's cooking!!
    Nutrition Facts
    Healthy Fig Bars Recipe (Gluten-Free, 5-ingredient, No-Bake)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    139
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    7
    g
    11
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    1
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    4
    g
    Sodium
     
    2
    mg
    0
    %
    Potassium
     
    179
    mg
    5
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    20
    g
    7
    %
    Fiber
     
    4
    g
    17
    %
    Sugar
     
    13
    g
    14
    %
    Protein
     
    3
    g
    6
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    2
    IU
    0
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    60
    mg
    6
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    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.

    VWFGF

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Erica Grace says

      July 31, 2022 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      Anyone make these with fresh figs? How much volume of chopped fresh figs do you use?

      Reply
      • Gus says

        July 31, 2022 at 4:23 pm

        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!

        Reply
    2. Katie says

      July 13, 2022 at 4:00 am

      5 stars
      These are so perfect!! Love making these as a healthy on the go breakfast!

      Reply
    3. Holly says

      July 12, 2022 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe! We love the flavor and texture of these fig bars!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        July 12, 2022 at 4:07 pm

        The texture is fantastic, isn't it?

        Reply
    4. Melanie says

      July 12, 2022 at 5:00 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        July 12, 2022 at 4:08 pm

        Nice! I have never tried them out it fresh figs, let us know how that goes!

        Reply
    5. Andrea says

      July 11, 2022 at 11:15 pm

      5 stars
      These bars turned out delicious! So good and so quick!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        July 11, 2022 at 11:29 pm

        I am glad to hear that, Andrea. Thanks for your review of our fig bars!

        Reply
    6. nancy says

      July 11, 2022 at 9:56 pm

      5 stars
      fig bars are amazingly chewy and tasty! i love all the natural wholesome ingredients used

      Reply
    7. Holley says

      February 17, 2022 at 8:56 pm

      5 stars
      I love that these are homemade and soooo easy to make! So much better than store bought!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        February 17, 2022 at 9:03 pm

        Yes! And made in minutes!

        Reply
    8. Nathan says

      February 17, 2022 at 8:30 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

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