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 these bars because they 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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💚 Why you will love it
- Nutrient-Rich
- Deliciously Sweet
- No-Bake Ease
- Heart-Healthy
🧾 Ingredients
This fantastic gluten-free homemade fig bars sweet snack is made with:
- Dried Figs: Figs are the primary ingredient and flavor of this fig bar recipe. 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.
Substitutions
Almonds: Use walnuts or pecans instead.
Dried cranberries: Use sultanas or raisins. They both work well.
If using fresh figs, you can substitute 5 ounces of dried figs with 13 whole fresh figs.
🍽 Equipment
To make this quick recipe, you only need three things:
A food processor, blender, baking sheet, and wooden spoon or spatula.
🔪 Instructions
This is how to make these homemade fig bars, step-by-step:
Step 1: Pick dried figs and remove stiff stems.
Step 2: Start by soaking the dried figs in a bowl with hot water to rehydrate them and soak them for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Then drain the soaked dried figs and pour them with the other ingredients in the 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.
Step 5: Spread the fig paste into a prepared pan with parchment paper, a spatula, or a wooden spoon.
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.
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.
📖 Variations
Here are some 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.
Other dried fruits: You can use dried strawberries or apricots, following the same hydrating procedure used for the dried figs.
Add 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.
Spicy: 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.
❓ 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.
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.
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.
🥡 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.
📚 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 delicious mini blueberry muffin, which has only 69 calories and is ready in under 25 minutes!
Also, try our new no-bake, low-calorie protein balls made with only 3 ingredients.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo #ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
🎥 Video
📋 Recipe
Healthy Fig Bars Recipe (Gluten-Free, 5-ingredient, No-Bake)
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
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.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
veenaazmanov
Healthy combinations and perfect snack box option too. Quick and easy to make as well.
Gus
Yep! Nothing simpler and easier! I am glad you liked them!
Mirlene
A great snack to have and will make these for my kids to pack their lunches. Love that these are easy to make!
Gus
Thank you Mirlene, I am glad you found them easy to make and that your kids liked them!
Vicky
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.
Casey
Delish! My kiddos LOVED these! I am going to try your homemade granola bars next!!!
Taly
Qué rico y qué fácil! Me encantan los higos y los arándanos!
Gus
son una combinación tremenda!
Natalie
These bars sound fantastic. I will make them for my son. It's a great healthy snack to pack in his lunchbox. Thanks!
Dannii
My husband loves figs, so I know he would enjoy these. I can't wait to try them.
Toni
I will definitely make these bars again! They are so good!
Gus
I am glad you enjoyed them Toni!
Toni
These are reall fantastic snack!! Perfect that they are so easy to make!
Gus
I am super glad you liked them, Toni!
Gina
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!
Kate
Easy to make, sweet and healthy - the perfect after-school snack. Thanks so much!
Gus
Thanks for you review Kate, we are glad you enjoyed it!
Grace T.
This is really interesting! I haven't tried fig bars yet 🙂
Heidy
These Homemade Fig Bars were perfect! The entire family loved them. I will be making them again!
Gus
That's great to heat Heidy! thank you!
Angela
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
You are welcome Angela! I am glad you and your family like them!
Carrie Robinson
I just love anything with figs! I am going to have to whip these up soon. 🙂
Jenn
My obsession with fig bars knows no bounds! Love this easy and healthy homemade version (and gorgeous photos!) - thank you!
Gus
That's so great to know you love them! So cool, aren't they?
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
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!