Carrot Fig Bars
Sweet and spicy carrot fig bars feature a chewy fig filling with hints of cinnamon and pineapple, complemented by grated carrots, perfect for a nutritious snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine dried figs and water in a blender or food processor; puree until smooth.
- Set aside the fig puree.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon.
- Add crushed pineapple, beaten egg, brown sugar, vanilla, and grated carrots to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until well combined to form the batter.
- Spread half of the batter evenly in a greased baking pan.
- Spread the fig puree over the batter layer.
- Top with the remaining batter, spreading evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother fig puree, soak the dried figs in warm water for 10 minutes before blending. If whole wheat pastry flour is unavailable, you can substitute with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. Adjust the brown sugar based on your sweetness preference; using less will enhance the natural flavors of the carrots and figs. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can also elevate the spice profile.
Serving Suggestions
These carrot fig bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a dollop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a dessert treat. They also pair well with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving alongside Sister Gustie'S Corn Pudding for a delightful brunch spread. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover carrot fig bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place bars in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at low heat until just heated through. This helps maintain their moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carrot Fig Bars contains roughly 64 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs?
Fresh figs can be used, but they have a higher water content. You may need to adjust the amount of water in the recipe or increase the baking time for the bars to set properly. The flavor will also be milder compared to dried figs.
What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?
You can replace the egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, letting it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Alternatively, 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce can also work well as a substitute.
How do I know when the carrot fig bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-baking, as they can dry out quickly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).