Fig Bar
Delicious fig bars featuring a buttery crust filled with sweet cooked figs and warm cinnamon, perfect for a comforting snack or dessert enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add Crisco, sugar, and eggs; beat well.
- Add flour and baking powder alternately with milk and vanilla to form a dough hard enough to roll.
- Use a 9 x 12-inch pan and layer with dough, reserving enough for the top layer.
- Spread cooked figs over the bottom crust and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Cover with the remaining dough and bake until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter. If you prefer, you can use fresh figs instead of cooked ones, but ensure they are ripe for the best sweetness. Also, adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon can enhance the spice profile. Make sure to beat the mixture well for a lighter texture. If you like a crunch, try adding chopped nuts to the fig filling.
Serving Suggestions
These fig bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with Old Time Homemade Ice Cream for a nostalgic dessert. Serve them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They can also be enjoyed as a breakfast bar or snack. Try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover 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 them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their warmth and texture. You can also microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fig Bar contains roughly 1416 calories, with 28g protein, 319g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (195% of the Daily Value), calcium (146% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 574mg per serving (25% 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 other types of fruit instead of figs?
Yes, you can substitute figs with other fruits like apricots, dates, or even mixed berries. Just ensure that the fruit is cooked down to a similar consistency as the figs to maintain the texture of the filling.
What if I don't have baking powder?
If you find yourself without baking powder, you can make a substitute by combining 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for each teaspoon of baking powder needed. This will help your fig bars rise and become light.
Can I freeze the fig bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled fig bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
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).