Name: Copycat Fig Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups dried figs, stems removed and chopped; 1/2 cup water or orange juice; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (optional); 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar; 2 large eggs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love fig bars but want a fresher, less processed option, this recipe is for you. These bars are soft, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacking, or packing in a lunchbox. Plus, making them at home means you can tweak the filling, sweetener, and flour to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dried figs
Water or orange juice (for cooking the figs)
Lemon juice
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Whole wheat flour (optional for added fiber)
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Brown sugar or coconut sugar
Large eggs

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, combine dried figs and water (or juice). Simmer for 10–15 minutes until soft and thickened.
Transfer the fig mixture to a food processor and blend with lemon juice and vanilla until smooth. Set aside to cool.
In a bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Spoon the fig filling down the center of each rectangle, fold the sides over, and pinch to seal.
Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Chill for 10–15 minutes if the dough is too soft.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 fig bars.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Variations

Add nuts: Blend in chopped walnuts or almonds with the fig filling for extra texture.
Use other dried fruit: Try a mix of figs and dates or figs and apricots.
Make them vegan: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
Spice it up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the fig mixture for a warm twist.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.

Storage/Reheating

Store fig bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week if you want them to last longer.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individually for easy grab-and-go snacks.
To reheat, microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

What kind of figs should I use?

Use dried mission figs or Turkish figs for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?

Fresh figs have too much moisture, so it’s best to stick with dried figs for this recipe.

Do I need to soak the dried figs before cooking?

No soaking is required—simmering them softens them perfectly for blending.

Can I reduce the sugar in the dough?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but the bars may be less tender.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be wrapped and chilled in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

Why did my dough crack while folding?

The dough might be too cold or dry. Let it rest at room temperature or add a teaspoon of milk if needed.

Are these bars healthy?

They’re a more wholesome alternative to packaged versions, especially when made with whole grains and less sugar.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to make a larger batch.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute will work in place of regular flour.

How do I get that classic fig bar shape?

Trim the edges and cut the bars into rectangles after baking for a neater, store-bought look.

Conclusion

Homemade copycat fig bars are a satisfying and nourishing treat with all the goodness of the original but none of the processed ingredients. With a buttery, soft crust and rich fig filling, these bars are sure to become a regular part of your baking rotation. They’re perfect for any time of day and customizable to fit your needs.