Nutty Fig Oat Bars
Indulge in these delectable Nutty Fig Oat Bars, where the natural sweetness of dried mission figs harmoniously merges with the wholesome goodness of rolled oats and whole wheat pastry flour. These bars are not only rich in fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthier alternative to traditional cookies and energy bars, but they are also incredibly satisfying. Sweetened only with honey, they offer a delightful balance of flavors while keeping sugar cravings at bay. Perfect for a midday snack or a wholesome breakfast on-the-go, these bars are an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a treat without the guilt. The recipe is lovingly adapted from a popular health-focused magazine, emphasizing nutritious and delicious ingredients. Remember, for the best texture, use whole wheat pastry flour—your taste buds will thank you!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried mission figs
24 (soaked and pureed)
Canola oil or melted butter
1/4 cup (liquid form)
Honey
1/4 cup (liquid)
Nonfat milk
1/4 cup (liquid)
Whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 cups (dry)
Rolled oats
1/2 cup (dry)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (dry)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small saucepan, place the dried figs and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let the figs soak and soften for 5-7 minutes. Do not drain the water.
3
Meanwhile, lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
4
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the canola oil (or melted butter), honey, and nonfat milk until well combined.
5
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat pastry flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
6
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
7
Once the figs are softened, drain them lightly (keep about 3 tablespoons of the water) and transfer them to a blender or food processor. Blend the figs with the reserved water until you achieve a smooth puree. If needed, add a tiny bit more water to help with blending.
8
Spread a little more than half of the oat mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. If the mixture is sticky, use a sheet of waxed paper to press it down smoothly.
9
Carefully spread the fig puree over the oat mixture, ensuring an even layer. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the fig layer, allowing some of the fig to peek through for visual appeal, and gently pat it down.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
11
Once cooled, cut into 16 two-inch squares and enjoy your delicious Nutty Fig Oat Bars!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Fig Oat Bars?
Nutty Fig Oat Bars are a fiber-rich snack made from dried mission figs, rolled oats, and whole wheat pastry flour, naturally sweetened with honey.
What is the main sweetener in this recipe?
The recipe uses honey as the primary sweetener to avoid refined sugars.
What type of flour is recommended for the best texture?
Whole wheat pastry flour is specifically recommended for the best results.
How long should the figs be soaked?
The dried mission figs should be soaked in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
Do I need to drain all the water after soaking the figs?
No, you should reserve about 3 tablespoons of the soaking water to help blend the figs into a smooth puree.
What size baking pan is required?
An 8x8-inch baking pan is required for this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many squares does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 16 two-inch squares.
Can I use butter instead of canola oil?
Yes, you can use either 1/4 cup of canola oil or 1/4 cup of melted butter.
What type of milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of nonfat milk.
Are these bars a good source of fiber?
Yes, the combination of figs, oats, and whole wheat flour makes these bars rich in fiber.
How do I prepare the fig layer?
Blend the softened figs with the reserved soaking water in a blender or food processor until smooth.
How should I prepare the baking pan to prevent sticking?
You can lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
What should I do if the oat mixture is too sticky to press down?
Use a sheet of waxed paper to press the mixture into the bottom of the pan smoothly.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden.
What is the layering process for these bars?
Spread half the oat mixture on the bottom, add the fig puree layer, and then crumble the remaining oat mixture on top.
Should I let the bars cool before cutting?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.
What dry ingredients are needed?
The dry ingredients include whole wheat pastry flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt.
What kind of figs are used in the recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 24 dried mission figs.
Can these bars be eaten for breakfast?
Yes, they are described as a perfect wholesome breakfast on-the-go.
Are there any refined sugars in this recipe?
No, the recipe is tagged as having no refined sugar, using honey and figs for sweetness.
What equipment is needed to puree the figs?
A blender or food processor is needed to create the fig puree.
How much baking soda is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in total.
Can I see the fig layer through the top of the bars?
Yes, the recipe suggests crumbling the top layer to allow some of the fig to peek through for visual appeal.
Is this a healthy snack alternative?
Yes, it is described as a healthier alternative to traditional cookies and energy bars.
What are the tags for this recipe?
Tags include healthy snacks, oat bars, nutty, figs, no refined sugar, whole grain, fiber-rich, easy recipe, and low sugar.
How do I mix the wet ingredients?
Whisk together the oil or butter, honey, and milk in a small bowl until well combined.